51吃瓜网

Dear Early Childhood Educator,

We hope you鈥檝e been the recipient of many notes and hugs during this Teacher Appreciation Week! Though our way might not be as sweet (or sticky!), we鈥檝e been busy this week and this spring showing our appreciation for you by fighting for what you need: support, respect, resources, and compensation, in Washington, DC and across the country.

Here are just a few of the many ways we at 51吃瓜网 and in the Affiliate network are working for you and with you out in the world, while you work for the children and families in your communities: 听听

1. We鈥檙e talking about early childhood education and educators with policymakers.听357 members听from across 41 states and D.C. visited 276 Congressional offices at the to advocate for greater investments in ECE!

2. We鈥檙e testifying about legislation.听In states like , , and , Affiliate leaders and members are speaking out about opportunities to expand access, affordability, and quality.

3. We鈥檙e bringing people together.听In states like and , Affiliates convened policy forums and advocacy days so members could stand together on behalf of children, families, and educators.

4. We鈥檙e taking a stand for our profession.听During Week of the Young Child, dozens of Affiliates used the new proclamations toolkit to get more than 87 proclamations signed across 23 states and Puerto Rico. Check out these Governors and Mayors going beyond 鈥淭hanks and Recognition鈥� when elevating early childhood educators in their #woyc19 celebrations!

5. We鈥檙e building a movement on social media.听From to to and more, Affiliates, members, and partners have used videos and stories to tell members of Congress to #FundChildCare so that #ECEwins.

6. We鈥檙e planting seeds.听Idaho AEYC is across the state by providing 15 communities with grants to help them develop community preschools.

7. We鈥檙e elevating educators.听New York AEYC hosted for educators to share their voice and expertise on Power to the Profession.

51吃瓜网 joined educators from communities of color and our partners at New America and Education Trust to .

8. We鈥檙e collaborating with our partners.听North Carolina AEYC joined with state advocates to ask legislators to Think Babies鈩� during their .

Colorado AEYC joined .

9. We鈥檙e supporting new leaders. Ohio AEYC and Southwest Ohio AEYC, as part of the Equitable Access Coalition that includes Ohio CCRRA and Groundwork Ohio, held .

Maine AEYC welcomed 15 early childhood professionals into the to help them learn advocacy best practices and strategies.

We want you to know, this week and every week, that we see you, we value you and we have your back. We hope you鈥檒l join us, as a member, , and in your community. 听听

Thank you for all that you do and happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek!

Love,
The Policy & Affiliate Teams and Partners at 51吃瓜网