DCAEYC Welcomes New Leadership for a Stronger Future

The District of Columbia Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC) is entering an important new chapter in its leadership. Our Board of Directors and staff are pleased to share two significant announcements that reflect both continuity and forward momentum in our work on behalf of young children, families, and early childhood care professionals across the District.

A message from our new Board President, Beatriz Barros

Dear Members, Colleagues, and Friends of DCAEYC,

I am honored to serve as the new Board President of the District of Columbia Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC). Our organization is made up of dedicated professionals who work hard to make sure every child in the District can access quality early childhood education and care.  I am committed to serving the members of DCAEYC and ensuring that our children and their families flourish in the District.

As I take on this role, I am very grateful for your trust and am committed to moving DCAEYC’s mission forward. The organization’s passion, expertise, and advocacy inspire me, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation set by our past and current leaders.  

Together, we will continue to champion the needs of young children, support the families who nurture them, and uplift the educators and staff who make high-quality early learning possible. I am committed to listening, collaborating, and leading with integrity, inclusivity, and a shared vision of excellence and equity.

We are pleased to welcome Berna Artis as our new Executive Director. Berna has been a dedicated advocate for children, families, and staff in the Early Childhood field, and has served as an active DCAEYC  member for 20 years, 8 of which on the Board of Directors. Her longstanding commitment to our organization is deeply valued. We look forward to her leadership as we move forward together.

Thank you for this incredible opportunity to serve. I look forward to all we will accomplish together as we strengthen our community and reaffirm our dedication to the children and families who are at the heart of everything we do.

With gratitude and excitement,

Beatriz Barros

Board President

A message from our new Executive Director, Berna Artis

DCAEYC Members and Friends,

I am honored and humbled to share that I have officially accepted the role of Executive Director of the DC Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC).

My journey with DCAEYC began in 2005 as a member who believed in the power of collective voice. Since then, I have served on the Board for eight years, including as Vice President of Programming, President, and most recently, Interim Executive Director.

Professionally, my path in early childhood education started in the classroom; first as a two-year-old classroom teacher, then as a director and head of school. My roots are also in English language instruction at the middle and high school levels. Through every stage, I have held fast to one truth: this work is not just important, it is transformative.

As I step into this role, I do so with deep respect for the past and bold hope for the future. Our field is at a critical moment; one that demands courage, collaboration, and clarity of purpose. My top priorities include advocating for equity and justice, strengthening our workforce, deepening partnerships, and engaging our members meaningfully. Above all, I am committed to doing what is right for children, families, and the dedicated professionals who serve them every day.

I believe in continuous learning and growth, both personal and professional. And I believe that leadership is strongest when shared. That spirit of shared leadership will guide how I show up in this role, with transparency, humility, and a commitment to listening, learning, and taking action.

I am excited about what the future holds for DCAEYC, for our members, and for the early childhood field because I know that it starts with us, and there is a ripple effect when we work together toward a shared vision of dignity, opportunity, and joy for every child and every educator.

With gratitude and commitment,

Berna

Berna Artis

Executive Director

DC Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC)

Looking ahead

Beatriz and Berna begin their roles at a pivotal moment for the early childhood field. Their combined strengths, expertise, and longstanding dedication to DCAEYC will shape the next phase of our work. Together, they bring a shared commitment to the wellbeing of children and families, and to the educators and staff who ensure access to high-quality early learning across the District.

We invite our members, partners, and colleagues to read both letters in full. Their messages offer a window into the values and priorities that will guide DCAEYC in the months and years ahead.

DCAEYC remains dedicated to elevating early childhood education in Washington, DC. We look forward to building this next chapter with you.