After much reflection, we have decided to take our 2022 Public Policy Forum virtual again this year.

• With the uncertainty of variants, the impact of the pandemic on Hill accessibility, and to allow time for more people, including children, to have access to and become fully vaccinated, we feel that a virtual format in February is best for the safety of our members and the children and families you all serve.
• We’re excited to create another interactive, engaging, and (hopefully!) celebratory virtual policy forum, and we think this format will allow for the best, most inclusive, and most accessible conference experience, recognizing ECE programs’ staffing challenges, and our collective efforts to recover and rebuild from the last two years.

The Public Policy Forum will still be held on Sunday, February 27 and Monday, February 28. Be on the lookout for more information on registration and agenda, coming soon!

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Whether you have tons of advocacy experience, or none at all, NAEYC's Public Policy Forum is THE place for you to sharpen your skills and help us move a nonpartisan agenda in support of young children and the early childhood education profession!

As a Public Policy Forum participant, NAEYC members have the opportunity to:

• Be part of a powerful team working to advance federal and state early childhood policy
• Hear from national and state policy leaders and fellow advocates
• Get the resources and experiences they need to be an informed and effective advocate
• Meet - even virtually! - with members of Congress and build relationships with their staff and teams

What Can You Expect at NAEYC's Public Policy Forum?

2021 Agenda Overview & Highlights

Download the Full Agenda 

Sunday, February 28: Livestream from 1:00 - 4:00 pm ET with a 30-minute break

• Child Care and the Media panel
• Messages from key federal policymakers
• Virtual Congressional Meeting Talking Points

Monday, March 1: Livestream from 12:30 - 3:30 pm ET with a 30-minute break

• Panel and breakout sessions on “Five Key Questions from ECE Advocates & How To Answer Them” addressing compensation, deregulation, state budgets, organizing, and more.
• Featuring leaders from Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education; Bank Street College of Education; Center for American Progress; Center on Budget and Policy Priorities; Child Care Aware of Minnesota; Health Care for America Now; Preschool for All Campaign in Multnomah, Oregon; and Pennsylvania AEYC, and more.

On-Demand Sessions
More than one dozen 30-60 minute sessions available on-demand from ECE partners and leaders, including highlights such as:

• Nothing for Us, Without Us: Centering the Voices of Educators in Policymaking
• A Shared Understanding: Federal Budget and Appropriations
• Start with Equity: 14 Priorities to Dismantle Systemic Racism in Early Care and Education
• The Reach of Research: Exploring the Role of Research in Making and Implementing Policy

State Team Meetings and Congressional Visits 
Public Policy Forum participants will be notified by NAEYC and/or their State Team Leaders about times and opportunities for state team meetings and virtual Congressional visits.

Interested in participating, but not a NAEYC Member? Join today!

The Public Policy Forum is a members-only function open to current NAEYC members. Take the first step and join the only association that gives you access to information from leading early childhood experts and ensures you will have the tools needed to excel in your job, grow in your career, and stay connected to a professional network of educators across the country.