Camp Fire First Texas announced that Yolanda Willis, associate vice president of early education workforce development, has been elected to serve on the Student Governing Board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing high-quality early learning.
Willis was selected as a Student Governing Board Member-Elect in recognition of her leadership in early childhood workforce development and her commitment to building equitable, high-quality pathways into the profession. In this national role, she will help inform NAEYC’s strategic direction, ensuring educator voices and workforce realities are reflected in policy, preparation, and leadership efforts.
“Yolanda’s election to the NAEYC Student Governing Board is a testament to her vision, expertise, and the national impact of the work happening at Camp Fire First Texas,” said Brian Miller, president and CEO of Camp Fire First Texas. “Her leadership has strengthened early education pathways across Texas, and we are proud to see her voice elevated on a national stage.”
As associate vice president, Willis leads Texas’ first and largest early education registered apprenticeship program, which provides structured, job-embedded pathways for early educators to earn credentials while working full time. The program includes pre-apprenticeship opportunities for high school students, allowing participants to earn a Child Development Associate credential before graduation through dual-credit coursework, hands-on practicum experiences, and professional mentoring.
“These pathways are about more than credentials,” Willis said. “They are about access, identity, and long-term opportunity. When we invest in educators—especially those from underrepresented communities—we strengthen not only the workforce, but the children, families, and communities they serve.”
Under Willis’ leadership, Camp Fire’s apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship models have emphasized equitable access, stackable credentials, wage progression, and retention-focused supports. She has built cross-sector partnerships with K–12 school districts, higher education institutions, workforce boards, child care providers, and policy leaders to align systems and expand sustainable workforce infrastructure.
Willis is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in organizational leadership at Abilene Christian University, where her doctoral research focuses on the impact of structured workforce development models on early educator retention. She brings expertise in program design, evaluation, strategic communication, and workforce policy, and is a frequent presenter and panelist at state and national early childhood convenings.
In her role with NAEYC, Willis will represent student members and bring a systems-level perspective rooted in lived experience, research, and practice. She will advocate for practical, equitable solutions that support educators at every stage of their journey—from high school students entering the field to experienced professionals advancing into leadership.
Founded in 1914, Camp Fire First Texas was the first Camp Fire council established in the state. The organization serves children, youth, families, and educators across North Texas through youth development, outdoor learning, and early education workforce development programs.
Source: Press release
