Centering equity in 2022

This fall, we will work with the field to ensure a clear and robust early childhood agenda emerges and can be implemented in 2023, building on the momentum of the past two years.

SFC brings an equity lens to all our work to ensure any policies we advocate for lead to more equitable outcomes for children, families, and early educators. In early education advocacy, representation matters. Learn more about how we are building power in the field and raising up the voices of those directly impacted by early childhood policy:

• The 9:30 Call is an inclusive, daily check-in call for the early education and care advocacy community. All are welcome to join. The calls have provided the space for us all to address and discuss many challenges facing the field today and share our collective successes.
• Speakers' Bureau aims to fill a systemic gap in our state of having early educators that are well-prepared and representative of the demographics of the ECE field. After completing the skill-building series, participants are better prepared to speak up and speak out on behalf of the field
• Advocacy Network creates a new structure of connecting and supporting early education advocates and emerging leaders across the state through a year-long experience.

Be a Champion for Young Children

As a Voter

• Make sure you vote! See where. New districts will be used in the 2022 State Primary and Election. You can use this website to find your current elected officials and new district information.
• Learn about the candidates and their education platforms. Click here for state election candidates, as well as ballot questions, early voting information, and instructions on how to vote by mail.
• Stay current on early education news. Join our e-mail list, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and read our Eye on Early Education blog. Review and share research on the benefits of high-quality early education for children, families, and the economy.
• Engage Candidates. Speak up! Ask questions and engage candidates in conversation about prioritizing young children:
  • Though we have seen unprecendented increases in policy action and early childhood funding, the early education and care system isn't working for families in Massachusetts. How would you change it?
  • What is your plan to ensure that all young children have access to high-quality and affordable early education?
  • How will you support the professional development and compensation of the early education and care workforce?
  • What will you do to make sure we invest the public dollars needed into programs for children?  
• Engage Your Community. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper urging candidates to prioritize young children in the election. Contact Marisa Fear, SFC's associate director of research and policy, for assistance.

As a Candidate

• Make sure your education platform specifically supports young children and families by including and supporting high-quality early education and care. Children are born learning, and the first five years lay the foundation for success in school and life. Let’s level the playing field and give all children a strong start with high-quality, affordable child care and preschool programs,
• Utilize research and data to learn more about children and families in your communities. For more information contact Titus DosRemedios, SFC's deputy director.
• Understand the recent historic progress made in early education and care in Massachusetts, and the challenges that remain.
• Learn about child care funding in federal and state budgets
• Stay current on early education news. Join our e-mail list, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and read our Eye on Early Education blog.