Throughout 2016, NAEYC members took their advocacy to new levels, and from Sunday, February 26 - Tuesday, February 28, 2017, over 260 of them came from 44 states and the District of Columbia for the 2017 Public Policy Forum, where, with a new President and new Congress, they had the opportunity to:  

• Be part of a team working to advance federal and state early childhood policy
• Explore their role in policy that advances the profession in their states
• Hear from and network with national and state policy leaders and fellow advocates
• Get the resources and experiences they needed to sharpen their advocacy skills
• Meet and build relationships on Capitol Hill with members of Congress

We are so proud to celebrate their expertise and engagement in our largest public policy forum ever - and want to especially thank the state team leads for their incredible leadership and support! 

Agenda

The 2017 Public Policy Forum happened over a two and a half day period:

• Sunday, February 26 - Afternoon half-day "bootcamp" on implementing the Power to the Profession in states
• Monday, February 27 - Full day of expert policy briefings, skill-building sessions, and interactive breakouts for state team members to network and learn
• Tuesday, February 28 - Hill Day, spent building relationships with Representatives, Senators and/or their staff

Here's the full agenda, packed with time for expert conversations, team building, and opportunities to build knowledge, skills and strategies. 

Get Ready for America for Early Ed!

Early Ed for President is becoming America for Early Ed! Sign up now to find out how you can help ensure that all young children have a chance to start school ready to reach their full potential. With the voices of America’s parents, educators, and allied community members leading the way, we will collectively work to ensure that candidates and policymakers from both sides of the aisle embrace early learning as a "must," with a commitment to expanding opportunity, supporting excellence, and valuing early childhood educators.

Explore Highlights from the 2016 Public Policy Forum

Every year, the Public Policy Forum offers an opportunity for early childhood leaders, from across the country, to come together and build on their advocacy skills while expanding their networks. 2016 was a remarkable year filled with many firsts, including the launch of NAEYC’s first electoral advocacy campaign - Early Ed for President. Take a look at the 2016 Public Policy Forum!

Interested in participating next year, 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.