Get informed as a Candidate
Include early childhood in your platform
Make sure your education platform clearly supports young children and families by prioritizing high-quality early education and care. Children are born learning and the first five years lay the foundation for success in school and life. Leveling the playing field means ensuring that all families have access to quality early childhood opportunities.
For more information about the Federal Level, visit 2026: ABCs of Federal Early Learning & Child Care Funding Streams.
For more information about the State Level, visit Massachusetts Early Childhood 101 to explore the journeys that Massachusetts families and young children take through the first 5 years of life, and the various systems they interact with along the way.
Center lived experiences
Policy decisions should reflect the lived experiences of families, educators, and providers. As you are on the campaign trail, listen to the stories of parents struggling with affordability, early educators facing workforce challenges, and providers working to sustain their programs. Attend community meetings, visit early education programs, and engage directly with those most impacted by policy. Centering lived experiences leads to more responsive, equitable, and effective solutions.
Use research and local data
Reviewing community-level information can help shape practical and informed policy proposals. You may also review Massachusetts data, recent national polling data, and see how federal and state policies are connected to understand broader public opinion on early education and care.
Understand progress and remaining challenges
Learn about the recent progress and investments made in early education and care in Massachusetts, as well as the challenges that remain. While there have been meaningful investments and reforms, issues such as workforce compensation, affordability, and long-term sustainability continue to affect families and providers.
Learn about public funding
Get to know how child care is funded at both the federal and state levels. Understanding budget structures and funding streams is essential to developing sustainable policy proposals.
Stay informed and engaged
Stay current on early education news and policy updates. Join our email list, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn, subscribe to our YouTube, and read our Eye on Early Childhood blog. Ongoing engagement will help ensure your platform remains informed, responsive, and aligned with the needs of children and families across the Commonwealth.