As Early Head Start community members and advocates for children and families, we know you help make this bright future possible. But insufficient funding means Early Head Start is only able to serve 11% of eligible infants, toddlers, and families.
Now is the time for Early Head Start advocacy to increase funding, expand access, and make sure all families have the wraparound support they need during the most critical years of a child’s development. NHSA's data-backed communications toolkit supports communication with policymakers, policy influencers, the business community, your partners, and families about the impact of Early Head Start on your community and on our nation.
Advocacy Case Study
When you share a story, people are more likely to see your point of view. Real-world examples are proven to make information and statistics more easily understood, and as a result, more compelling. This case study template and example will help you focus your storytelling, ensuring your stories are impactful.
Social Media Guide
Social media is a critical tool not only to share information, but also to garner interest in and support for specific initiatives. Use NHSA's Early Head Start Rising social advocacy tips to maximize your digital efforts.
Recorded Training
Watch this in-depth recorded training to learn the key messages that resonate with policymakers and influencers, and run through the various resources available to you through the Early Head Start Rising! Advocacy Toolkit.
Early Head Start Advocacy Talking Points
Policymakers & Influencers
For policy influencers and policymakers, combining brain development with a sense of urgency is key. Messages related to issues they care about—lower birth rates or identifying developmental delays early—round out the case.
Parents & Families
Healthy brain development is important to parents and families, as is the social-emotional development that happens most during a child’s earliest years. Caregivers recognize the value of helping their children learn and grow new skills.
Nonprofits & Organizations
Partners are a critical resource for disseminating information. Their membership, advocacy wings, and connections are all avenues to help share your message, alongside their own research-based information.
Business Community
The business community cares about the workforce of today and building a strong, lasting workforce for tomorrow. Business leaders recognize the critical role families play to keep our economy going and our nation thriving.
More Early Head Start Advocacy Resources
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Head Start Town Hall Toolkit
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