Your Guide to the Week of the Young Child

For the annual "Week of the Young Child," ECEA coordinated visits of elected officials at local child care centers across New Jersey. Members of the state Legislature, as well as local elected officials, were given tours of the facilities, had the chance to meet some of the children and learned more about the importance of the mixed-delivery model of UPK, in which community child care centers partner with local school districts. There were tremendous visits, including plenty of baked treats for all to enjoy!

Organizing a legislative site visit to a childcare center presents a remarkable opportunity to enlighten lawmakers about the critical challenges confronting the childcare sector. It offers an immersive experience that fosters understanding and underscores the significance of policy decisions in shaping the future of early childhood education. 

As you plan for such visits, it's vital to acknowledge the demanding schedules of legislative members. Generally, these visits span around an hour, although the duration can flex to accommodate the availability of the legislator. Efficient planning ensures that every moment of this valuable engagement is optimized to deliver impactful insights and facilitate meaningful discussions on childcare policies and initiatives.

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