By Kimberly Tice, Co-Executive Director, Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children (Ohio AEYC)
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Advocating for Ohio’s Youngest Learners
Standing in the Ohio Statehouse on Advocacy Day 2023 was a humbling and empowering experience. As early childhood educators, we are often so immersed in our daily work—caring for, educating, and advocating for children—that we don’t always see the broader impact of our efforts. Advocacy Day was a powerful reminder that our voices matter and that together, we can shape policies that impact young children, their families, and the educators who support them.
Ohio AEYC proudly supports Groundwork Ohio’s mission to bring early childhood issues to the forefront of legislative discussions. Advocacy Day, in particular, creates a unique platform where educators can share their expertise, challenges, and solutions directly with state legislators. While speaking with policymakers might seem intimidating, the experience is both transformative and inspiring.
The Power of Sharing Lived Experiences
The heart of Advocacy Day lies in the stories shared by early childhood educators. These are not just anecdotes; they are real-life accounts of triumphs and struggles in the field. For many participants, this was their first time speaking to legislators, and while they may have started the day feeling uncertain, they left with a sense of empowerment.
I’ll never forget one educator who shared her journey of operating a family child care program. She spoke passionately about the joys of seeing children thrive and the challenges of balancing her role as an educator with the financial and operational hurdles she faces daily. Her story resonated with the legislators and brought a human perspective to the policy discussions.
Why Advocacy Matters
Advocating for early childhood policies isn’t just about influencing legislation; it’s about ensuring that every child in Ohio has the opportunity to succeed. Groundwork Ohio’s focus on equity and inclusion aligns with our collective mission to uplift the voices of those working on the front lines.
Advocacy Day also highlights the importance of addressing systemic challenges—like the child care staffing crisis, funding inequities, and barriers to quality education. By coming together, we amplify these critical issues and push for meaningful change.
A Call to Action
As we look ahead to Advocacy Day 2025, I encourage all early childhood educators and advocates to participate. Whether you’re sharing your story for the first time or returning as a seasoned advocate, your voice is essential. These conversations shape the future of early childhood education in Ohio, ensuring that policies reflect the needs of children, families, and educators.
Let’s continue to stand together, empowered by our shared commitment to Ohio’s youngest learners. Join us in March 2025 to make your voice heard.
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