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Presented by Anne Broussard and Melinda Felice

Mobilizing On-The-Floor Teachers, Providers and Parents as a Voting Bloc for Children

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Topics to be addressedWhat is CSEE? What we do and what

our experiences have taught us? Why is it important to “vote for

children”?Why is it important to encourage

others’ engagement?How to we encourage and inspire fellow

providers and the parents they serve to be engaged?

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What are CSEE and CSEE PAC? CSEE: is a broad-

based coalition, founded in 1986, that actively engages in public policy, advocacy, and public education campaigns, so all California's children have access to quality early education.

CSEE Political Action Committee: CSEE PAC, a CSEE subcommittee, develops and supports lawmakers who understand the benefit of quality early education.

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What do CSEE and CSEE PAC do? CSEE:

Funds voter education, registration and engagement activities

Works with community-based organizations to build an voting bloc of parents and providers for early education

Builds public awareness around the importance of ECE in the political dialogue

CSEE Political Action Committee:

Donates directly to candidates with early education on their political platforms

Surveys and interviews candidates on their stand on early care and ed.

Develops champions for children in the legislature

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Teachers and Parents as Advocates You DON’T have to:

Know every issue or candidate or go to a rally every week

“Bother” people with “personal issues” Pressure people into anything Give money (although small contributions do make a

real difference!!)

You SHOULD: Tell people what you do and why Talk about the Return on Investment (ROI) of ECE Talk about how high quality ECE helps “parent earn

while children learn” VOTE!

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How to get Teachers Involved Facilitate conversations between staff on

LOCAL election issues Make available in a resource area:

Articles and research on ECE Information on any candidate or bill that mentions ECE Voter registration cards Buttons and ribbons

Post reminders of upcoming elections Encourage dialogue

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How to get Parents Involved Voter Registration card in your Enrollment Packet Make Voter Registration and election reminders

available in a resource area Develop button or ribbon to give to parents to take to

work – “I’m here because of my child care provider” If relevant, talk to parents about recent state budget

changes and what it has meant to your program Remind parents of the research on child outcomes in K-

12 and beyond after ECE

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The MESSAGE: #1 Effective Education Funding Our society is founded, in part, on the belief

that ALL children deserve a free public education

Over 90% of brain development happens before age 5

Yet, we don’t fund education until age 5! Effective education means EARLY education

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The MESSAGE: #2 Early care and education benefits ALL of society The K-12 system receives children who are:

Ready to learn, with pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills Have already received services – language development,

early intervention, developmental screenings These translate to BIG savings in K-12 education dollars

Employers receive: Employees who are more reliable and productive A future workforce with soft skills they will need to be good

employees The community receives high Returns on Investments

through: Lower drop-out and crime rates A decrease in future welfare and

other social service costs, etc.

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The MESSAGE: #3 We are the 90%! Very Low Income families qualify for Head Start or

State Preschool Higher income families can afford quality care Middle Class Families Deserve Support too!

As earnings have stagnated, but costs have continued to rise, Middle Class Families are less able to afford quality early care and education.

We CAN fight for Universal Preschool!

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Activities If your agency has a parent resource library:

Does it support your agency’s belief in supporting ECE?

Does it facilitate parents learning about including ECE in public investments?

Does it encourage VOTING?

Make or purchase buttons or ribbons Does your agency “table” at community fairs?

Take Voter Registration cards along with your resources

Distribute parent buttons or ribbons to take to work

Be a Polling Place

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Activities If your agency has a parent resource library:

Does it support your agency’s belief in supporting ECE? Does it facilitate parents learning about including ECE in

public investments? Does it encourage VOTING?

Does your agency “table” at community fairs? Take Voter Registration cards Distribute parent buttons or ribbons to take to work

Be a Polling Place

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Activities Hold a Voter Registration Drive Invite your City Council Member and County

Supervisor Have them tour the facility Offer to host a Press Release

Hold a Candidate Forum Be sure to invite ALL candidates for any one race Ask them to fill out a simple Questionnaire about

their views on ECE (template available at www.csee.us)

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Other Thoughts Keep conversations non-partisan Do not indicate direct support of individual

candidates On Your Own Time:

CALL! Elected officials rarely hear from the public anymore, call or email a simple statement of support or opposition to a bill, budget or idea. It’s EASY!

Volunteer: if you hear of a local or state candidate you know to be a strong supporter for ECE, donate two hours to make calls or distribute materials

Be Aware and Share!

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Final thoughts Questions and

comments Doable? Require work? Achievable results?

Melinda Felicemelindafelice@gmail.com

Anne Broussardbroussardanne@aol.com

www.csee.us

We Can Do It!