About
The advancement of early childhood policy at any level of government is dependent on “champions” around the issue. These champions are educated about the issue and also understand the psychology and communication skills required to assist decision makers in making the best and most informed choices for the targeted populations. Advocates, both inside and outside state agencies and legislative bodies must learn how to challenge systems while working within them and facilitate meaningful conversations between all parties involved. New policies and strategies for implementing and funding significant programs are concrete examples of the state’s commitment to its children and future workforce. This change in focus will require a new approach to this specific type of education which willresult in the following outcomes:
Increasing the number of informed policy support personnel to decision makers to ensure decisions are based on accurate information,
Increasing the numbers of local stakeholders who can best communicate the needs of children to local elected officials and decision makers so revisions and development in laws and regulations in specific areas impacting the services and funding for health, education, and well-being services to children birth-age 5 years of age increase and improve,
Providing a platform for more public discourse through an intentional approach involving all types of media in educating the public about specific issues and circumstances of young children for the purpose of better informing them about those issues, barriers and solutions affecting their healthy growth and development, and
Providing examples of framing issues surrounding barriers and possible solutions to child care teacher shortages, access to quality child care services, lack of funding and trained professionals in health and mental health services for young children and families in ways decision makers and voters understand and act accordingly.
