Advocacy
That’s why we’re actively engaged—through policy development, advocacy, evaluation, and program piloting—in creating a Minnesota that supports optimal child care and early learning. For policymakers, funders, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and others concerned with kids, we’re a bold and effective partner. For educators and families, we provide advocacy trainings and resources to get informed and involved. We invite you to work together with us on community and state-wide issues involving early childhood.
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵl is uniquely positioned to advocate for improvements to Minnesota’s early care and education system. Our direct work with child care educators keeps us in tune with what’s happening in the classroom. Our interactions with state agencies allow us to see current realities and opportunities for improvement.
Our solutions center children. We aim to ensure all children birth to five have access to quality early childhood care and education, starting with those facing the greatest barriers. The single best investment the state can make is targeted early childhood investments in our most vulnerable children.
Read Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵl’s Policy Priorities for the 2024 legislative session
The Early Care and Education Crisis Work Group is a group of experts working to address the dual challenges of Minnesota’s worst-in-the-nation achievement gap and the child care shortage. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵl co-convenes the Crisis Work Group with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
Early Care and Education Crisis Work Group Reports
- 2024-25 Legislative Priorities
- 2023 Legislative Priorities
- 2022 Legislative PrioritiesÌýÌý
- 2021 Recommendations for Investing American Rescue Plan FundsÌýÌý
- 2021 Legislative PrioritiesÌýÌý
- 2020 Emergency Policy Recommendations—Full ReportÌýÌý
- 2020 Emergency Policy Recommendations—SummaryÌýÌý
- 2020 Legislative PrioritiesÌýÌý
- 2018 Administrative Fixes Memo to Governor-elect WalzÌýÌý
- Local Approaches to Addressing CrisesÌýÌý
- Roadmap SummaryÌýÌý
- 2018 Full ReportÌý
Minnesota Business for Early Learning is a roundtable of Minnesota business leaders advocating for Early Learning Scholarships for Minnesota’s 31,000 low-income children who can’t access high quality early learning programs.
Are you passionate about supporting young children and their families? Share your knowledge and perspective with policymakers.
Advocate with Elected OfficialsÌý
Here are a variety of how-to guides to get you started. Remember, elected officials are regular people! Advocacy is about building relationships, and these are some ways to connect.Ìý
The Todd Otis Public Policy Internship is a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about Minnesota’s early learning policy and advocacy landscape. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵl started the Todd Otis Public Policy Internship to recognize Todd’s contributions and build on his legacy. Interns work with our Policy Team and partners during the state legislative session. Our goal is to create more early learning advocates to continue Todd’s work.Ìý
This internship runs during the state legislative session (January-May). Applications open up in late Fall.Ìý
Learn more about Todd Otis and past interns.ÌýÌý
About Todd OtisAbout Past Interns
Stories are powerful.
They are relevant, authentic, and come from the heart. Good stories about what’s happening with child care and early learning in Minnesota can help us advocate for supportive policies and raise awareness about important early learning issues. This space was created to give child care providers a place to share stories about their work on behalf of young children, and to give families an opportunity to share their child care successes and challenges with the community.
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵl is committed to supporting advocates in their efforts to champion early childhood education. Our organization provides a range of resources designed to equip advocates with the knowledge and tools necessary to make a difference. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵl is here to empower and amplify your advocacy efforts for the benefit of all children.