Defending the Early Years (DEY) is a non-profit organization working for a just, equitable, and quality early childhood education for every young child. DEY publishes reports, makes mini-documentaries, issues position statements, advocates on policy, and provides early childhood educators and advocates with valuable resources.

DEY’s Latest mini-documentaryTeachers Speak Out: Kisha Reid

In this mini-documentary, early childhood educator Kisha Reid expertly describes how play-based environments spark creativity and are crucial for the developing brain. Watch her students at work and see what is right in early childhood education today.

Check DEY’s YouTube channel >>

DEY’s ImpactA Brief Look at DEY’s History.

Advisors & Partners
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distinguished nationally and internationally-known early childhood experts and organizations.
Advocacy
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DEY’s first mini-grant, awarded in 2014, resulted in a rally for play that took place in Minneapolis.
Publications
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DEY issued comprehensive reports, position statements, and fact sheets in English and Spanish.
Social Media
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DEY has an active presence on Facebook, with over 6,000 followers, and on Twitter, with over 1,000 followers.
Press Coverage
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DEY’s reports, position papers, and op-eds have been quoted and published in the major national media and press.
Mini-Documentary Series
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DEY produced a series of videos that are getting traction on the Internet. The videos are available on DEY's YouTube Channel.

Take ActionStand with DEY.

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Become an Activist

DEY seeks to rally parents and educators to take action on policies affecting the education of young children, by encouraging them to speak out with well-reasoned arguments against inappropriate standards, assessments, and classroom practices.

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Apply for Action Grant

DEY provides mini-grants of between $200 and $500 to individuals and organizations to help foster work in communities across the country. DEY’s first mini-grant, awarded in 2014, resulted in a rally for play that took place in Minneapolis.

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Support DEY

Are you concerned about the direction that education policy is going? We are, too!
Help DEY continue its important work advocating for appropriate education for young children. Please Consider Making a Donation.

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