Are you a parent or caregiver in New York? Do you want to make sure every infant and toddler with developmental delays or disabilities has access to Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education services?
Rochester parent advocates are building momentum for the Kids Can't Wait Campaign's parent movement. We are calling all parents and caregivers in New York State who want to join the fight for children to receive Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education services, when and where they need them.
Why: To bring people together from all parts of the state and build a network of parents who advocate for Early Intervention and Preschool Education.
What: Hear from Kids Can't Wait Parent Ambassadors with lived experience. Learn the importance of parent voice. Be inspired by parent stories. Get activated to join the movement.
Our first VIPs with Carmen Torres at a workshop at Edison Tech high school.
Parents Have Power
For more than a decade, parents have been a guiding force at The Children's Agenda. From helping us prioritize which policies we advocate for to persuading public officials to enact those policies, parents' voices and experiences are a source of expertise.
Parents know what their children are experiencing at home and in school. They know what would help their children thrive. By working together, we can turn private challenges into public issues. By combining lived experience with data, we can speak to policymakers' heads and hearts.
Four years agowe took parent leadership to a new level by hiring a full-time staff member, Carmen Torres, who is dedicated solely to organizing parents and community members.
Since then,we have:
Expanded ourorganizing staff
Recruited50+ parent leadersto our Very Invested Parents (VIP) advocacy group
Taken7 busloadsof parents to Albany to meet with legislators
Brought 3 parent leaders onto ourBoard of Directors
Members of our Very Invested Parents advocacy group meet monthly and engage in action between meetings. Interested in getting involved with the group?Fill out the form by clicking the button below and Carmen Torres will be in touch to welcome you and tell you how to join the next meeting!
Cheryl Wearen, Very Invested Parent (VIP) talking to a parent at East High School while tabling at their Back to School Barbeque and Orientation on August 29th!
Look for us at Community Events!
Staff and Very Invested Parents (VIPs) at The Children's Agenda table at various community events to spread awareness about the issues we are advocating for and share resources for others to take action for kids.
Where you may have seen us lately:
Early Intervention Playdates with Rochester Hearing and Speech Center and Parents Helping Parents
Rochester City Schools- East High School, School 35, School 12
Where you will see us next:
School 33 on September 14th- Special Education Resource Fair
Abraham Lincoln School 22 on September 22nd- Global Day of Service
Gigi's Playhouse on September 29th- Monroe County's Early Intervention Awareness Month Playdate
Memorial Art Gallery on October 6th- Hispanic Heritage Celebration
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