Letter from the Leadership - September 2024

This September, I was invited to participate in the Hunt Institute’s annual Early Childhood Leadership Summit. This bipartisan convening includes teams of 53 state teams, including the American Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Washington DC, comprised of senior elected officials, legislators, gubernatorial staff, and early childhood system leaders.  

The three-day convening brought together a diverse group of individuals, including policymakers, community leaders, and advocates, all united by a common goal: to address the pressing issues that affect our ECE community and to strategize on high-impact ways to improve early childhood education in our states. 

The Hunt Institute's Early Childhood Leadership Summit Issue Brief

Throughout the summit, we delved into a range of topics that are critical to the collective well-being of children and families, from education and healthcare to economic development and sustainability. The discussions were not only informative but also thought-provoking, as they highlighted the complexities and nuances of each issue. The connections made during this event will undoubtedly strengthen our advocacy efforts moving forward. 

 Engaging with policymakers in such an intimate and dynamic setting was enlightening and reinforced my commitment to advocating for visionary solutions. As we continue to navigate the challenges ahead, I am more motivated than ever to ensure that our voices are heard and that we remain at the table, as active participants in shaping the future of our community. 

As we move into the legislative season, I encourage all of you to stay engaged and informed about key ECE issues, the issues that matter to us. Together, we can make a difference and advocate for the changes we wish to see. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to EveryChild California, as we Educate and Inspire Leadership in Early Education.