ECLC in DC: Early Childhood Advocacy in Action on Capitol Hill

Advocacy is about turning passion into purpose and purpose into action. Last month, members of the Pozez JCC’s Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) had the meaningful opportunity to bring the voices of early childhood educators from Northern Virginia directly to policymakers in Washington, D.C. 

In addition to our roles at the ECLC, Sarah and I serve as advocacy co-chairs for the Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children (NVAEYC). As part of this advocacy committee, we organize and facilitate a six-week Advocacy Leadership Training Program (ALTP) for early childhood educators. 

At this year’s training, we explored the foundations of early childhood education policy at the local, state, and federal levels and discussed how legislation impacts the affordability, quality, sustainability, and reach of educational programs. Together, we unpacked complex policy issues and practiced crafting advocacy messages. Early childhood professionals carry firsthand knowledge of how government policies affect children, families, and educators, and we practiced how to translate our experiences into compelling stories that resonate with decision-makers. 

The culmination of the ALTP is attending the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Public Policy Forum. Our cohort joined more than 400 early childhood professionals from across the country to gather on Capitol Hill in late February to advocate on behalf of early childhood education. Walking the halls of the Capitol alongside educators, center directors, advocates, and allies from nearly every state was energizing as we united in a shared sense of purpose. 

We stepped into meetings with policymakers and congressional staff to advocate for meaningful investment and support. Our cohort members spoke candidly about the realities facing today’s early childhood education workforce: rising operational and tuition costs, persistent staffing shortages, compensation challenges, and cuts to programs that families, children, and early childhood educators rely on. We also shared positive personal stories about children who thrived with the right support, families who successfully balanced work and caregiving, and educators who remained committed despite significant challenges. 

For many participants, this was their first time engaging directly with elected officials or their staff. After the training they received, they were able to hold confident, informed conversations on Capitol Hill. Watching early childhood professionals recognize their own power as changemakers was inspiring.  

 The experience was deeply personal for us as facilitators as well. Supporting this cohort reminded us that advocacy is not separate from our professional roles; it is an extension of our responsibility to children and families. When we advocate, we honor the relationships we build every day in our programs and ensure that decision-makers understand what is truly at stake. 

At the Pozez JCC, we know that early childhood education is a cornerstone of strong communities. Our commitment to high-quality, relationship-based early learning extends beyond our classrooms and into the broader systems that shape opportunities for young children. Advocacy is one way we embody our values. 

 We returned from the Public Policy Forum feeling connected, motivated, and hopeful. We are proud to represent our ECLC community, proud of our ALTP cohort, and proud to stand with hundreds of early childhood advocates nationwide who believe that investing in young children is investing in our collective future. 

Written by: Sarah Vejvoda, ECLC Atelierista and Hillary Gile, ECLC Pedagogista