Local, state, and federal government policies significantly impact how early childhood care and education are funded, provided, and supported. These policies affect the ability of communities to respond to the needs and rights of young children, their families, and the early care and education professionals who interact with them. To ensure policymakers understand the importance of high-quality early care and education, it is critical to educate and engage with them regularly about early childhood access, affordability, and quality policies. A leading advocate for high-quality early care and education and expert policy resource, Trying Together mobilizes its network to advocate together on issues important to early childhood professionals, children, and families in western Pennsylvania. 2019-2020 Trying Together Public Policy Agenda Do What’s Best for Children Advance the use of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) in teaching and learning. Acknowledge child development in setting expectations and responding to behaviors. Make inclusive, diverse, culturally-responsive early childhood environments the norm. Research and Reports Advance Developmentally Appropriate Practice: How Young Children Learn White Paper Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP): A Guide for Parents Advance Developmentally Appropriate Practice: How Young Children Learn Webinar Custom PD: Engaging Young Learners and Addressing Behaviors With DAP ESSA Resource Guide ESSA Feedback End Early Childhood Suspensions and Expulsions White Paper Addressing Suspensions and Expulsions: A Guide for Families Invest Adequately Increase access to high-quality pre-kindergarten (pre-k) programs. Increase access to high-quality infant and toddler care. Elevate the early care and education profession. Research and Reports Child Care Needs Assessment How to Find, Choose, and Pay for High-Quality Child Care: A Guide for Families A Review of Pre-Kindergarten Expansion in U.S. Cities Enhance Quality Ensure continuous high-quality early learning experiences in school districts serving children from birth through grade four. Augment quality in school-age child care and out-of-school time programs. Expand maintenance and availability of data that informs access, affordability, equity, and quality. Research and Reports Kindergarten Transition White Paper Access and Support Download the full 2019-2020 Trying Together Public Policy Agenda here. By signing-on to our Public Policy Agenda, you’ll receive weekly action alerts to advocate on behalf of young children, their families, and the early care and education professionals who interact with them. See our current alert and take action now!
