The Early Childhood Education Advocates, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, is urging state lawmakers to tour child care center facilities during the "Week of the Young Child." Photo Credit: Lightbridge Academy

Early Childhood Education Centers to Connect with State Lawmakers to Mark “Week of the Young Child” in New Jersey

SAYREVILLE - As part of ongoing efforts to educate state lawmakers about the many issues facing community child care centers in New Jersey, the non-profit Early Childhood Education Advocates (ECEA) is inviting members of the state Legislature to visit centers during the national “Week of the Young Child,” April 6-12.

Local participants include Sayreville Mayor Kennedy O'Brien and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-19th Dist.), whose district includes Sayreville.

ECEA members, comprising owners of community child care centers across New Jersey, have been extending invitations to state leaders representing their legislative districts. Lawmakers are being urged to take a tour, discuss issues with the center owner and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of community child care centers in the state.​

ECEA leaders say this program is a remarkable opportunity to enlighten lawmakers about the critical challenges confronting the child care sector. It offers an immersive experience that fosters understanding and underscores the significance of policy decisions in shaping the future of early childhood education.

“This `Week of the Young Child’ is arriving at a very important time, as many school districts who offer universal pre-kindergarten are now reaching out to local child care providers to help provide services,” said ECEA President Gigi Schweikert. “It is part of a mixed-delivery model of care that has received strong support from state leaders, including funding in the state budget. We are eager to explain to local legislators how mixed delivery is benefiting New Jersey families and urge that this line item be included every year in the state budget.”

Schweikert expressed her appreciation to the elected officials who have committed to touring local child care centers, including Lopez, O'Brien, Assemblywoman Shama Haider (D-37th Dist.), Assemblyman William Spearman (D-5th Dist.), Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-25th Dist.), Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-15th Dist.),  Assemblywoman Lisa Swain (D-38th Dist.) and Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-30th Dist.).

The Week of the Young Child, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. The annual event was established in 1971. 

Lawmakers interested in participating in the Week of the Young Child should contact the ECEA at 908-789-0700 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ECEA is a tax-exempt organization funded by donations. Learn more at Eceadvocates.com