The 6th Annual Arizona Early Childhood Public Policy Forum
Sharpen your advocacy skills and help advance equitable, affordable, accessible child care in Arizona. Participants will learn from policy leaders and community experts, explore local/state resources, and plan their messaging to be an informed and effective advocate with lawmakers on behalf of children, families, and the ECE profession.
Saturday, January 20, 2024
9-11:30 a.m. (Phoenix time)
Virtual
This effort was funded in part by a grant from Voices for Healthy Kids, an initiative of the American Heart Association.
This event is a collaboration between Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children, Arizona Early Childhood Education Association, Arizona Head Start Association, Children’s Action Alliance, Child Care Resource & Referral – Arizona, Southern Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children, and Arizona Early Childhood Alliance.
Are you planning on attending the 2024 Arizona Early Childhood Day at the Capitol on Monday, January 22, 2024? If so, it is highly encouraged you attend the Forum on January 20 to prepare beforehand and receive an overview of the in-person logistics for the Day at the Capitol. For more information: https://azeca.org/.
AZECA Early Childhood Day at the Capitol 2024
1/20/2024 AZ ECE PPF slide deck
AZECA 2024 Legislative Priorities
1/22/24 Early Childhood Day at the Capitol agenda
1/22/24 Early Childhood Day at the Capitol Map
- NAEYC “Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement”: Outlines steps and recommendations to (1) provide quality early learning programs that build on each child’s unique individual and family strengths, cultural background, and experiences; and (2) eliminate differences in educational outcomes and build equitable early care and education systems.
- Storytelling for Advocacy: How to Tell You Story
- Telling the Story of Yourself: 6 Steps to Writing Personal Narratives
- Town Hall Final Report – During the virtual 5th Annual Arizona Early Childhood Public Policy Forum on February 11, 2023, 60 early childhood educators, parents, and community champions participated in an Arizona Town Hall session focused on Advancing Equity for the Child Care Workforce. This report reflects the collective voices of the participants and their shared consensus around equitable access to child care and a well-supported, well-compensated early care and education profession.
- Children’s Action Alliance Advocacy and Outreach resources: Find curated resources to become an advocate for children and stand up, speak out, show up, and volunteer for children so they can have what they need to grow and thrive. This page includes the state legislative scorecard, legislative district facts, voting info, and an advocacy toolkit.
- Arizona State Legislature web page: Find your state representative and senator, locate contact information, review committee agendas, and give your feedback on bills moving through the legislative process.
- Child Care Aware of America web page: Enter your address in this web page to find out who represents you at the federal, state, and local levels along with their contact information.
- “What’s in the State/Federal Budget for ECE & What Do We Still Need?” (59 minutes) In this webinar, hear from guest policy experts on investments for children and child care in the recently passed state budget and the federal appropriations process. Plus, learn what’s still needed to ensure a well-supported, well-compensated early childhood profession. 1 hour of professional development will be available in the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry after completing a brief survey here.
- In this recording from the forum, learn from special guest speaker Dr. Pearlette Ramos about the power of personal narrative when talking with elected officials and build your skills to be an informed, effective advocate for children, families, and the ECE profession. 2 hours of professional development will be available in the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry after completing a brief survey at https://forms.gle/
qXE2Nm18nJgqoozy6. - “5 Easy Ways to Elevate Your Voice for Arizona’s Children, Families, and Educators” (80 minutes): In the webinar, you will hear 5 practical ways to engage in early childhood advocacy, learn how to connect with your elected officials, and explore strategies to elevate your voice as early childhood champions to support the efforts for state and federal investments in early care and education. The webinar can be viewed on the AzAEYC YouTube page or through the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry by searching Event ID 100134526 (complete the survey here for professional development credit).
- First Things First “Early Childhood, Every Day” training: Learn how you can effectively spread the word and be a champion for early childhood and First Things First in your community. Submit your info, and you’ll receive an email with a link to the training.