Strategies for Children (SFC)
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ELECTION YEAR 2024
The COVID pandemic highlighted inequities in so many of our social systems; perhaps most starkly, it raised broad, concrete awareness of how critical the early education and care sector is to our economy and to the future of Massachusetts. We continue to be inspired by this dedicated and resilient workforce and their commitment to providing high-quality learning experiences under incredible circumstances.
Advocates have long called for early education and care to be treated as a public good—just like public schools or our physical infrastructure of roads and bridges—needed to maintain a 21st century workforce. We are grateful for the close collaboration of our elected officials and appreciate the decisions they have made to support and stabilize the early education and care sector over the last four years.
In partnership with early childhood professionals, our work to convene, connect, advocate and develop policy solutions has resulted in historic levels of public funding and unprecedented high volume of policy and advocacy activity.
Strategies for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and we are prohibited from supporting or opposing a candidate or political party. Learn more about nonpartisan candidate education.
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Centering lived experience for equitable advocacy and policy
SFC brings an equity lens to our work to ensure the policies we advocate for lead to more equitable outcomes for children, families, and early childhood professionals. Learn how we are building power with the early chidhood field and centering the voices of those with lived experience who are directly impacted by policy:
- The 9:30 Call Since March of 2020, SFC has hosted The 9:30 Call which runs Monday–Thursday from 9:30–10:00 AM via Zoom. This community includes over 1,700 individuals and guest speakers from early education and care, community-based organizations, nonprofits, research, philanthropy, business, higher education, state and local government, K-12, health, human services, economic development, law, and more. By convening this daily community, SFC has helped everyone get on the same page, share updates, and develop action steps.
- The Early Childhood Agenda We launched The Early Childhood Agenda in October 2022 building on the lessons of The 9:30 Call, Advocacy Network, and our long-standing history of convening the early education and care community. These inclusive and engaging meetings for the entire early childhood field are leading to a stronger advocacy agenda, and more resilient and interconnected field. Over 1,000 individuals helped develop The Agenda for 2023–2025, which includes policy goals for childcare, workforce development, food security, family tax credits, community health, and program quality.
- The Advocacy Network SFC is building a stronger advocacy infrastructure for our early childhood professionals, families, and communities here in Massachusetts. With 29 alumni to-date, our Advocacy Network provides a unique yearlong advocacy experience for educators/leaders in the sector. SFC supports advocates with tools and resources, including “Advocacy 101” training, one-on-one support, networking, and leadership opportunities.
Be a Champion for Young Children
As a Voter
- Make sure you vote! See where. You can use this website to find your current elected officials and district information.
- Learn about the candidates and their education platforms. Click here for state election candidates, early voting information,
and instructions on how to vote by mail.
- Learn about the ballot questions in Massachusetts.
- Stay current on early education news. Join our e-mail list, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and read our Eye on Early Childhood 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 unprecedented increases in policy action and early childhood funding, the early education and care system isn't working for many families and providers 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 director of policy, for assistance.
- And more! Watch 'Getting Ready for the 2024 Election! on The 9:30 Call' (Video and Slides). Join our community on The 9:30 Call.
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 Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and read our Eye on Early Childhood blog.
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