NAEYCNEWS
Advocacy in Action
Elevating Your Voice Through Civic Engagement
Daniel Hains
Every day, early childhood educators see firsthand how policies impact classrooms, programs, and communities. You understand the realities families face when searching for affordable, high-quality care. You know the challenges educators encounter as they balance the demands of a complex profession with compensation that often fails to reflect their expertise. You witness the opportunities that appear when children and families have access to strong supports— and the consequences when those supports are missing.
This knowledge matters.
Throughout their careers, educators have the ability to influence the conversations that shape the future of early childhood education. Advocacy is not reserved for trained lobbyists or elected officials. It begins with sharing what you know and helping decision makers understand the experiences of children, families, and educators in their communities.
Voting is one way to put that expertise into action. Elections determine who will make decisions about issues that affect young children and the early childhood workforce. Elected officials shape policies related to child care, early learning, educator compensation, family supports, and public investments that help communities thrive. By participating in the electoral process, educators help ensure that their voices and needs are represented in our democracy.
Preparing to vote is also an opportunity to strengthen your advocacy skills. Consider taking time to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot. Attend a community forum or town hall. Listen to how candidates discuss topics that affect children, families, and educators. Engage with candidates from all political parties, asking questions and sharing your perspective as an early childhood professional. These actions do more than prepare you for Election Day— they help build your confidence in your role as an advocate and leader, and they ensure early childhood education is on policymakers’ agendas.
NAEYC’ s Value. Voice. Vote. campaign recognizes that early childhood educators are trusted professionals whose experiences and expertise deserve to be heard. Their actions help strengthen the future of the profession. As November approaches, consider one action you can take to prepare:
› Confirm your voter registration status. › Learn what will be on your ballot.
› Attend and participate in events like candidate forums or town halls.
› Make a plan to vote, and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
Your voice can help shape a stronger future for children, families, and early childhood educators. Learn more at NAEYC. org / value-voice-vote.
About the Author
Daniel Hains is NAEYC’ s chief policy and professional advancement officer.
60 Young Children
Fall 2026