Current TACTYC Executive Committee

TACTYC was founded in 1978 by a group of early years teacher trainers who recognised how isolated they were feeling in their work and how supportive and developmental it could be to come together with other trainers, on a regular basis. Today, TACTYC has broadened its base to welcome trainers from a wide range of early years' backgrounds, early years researchers, education consultants, and professionals working with children and families in day-care, education, health, play work and social service contexts and TACTYC warmly welcomes students from across these areas.

One key theme that unifies the work of all these professionals is upholding the right of every child to receive a high quality educational experience wherever they are, in an early years setting. At TACTYC, we would maintain that a high quality educational experience comes from well-trained workers who are themselves able to access ongoing professional development throughout their working lives. Providing high quality educational experiences for young children can almost be said to be a lifetime's work! Learning is a complex business and young learners are at the cutting edge of learning; they deserve the best we can offer.

With the enormous developments and changes in early years provision since 1998, the training and development issues have become even more expanded. Yet, many of our members continue to say that they can still feel relatively isolated within their early years' world. Despite the expansion in our field, our voices can still feel a little muted. This is where TACTYC can help you to get connected.

What are the aims of TACTYC?

• To promote the highest quality professional development for all practitioners in early childhood education and care;
• To pursue matters of current educational concern and to act as a voice for all those who work with young children;
• To facilitate effective communication and support for early years tutors, trainers, advisers and practitioners in schools and settings;
• To further the educational well-being of all young children.

What do we do?

• Produce an international, refereed Journal which keeps members in touch with important issues in Early Years education, care and training;
• Disseminate topical information to members through Newsletter and other communications;
• Disseminate research in Early Childhood to members;
• Hold regular National Conferences;
• Provide opportunities for debate and discussion at meetings, conferences and through written communication;
• Lobby relevant bodies and liaise with other professional groups.