Early Childhood League

Through the generosity of The Grable Foundation and a Remake Learning TOMORROW grant, Trying Together facilitated the Early Childhood League in the Pittsburgh Region.

The League aimed to connect parents, caregivers, and community organizations and empower them to advocate for positive changes in early learning policies that affect them and their children. Members of the League who received training and support from Trying Together staff and other experts.

Participation and Structure

From January through September 2021, members met monthly to discuss communications techniques, community organizing strategies, early childhood education principles and public policy processes. League members connected to existing statewide early childhood policy campaigns including: child care (Start Strong PA); pre-k (Pre-K for PA); and home visiting (Childhood Begins At Home).

Members joined one of the following committees:

• Mobilization Committee: The mobilization committee focused on grassroots policy issues for children and families. They learned about the three ELPA campaigns and community organizing strategies. Their main project focused on forming a call to action campaign. 
• Tool Kit/ Early Intervention Committee: The toolkit committee compiled an Early Intervention Resource Guide to support families with children with developmental concerns.
• Policy Committee: The policy committee developed a policy report that outlined the collective advocacy focus of the ECE League.

Resources

Members of the Early Childhood League created the following  guides for the community:

• Early Childhood League Policy Recommendations – This report highlights short-term and long-term policy recommendations focusing on wages and retention for the ECE workforce.
• Early Intervention Resource Guide – This guide lays out numerous local and national resources that can be utilized by parents, caregivers, educators, and health professionals.