This month, the Exchange train adds its 250th car and celebrates 250 issues of continuous publication. 250 of anything is a big deal. 250 days of school. 250 books read aloud. 250 loose parts, 250 exclamations of delight, 250 fuzzy caterpillars identified in a thicket of wildflowers.

This issue of Exchange magazine celebrates 250 editions of our beloved magazine, which has been growing community and fostering collaboration among early childhood leaders for more than four decades. As you’ll read in our cover story, Exchange began with a big idea—the shared dreams and talents of founders Bonnie and Roger Neugebauer—and a whole lot of time, learning and re-envisioning of the role that this publication could play in defining the important work of our field and lifting up those professionals who dedicate their lives to children.

Early editions of Child Care Information Exchange magazine invited leaders to share resources and professional strategies. Initially photocopied and collated by the Neugebauer family, the publication tapped into a need for idea-sharing amongst center directors, educators and family child care providers.

Today, demand remains high for articles that provide strategies for mitigating children’s challenging behaviors. Recognition of the importance of play and inquiry-led learning fuel our collective fire in the belly in 2019 just as they did in 2009 and earlier. We never run out of interest in partnering with families, fostering early literacy, managing people with positivity and grace, and helping children and their caregivers through challenging times. New topics emerge as well—our language and pedagogical approaches evolve through a combination of hands-on work, research and collaboration.

ADVERTISEMENT

As you read this edition of Exchange magazine, I invite you to raise a figurative glass and join me in toasting 250 issues representing dedication, exploration and celebration of YOUR meaningful, life-affirming work. Throughout the magazine, you’ll see toasts (look for the train graphics) from writers and colleagues past and present. Thank you to those of you who contributed to this special issue, and thanks to all of you—our community, our friends—for helping us reach this milestone.

Sara Gilliam

 

For 250 issues, Exchange has inspired directors, early childhood professionals, policy advocates, owners, policy makers and aspiring writers, like myself. I can’t describe the thrill of seeing my articles in print in a journal I have admired and followed. Thanks for all you have given to our field and a toast to a robust future! —Billie Young

Exchange magazine with competence, sensibility, continuity and availability has followed my life as an educator, publishing along the years articles I wrote that had the aim to enhance the value of education, also through the evolution of my collaborations. Personally and professionally I am feeling very connected to Exchange magazine also because of its endless vision and mission about education and its importance in the world as a contribution to a better society. With gratitude, appreciation and deep affection a thankful “Toast” to Exchange magazine for the issue number 250 and its celebration. —Amelia Gambetti

The 250 issues of Exchange magazine have contributed valuable early childhood care and education knowledge and wisdom for over 40 years. My copies cover bookshelves throughout my home, including issues with articles I wrote or contributed to. Here’s to the future and 500 issues! —Edna Ranck

As an author of countless Exchange magazine articles, a contributor to Exchange Press resources, and a presenter at World Forums around the globe, every contact with the Exchange team was wrapped in mutual respect, gratitude and friendship. Their devotion, humor, tenacity, and willingness to respond to industry needs have left a legacy to ECE leaders worldwide that is being carried on by the team at Dimensions. It’s been a great ride! Congratulations! —Julie Wassom

Warmest congratulations and deepest appreciation to Exchange on their 250th issue! I have used the insights and ideas from articles many, many times over the years. I have also written articles for Exchange, and the feedback I have received has been extremely positive. I was honored to be named as an Exchange Leadership Initiative master leader, which added to my credibility, influence and ability to support the field I love. I recently celebrated my 50th anniversary in the field of early learning, and from the very first issue I have considered Exchange as part of my support system in my work with and in behalf of young children and families. —Linda Crisalli

Exchange magazine has never shied away from addressing a vast variety of topics that challenge conventional educational practices, and examine ways to improve our field. It is heartening to know that, as we continue to critically evaluate the nature and role of early education and its function in society, we can rely on Exchange magazine to continue to ask the important questions, probe accepted practices, and shine a light on all aspects of the early childhood field, good and bad. —Francis Wardle