I’m honored to introduce our next guest speaker – Michelle Figlar. Michelle Figlar is the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC), a local affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), serving a ten-county region in Southwestern PA, with over 1,400 members.

Since joining PAEYC in February 2006, Ms. Figlar has worked with leaders in Southwestern PA to grow membership, create programs that enhance professional development and NAEYC Accreditation, and develop a coordinated plan for early care and education advocacy efforts. Ms. Figlar serves as a member of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Council and the Pennsylvania Early Learning PA Campaign. In addition, she serves on the board of the Education and Policy Leadership Center, Jeremiah’s Place and the Birmingham Foundation. Ms. Figlar also serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the University of Pittsburgh. Before returning to her hometown of Pittsburgh, Ms. Figlar served as an Early Childhood Program Manager for the Office of Early Childhood, Invest in Children Initiative in Cleveland, OH. Ms. Figlar was chosen as a Head Start Fellow, in 2003 and has had opportunities to work with the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) and the National Head Start Association (NHSA). Ms. Figlar also served as a Head Start Director, a Preschool Special Education Teacher and a VISTA Volunteer.

TUNE IN to Michelle’s message about the importance of early childhood advocacy and what it means to step out of the box. She also provides key tips for professionals beginning their career and how to be a voice for children.