Lifting Educator and Family Voices in Maine

You care deeply about early childhood education. You see how policies affect children, families, and educators every day. But advocacy can still feel intimidating.

Maybe you’ ve thought,“ I don’ t know enough about policy”;“ I’ m not comfortable speaking up publicly”; or“ I wouldn’ t even know where to start.” If this sounds familiar, you’ re exactly the person for whom many NAEYC Affiliates are designing advocacy-focused cohorts and leadership programs to offer

› Supportive, low-pressure spaces to learn › Training in storytelling and communication › Mentorship from experienced advocates

› Opportunities to practice advocacy alongside peers

› Reassurance that their lived experiences matter

Following are some of the programs NAEYC Affiliates are providing.

The Maine AEYC’ s Leadership in Early Childhood Education, Advocacy, and Policy Program( LEaP) intentionally brings educators and families together. LEaP works closely with Maine’ s State Parent Ambassadors, so advocacy isn’ t happening in silos. Educators and families learn side by side, share stories, and lift up the voices of those most directly impacted by early childhood policy.

LEaP also recognizes that there’ s no one“ right” way to advocate. Each participant leaves the program with a personalized advocacy plan that reflects their interests, strengths, and capacities. Whether this means talking with legislators, writing op-eds, or mentoring others, educators have a plan for staying involved and feeling supported in their journeys.

Growing Leaders in Virginia

Northern Virginia AEYC’ s Advocacy Leadership Training Program helps educators build confidence and step into leadership in ways they didn’ t expect. It has grown into a regional cohort, bringing together educators from Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. Educators in this regional advocacy community support each other and grow together. Many past participants now serve as advocacy chairs, Affiliate presidents, and mentors, helping guide the next generation of advocates.

16 Educating Young Children

Spring 2026