From Our President: Learning and Advocating Together

conference attendees discussing something at a table

In late February, on behalf of NAEYC’s Governing Board, I had the privilege to welcome participants to NAEYC’s 2023 Public Policy Forum. It was thrilling to be back in person and in a room with more than 400 educators, advocates, and allies who joined us from 47 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. I am truly inspired by all who attended—as well as all of NAEYC’s membership—and I am so moved and proud of what we’ve accomplished as advocates for early childhood education in the midst of an extraordinarily difficult time.

No matter where you sit—in the classroom, at an institution of higher education, a nonprofit, or as an elected official—we all have a role and a place to engage in our advocacy efforts.

Here, I share highlights and excerpts from my remarks from the event. As I reflect on them now, I realize I convey these words not only to the hundreds of advocates and educators who were in the room with me in February but to all of you who are so passionate about early childhood education.

I can say with certainty that we have seen more attention to child care and early learning in these past years than ever before. Yet that attention has come at a devastating cost, which has been paid by you, your colleagues, and the families and children we all serve.
As we lift up all of your incredible advocacy efforts, we also honor the challenges that have required you to be advocates in the first place.
In states, cities, and communities across the country, we have made progress in investments in early childhood education. In Washington state, where I live, we have one of the best senators championing child care in Senator Patty Murray. But we also have grappled with harm disproportionately wrought on Black and Brown children, families, and educators—not only within our child care system, but also within our criminal justice systems, our electoral systems, our health care systems, and our education systems writ large.

During Public Policy Forum, we heard about some of the challenges educators face as they navigate a range of state guidelines. I am grateful that we’ve been able to turn to NAEYC’s position statement on advancing equity for guidance. As we stay grounded in the work of racial equity, externally and internally, NAEYC is also preparing to launch the process of revising our “Code of Ethical Conduct.” Look for opportunities in the near future to provide input on this important revision.

Even as we look back at Build Back Better, a significant effort to boost investments in early childhood education, we are also looking forward. For example, Public Policy Forum attendees heard “Three Affiliates, One Voice: Building a Regional Advocacy Effort,” presented by Kathy Hollowell-Makle (DCAEYC), Christina Lopez (MDAEYC), and Diane Volcansek (NVAEYC). They also learned about “NAEYC Policy, Politics, and the Code of Ethics,” presented by Raquel Diaz (FLAEYC), Georgia Goldburn (Hope for New Haven), and Meghan Salas Atwell (NAEYC). These and other presenters championed solutions that can help move us toward financing and structuring the systems that support high-quality early childhood education so that our nation protects and invests in it for children birth through age 8 as the public good that it is. Also front of mind is prioritizing the education and compensation of our diverse workforce of primarily women, who are taking on the complex and demanding responsibility of caring for and educating the next generation.

This issue of Young Children highlights similar challenges and solutions. Articles outline the efforts and initiatives under way as well as recommendations for future advocacy and policies needed at all levels to attain effective, equitable early childhood education for all.

Below are some photos highlighting NAEYC members engaged in Public Policy Forum activities. These include thoughtful discussions about policy and advocacy and pictures of participants preparing to speak with their elected leaders.

Now more than ever, we need strong champions like you, our NAEYC members, to continue to advocate and advance our collective vision that all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential. This vision requires all of us to use our voices on behalf of children. As you will see throughout this issue, no matter where you sit—in the classroom, at an institution of higher education, a nonprofit, or as an elected official—we all have a role and a place to engage in our advocacy efforts. From local initiatives to federal efforts, NAEYC and its members should be at every table and in every discussion.

I hope you find these photos and this issue inspiring and motivating. My continued gratitude to all of the leaders (that’s all of us!) who are moving us forward on this journey.