Early Educators’ Voices: Why and How Did We Co-Design Research That Translates to Systems Change?
Early educators are the backbone of child development and school readiness yet their voices are often missing from the policy decisions that directly impact their professional lives.
This session guided state leaders, agency representatives, and policy stakeholders through a framework for designing and implementing qualitative research that centers the lived experiences of early childhood professionals. Participants learned how to design research that engages early educators as co-investigators; adopt interviews, focus groups, and storytelling methods that value cultural, linguistic, and community context; and translate findings into actionable workforce policy. We heard directly from members of Wisconsin’s early education workforce as they shared their experiences serving as research co-investigators and highlighted their current roles as steering committee members, advocating for equitable policies, and collaborating with state leaders.
Explore More
Stop Talking . . . and Start Walking: Whole Systems That Take Action for Children and Families
Archived Webinar October 21, 2025
Over the course of this Whole Child Whole Family Whole Systems webinar series, we have journeyed together through the many forces that shape the lives of young children and their families: economic stability, maternal health, housing, homelessness, family supports, food security, and environmental conditions.
Pathway to Healing Hubs: A Community Reflection & Action Guide
Planning Tool October 15, 2025
This template is designed to help you co-create a healing hub in your community that centers joy, love, cultural wisdom, and lived experience. Use the space provided to reflect, plan, and dream together.
Hungry for Change: Tackling Food Insecurity and Nutrition Through Systems That Work
Archived Webinar September 22, 2025