Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2026!
Come together with advocates from across Illinois in Springfield this May to stand up for young children and their families.
On May 13, we were honored to join providers, parents, and advocates from across the state for Early Childhood Advocacy Day. Hundreds gathered in Springfield to urge legislators to invest in young children, families, and the early childhood workforce. The event was presented by Illinois Action for Children, We, the Village Coalition, Start Early, Child Care For All, COFI / POWER-PAC IL, Latino Policy Forum, Raising Illinois, SEIU HCII, United Palatine Coalition, Evanston Early Childhood Council, and Illinois AEYC.
If you participated in person, please share your feedback on your Advocacy Day experience by completing this survey.
You can find more coverage of Early Childhood Advocacy day on News Channel 20 or watch the full recording of the rally.
Check-out our virtual advocacy opportunities and Advocacy Trainings below.
Letter to Your Legislator
In these uncertain times, we recognize that some advocates may not feel comfortable traveling to Springfield this year for Early Childhood Advocacy Day (ECAD). For those who cannot make it to Springfield, or would like to share personal testimony with your legislators, you are invited to submit a “Letter to Your Legislator.”
Click the form below to learn more and share your story.
Advocacy 101 Trainings
As we gear up to gather in Springfield to advocate for early learning and care in Illinois, we’re pleased to present tools & resources to help you get ready! We, the Village, Illinois Action for Children, Latino Policy Forum, and Start Early have designed a virtual Advocacy Training that provides an understanding of state-level advocacy, budget, and the legislative process in Illinois.
