In Review: The 2025 NAEYC Public Policy Forum
Hundreds of early childhood educators, advocates, and allies made sure YOUR voices were heard on Capitol Hill, as they came from across the country to participate in NAEYC’s 2025 Public Policy Forum. Our three days together involved deepening relationships, inspiring stories, tough conversations, building community, and growing power – and through it all, participants gained skills, knowledge strategies, and action steps that they took with them to Capitol Hill and that they’ll be bringing back home to all of your states and communities. NAEYC is so grateful to have partners with such a wide array of experiences and expertise, including key Congressional staffers, national and state policy experts and partners, and advocacy and educator leaders.
Public Policy Forum is designed for both new and experienced advocates- forging connections, stepping into their power, centering their voices, and turning their stories into collective action. This year, approximately half of participants were first-time attendees and we look forward to fostering our existing and new relationships.
“As an early childhood educator, and a mother, providing quality early learning for our children and families has always been my passion. Although I am new to policy, I understand the effects of policy that guide early childhood education.”
“Currently, my advocacy experience is limited. However, I am highly interested in becoming more involved in educational advocacy and view the NAEYC Public Policy Forum as a wonderful opportunity to do so.”
“This was my first time attending PPF in-person, and I really appreciated being around people from all over the country who share my passion for ECE advocacy. I learned a lot about pressing issues at the federal level and strengthened relationships with people from my state. The energy of being on the Hill was electric. Even during these challenging times, I am proud of the work that ECE advocates are going.”
“It is worth it! You will learn something new every time. This was my fifth PPF, and I am still learning. Plus, the networking across states is well worth the trip.”
The forum kicked off with a powerful panel of ECE advocates who shared their unique journeys, demonstrating that advocacy can take many forms and is accessible to anyone. Their stories of both vulnerability and strength encouraged attendees to feel confident in asking questions and taking action.
Another impactful panel explored the Unifying Framework for aligning and elevating the ECE profession. With examples of models already implemented in states, the panel provided a roadmap for others to follow. Attendees then had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions on various topics, deepening their understanding of the field before gathering for a reception. The evening was filled with networking and community-building.
The second day of the forum was dedicated to congressional advocacy. Attendees learned about effective Hill advocacy from current Hill staff and national policy experts, including NAEYC’s Daniel Hains, Paola Andujar, and Sharon Walsh of the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children. They provided essential insights into current congressional debates, as well as practical tips on the logistics, resources, and talking points needed for successful visits to Capitol Hill.
In the afternoon, participants attended concurrent breakout sessions focused on federal policy issues, followed by a plenary session on enhancing ECE quality through supportive licensing. Another set of breakout sessions discussed advocacy strategies, such as engaging providers from diverse settings and involving families in the advocacy process. The day wrapped up with a plenary on the wellness and healing of ECE professionals, reminding attendees of the importance of self-care in their advocacy efforts.
In the evening, Public Policy Forum participants were invited to dinner and a screening of the award winning documentary, Make A Circle, hosted by filmmaker, Jen Bradwell, in partnership with The Council for Professional Recognition and GatherRound Consulting. The film, which showcased early childhood educators' powerful advocacy in action, served as the perfect motivator for the next day's congressional meetings, offering both inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose.
The energy, resolve, and commitment of attendees was visible throughout the event and during congressional visits on the Hill, where state teams met with hundreds of Congressional offices to advocate on behalf of educators, families, children, and communities before joining lawmakers and partners at the Child Care Means Business reception that NAEYC co-hosted with FFYF and more than a dozen other national organizations. They put #AdvocacyInAction by sharing their experiences with Members of Congress and staff to help policymakers understand clearly what child care programs, educators, and families are experiencing in their states and communities, and to make a positive case for the resources and supports that are needed to help educators, families and young children thrive.
We are deeply grateful for the incredible work our members do, each and every day, across all early learning settings and within communities nationwide. We look forward to engaging in future advocacy opportunities with all of you!
Check out additional highlights from the 2025 Public Policy Forum on social media using #naeycPPF!
Read reviews from this year’s participants:
“Try it! It seems intimidating until you arrive and realize the amount of support we have!”
“It's an incredible chance to connect with other educators and advocates.”
“You won't regret it. Best experience of my professional life.”
“It is a good way to connect with ECE advocates from across the US. It also give you the opportunity to get key messaging to legislators about the challenges facing the field.”
“With so many critical issues identified for the ECE field, the coming together in person offered needed support, educational opportunities and problem solving time for attendees.”