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.
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Where We Stand on Head Start
Blog August 18, 2026
For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality child care, comprehensive services, and a two-generation approach that helps families furthest from opportunity access early learning, development, health, and family well-being supports.
Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying
Research August 18, 2026
Over the past few months, HHS has advanced two related sets of proposed changes to Head Start. National, state, and local partners across the early childhood field have raised serious concerns about both. This document is a summary of what our partners are saying, followed by concrete actions and resources for you and your organization. The content reflects our partners' own statements and comments — we agree with what they've said and are sharing it here with full source attribution.
Connecting the Dots: Holistic Help for Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness
Blog July 27, 2026
At a time when marginalized populations are more vulnerable than ever, it’s inspiring to hear from individuals who have prevailed over dire circumstances. Their stories give us hope. The formerly homeless single mothers spotlighted here are resolute and resourceful. But they’d be the first to say that they likely wouldn’t be where they are today without the supports they received along the way.