NAFCC August Advocacy in Action 2024

Join Us for August Advocacy in Action!

The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) is excited to introduce “August Advocacy in Action,” beginning August 12. This important period is dedicated to amplifying awareness and pushing for vital federal actions and policy changes within the family child care sector.

Why August Advocacy Matters

The primary goal of ‘August Advocacy in Action‘ is to advocate for increased and sustained investment in the childcare sector, including support for in-home family child care, pushing for the passage of $16 billion in emergency supplemental funds, and strengthening the child care and adult care food program (CACFP), including meeting the needs of home-based educators by increasing reimbursements and eliminating tiering.These efforts are vital for addressing several needs in the sector:

Affordable Care for Families: We must ensure that child care remains accessible and affordable for families across various income levels and communities.
Stabilizing Providers and Programs: Supporting small businesses in the child care sector is essential for maintaining economic stability and fostering growth.
Financial Sustainability: Properly enrolling child care programs is crucial for their long-term financial health and operational success.
Fair Compensation for Providers: It’s imperative to ensure that child care providers receive fair compensation for the essential services they offer.

The National Survey of Early Care and Education (NSECE) shows that one million child care providers care for three million children in home-based settings. Without this vital funding, many small child care businesses might close, forcing parents out of work and causing wider problems for families, education, and the economy.

How You Can Make a Difference

Your involvement is crucial to the success of this advocacy campaign. Here’s how you can contribute:

Find Your Congressional Delegate:

Find Your Congressional Delegate: Head to the NAFCC Action Center and enter your name and address to locate your Congressional representatives.
Write a Letter to Congress: Use our provided template to draft a letter to your Congressional representatives. Share your personal experiences as a family child care provider and emphasize why these policy changes are essential. Personal stories can be powerful tools for effecting change.
Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your local community and network. The more people are aware, the stronger our collective voice becomes in advocating for these crucial changes.
Act Now: Visit our Act Now website to take immediate steps in supporting policy reforms that will benefit family child care providers.

By uniting in our efforts and advocating for these necessary changes, we can ensure a brighter future for family child care providers, the children they nurture, and the families who depend on their services.
Throughout the month of August, FCC educators will participate in events in West Virginia, California, Ohio, Connecticut, Missouri, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

Join us in making a difference during “August Advocacy Days in Action” and help shape the future of child care for generations to come, and if you’re not a member of NAFCC, we invite you to become a member today.