By Troy Hunter, Senior Policy Director, Groundwork Ohio
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Attending the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA this year was a reminder of why we do what we do. Surrounded by over 7,000 early childhood professionals and advocates, you could feel the collective energy of a community deeply committed to advancing high-quality early learning for every child and a well-supported early childhood workforce.
With nearly 60,000 members and 52 Affiliates nationwide, NAEYC is leading in shaping the future of early childhood education. They continue to elevate the profession of early childhood education while championing inclusion and belonging for children and educators. This year’s conference offered an opportunity to engage in conversations about belonging and challenged attendees to think deeply about how we create environments where all individuals feel valued and supported.
Embracing Growth Through Discomfort
LeVar Burton, of Reading Rainbow, shared reflections on the discomfort we encounter in life and how embracing it is essential for growth. He likened life to walking—a "controlled fall"—where each step forward reveals the next. Progress, he reminded us, requires faith and courage. Books, he reminded us, are a gateway for children to see themselves and others in the stories they read. Every child should have access to literature that reflects their diverse experiences.
Creating Spaces of Joy and Belonging
Mychal Threets, a library advocate and storyteller, discussed the transformative power of libraries as spaces of joy and belonging. He highlighted the importance of creating environments where every child, regardless of background, feels seen, valued, and supported.
Threets shared his insights on “library joy” and its profound impact on children’s social-emotional growth. Libraries, he reminded us, can serve as havens of safety and connection for children, families, and communities. He shared personal stories of finding belonging in libraries and cultivating spaces where everyone feels not just welcomed but embraced.
Empowering Black Boys and Educators
One of my personal highlights was co-presenting a session with Dr. Brian Johnson and Dr. Anthony Broughton on uplifting Black boys and Black male educators. Together, we explored the systemic barriers these groups face, such as the lack of culturally responsive practices and the impact of bias, while celebrating the transformative influence Black male educators have on student success. Our discussion focused on the importance of intentional efforts to address these challenges and create opportunities for every child to reach their full potential.
Join Ohio Advocacy Efforts
The NAEYC Conference gave an opportunity to connect with many Groundwork Ohio partners and showcased the incredible dedication of Ohio’s early childhood professionals. As I reflect on the insights and connections, I am energized to continue this work.
Advocates from every corner—educators, parents, business leaders, and policymakers—play a critical role in creating a system that works for everyone. A key opportunity to build on this momentum is participating in Federal and State advocacy efforts:
NAEYC’s Public Policy Forum, taking place February 23–25, 2025, provides a platform to advocate for policies that prioritize inclusion, access, and belonging in early childhood education alongside Ohio advocates. It’s a chance to engage with policymakers, collaborate with fellow advocates, and work together toward systemic changes that benefit all children and educators.
Groundwork Ohio’s Advocacy Day will take place on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the Ohio Statehouse. Save the date and stay tuned for more information coming soon.
Ohio’s children and families need your advocacy more than ever. Continue to engage with Groundwork Ohio and national partners, such as NAEYC. Join us in advocating for policies that reflect our shared commitment to children’s success and educators’ well-being.
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