Dear colleagues,

As we reflect on an amazing year of championing equitable and excellent early learning for all young children, I’m energized and humbled by the expertise and passion of NAEYC’s members. I’m also inspired by the millions of educators, advocates, and families who are committed to ensuring all children have a high-quality early childhood education.

This year, after nearly three years in the making and thousands of early childhood practitioners, researchers, and advocates weighing in, we launched our first ever position statement on equity, Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education, and published many related resources. The position statement was endorsed by more than 100 organizations, demonstrating the passion and commitment across the field to build our equity muscle.

Advancing equity is a journey, not a single event. Another step is advocating with policymakers. In 2020, make your voice heard at the Public Policy Forum, February 23–25, in Washington, DC. Early learning professionals and advocates alike gather annually to get their elected officials on board the early childhood train! Who better to tell them what our young children need than you? The Public Policy Forum will sharpen your advocacy skills through workshops, and will provide you with hands-on experience visiting lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Learn more about NAEYC’s equity initiatives, the 2020 Public Policy Forum, and much more.

Onward!