Policy Pick: Early Learning Advocacy Day

Parents and community advocates can have their voices heard at the annual Early Learning Advocacy Day on May 25 in Sacramento.

Co-sponsored by First 5 LA, the all-day event will provide participants with the opportunity to meet with state legislators, network with other early learning advocates and learn about critical policy issues, including quality improvement efforts, child care licensing and transitional kindergarten. Kicking off the day will be a morning program featuring Assemblymember Susan Bonilla (D-Concord), chair of the budget subcommittee on education finance, as the keynote speaker.

Last year's Advocacy Day drew more than 350 participants from across California. Parents, teachers, business leaders and other advocates gathered at the State Capitol to advocate for high-quality early care and education (ECE). Participants met with more than 100 lawmakers or their staff members to explain how ECE benefits their children, families and neighborhoods.

Those who want to attend must register before Wednesday. Registration is $45, but Preschool California is offering a limited number of fee waivers for qualifying applicants who are attending a legislative visit. For more information, please visit the Preschool California website. You can also contact Araceli Sandoval at asandoval@preschoolcalifornia.org or 323-254-1411 ext. 323.