Childcare Aware of Missouri

This resource provides information about how families can support better childcare programs. Use this source to learn more the impacts of proper use of policy and advocacy on childcare programs.

Five Steps for State and Community Leaders to Increase Equitable Access to Early Care and Education

(1) Adopt a family centric definition of equitable access

(2) Examine and when possible, disaggregate existing data on early childhood programs and services to identify equitable access challenges 

(3) Identify a specific region, county, community, or zip code within which to focus an exploration of equitable access

(4) Collect information about community and family level perceptions of an experiences with access

(5) Co-develop strategies with families and early childhood community partners

Evidence to Impact Collaborative - PSU

This project from Penn State University provides policy recommendations to support small businesses and families. These recommendations are worth advocating for, or bringing them to your local government’s attention.

Recommendations include:

*Incentivize small businesses 

*Bolster the child care workforce 

*Increase financial support such as grants and subsidies to help more families cover the cost of child care 

*Expand or create child care or early learning facilities in rural communities through partnerships with other private and public-sector stakeholders 

*Support additional research and improvements to data collection related to child care programs’ capacity and enrollment by age 

Read the full article here to find useful resources, and relevant articles/studies you should read.

Zero to Three Organization

Within this source:

*Read the infant/toddler care fact sheet 

*Engage fellow community members and your policymakers in conversations about child care using the recommended talking points.

*Share graphics that highlight the importance of access to high-quality childcare within your social networks 

*Advocate for the need for greater access to high-quality care using social media, local news outlets, and going out to protest/share information.

Step by step guide to advocate for a better childcare system 

Use this guide by Exchange Press to:

*Find resources

*Locate and connect with your legislators with the Find Your Legislator Tool

*Connect and advocate though reports and social media outlets

*Connect with local and national advocacy organizations

*Use the Advocacy From Home Toolkit.