Public Policy Forum
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2020 Public Policy Forum
Whether you have tons of advocacy experience, or none at all, NAEYC's Public Policy Forum is THE place for you to sharpen your advocacy 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 and network with national and state policy leaders and fellow advocates
- Get the resources and experiences they need to be an informed and effective advocate
- Meet with members of Congress and build relationships with their staff and teams
2019 Event Agenda:
The 2019 Public Policy Forum was an important way for us to come together; to be heard on issues critical to early childhood education and educators; to sharpen our advocacy skills, to build our networks, and to strengthen our relationships with representatives on Capitol Hill.
- The event began on Sunday, February 24 at 1:00 pm and continued all day on Monday, February 25 with expert policy briefings, guest speakers, and skill-building interactive breakout sessions for all state team members, providing many opportunities for networking and learning.
- On Tuesday, February 26, members had the opportunity to experience an exciting and energizing Hill Day, building important relationships with Representatives, Senators, and/or their staff.
Take a look at the detailed 2019 Public Policy Forum agenda to learn how we made sure our elected officials knew who we were, and what our children, families, and educators need to thrive!
And if you're on the fence about joining us next year, here's what this year's participants would like to tell you:
- “If you are passionate about early education then your voice is needed at the table when policy makers are listening.”
- “Take the leap! It is full of information that impacts all professionals and prepares you for advocating for families, children, and the profession.”
- “Policy advocacy and the future success of the ECE field are inextricably linked. This conference helps make the connections and outline the actions that we all need to be taking to ensure that all families will someday have access to high-quality early education opportunities.”
- “Absolutely go! Not only will you be inspired and rejuvenated in your work with children but you will learn so much about how our government works and about what is happening around the country.”
Check out highlights from past Public Policy Forums:
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.
NAEYC is grateful for the support of its generous sponsors and their participation in the 2019 Public Policy Forum.
"HighScope is proud to sponsor NAEYC’s Public Policy Forum and to contribute to the shared voice raising awareness of the importance and impact of early childhood education. We believe in the ability of our collaborative efforts to motivate elected representatives to act on behalf of our nation’s children and families — and we will continue working side by side to advocate for the profession and advance the field of early childhood education. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the national conversation on early childhood education."
"TCC Software Solutions was thrilled to sponsor and participate in the 2019 NAEYC Public Policy Forum. NAEYC provided skilled staff, materials and resources to support the state affiliates in their advocacy efforts. I was amazed that almost 300 meetings with legislators took place in just one day. What a tremendous impact this type of coordinated effort will have in our continued mission to increase investments in early childhood education!"
"Teaching Strategies supports policies and practices designed to create a well-funded, high-quality system of early childhood education. As a proud partner of NAEYC’s 2019 Public Policy Forum, Teaching Strategies is honored to celebrate the many teachers who serve young children and organizations like NAEYC that energize and advance this vital profession. The Forum was a fantastic opportunity to foster engagement in electoral and grassroots advocacy for early childhood education."
"Electrifying, exhilarating, and encouraging...these are the words to best encompass the essence of the 2019 Public Policy Forum. This year, I had the opportunity to stand with young professionals and veteran teachers, directors, social workers and trainers to advocate for accessible and affordable high-quality early childhood education and care for all children, families, and the dedicated educators who serve them. Their passion was powerful and their confidence in presenting the ask was compelling. From the House to the Senate their voices were heard and powered a movement! Overall, I left the event feeling energized and inspired for an optimistic future that will invest in childcare for all. #PPF19 #ECEwins #Childcare4all"
“The NAEYC Public Policy Forum serves as a reminder of how powerful our collective voices can be when we advocate for our nation’s youngest citizens, particularly when harnessed and elevated by NAEYC. We are living in a time when the importance of the early years is more widely known than ever and thanks to all of you, and NAEYC, we have the attention of decision-makers and legislators. This year’s Forum was an exciting event where we were able to celebrate great progress and strive together for even more on behalf of children, teachers, and families.
From inception, Bright Horizons has been committed to high quality experiences for children and educators and we are inspired and proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with all of you as our field works together toward common goals and improvements that will truly make the world a better place. Thank you to NAEYC for giving us the opportunity to sponsor this event and their trailblazing leadership and commitment to what’s best for children and families.”
Interested in becoming a Public Policy Forum sponsor? Learn more