Cindy Shields

Cindy joined the ACNJ Early Learning Team in July 2024 as Senior Policy Analyst for Early Childhood. Until that time, she served the children and families of Middlesex County during a 30-year tenure at the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy. She began working at the Y as a teacher after graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science studying Child Development & Family Science. Her experience includes teaching infants and toddlers, working with parents and families, and operating a child care center. Other strengths include building relationships with school districts and other local organizations, interfacing with various state officials and legislators, districts formerly known as Abbott districts and Preschool Expansion districts.

Cindy has led the YMCA Peer Network for Early Childhood Educators in NJ and is a member of Middlesex County Human Services Advisory Committee (MCHSAC) as well as the Chairperson of their Child Care Committee. She is also the current President of the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children, the local affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She is passionate about advocating for early care and education as a state and national priority, as well as recognizing early childhood educators as teachers and professionals on par with their K-12 counterparts. By supporting these ideals the field of Early Childhood Education will gain the status it deserves, as it is the building block of all future learning for our youngest citizens.