Congratulations to our own Brigit Hurley, Chief Program Officer, for her appointment by Governor Kathy Hochul to the NYS Early Childhood Advisory Council! The Children's Agenda has had a seat at this table for many years, and we're delighted to continue partnering with key policymakers to make progress for our youngest New Yorkers.

On Thursday, August 21st, we stood with Congressman Joe Morelle and our colleagues at ROC the Future Alliance, Action for a Better Community, Inc., and Ibero American Action League to push Congress to at least hold steady – or better yet increase – funding for early childhood care and education in Congress' upcoming appropriations bill. 

90% of a child’s brain develops by age 5. Infants and toddlers under 5 are a little over 5% of our population but they are 100% of our future. And that future is endangered if Congress fails to at least hold current investments in early care and education steady, if not increase investments in two areas: 

•  Child care, including Head Start

•  Early intervention and preschool special education services 

Both of these pillars of early child care and education are proven, effective supports for children and their parents, especially the most vulnerable and most at risk – from rural communities to urban neighborhoods. These programs ensure the successful development of our children’s health, education and well-being for lifelong thriving. 

Budgets are moral documents. Children and families deserve the strongest early care and education supports possible.

Please join us in writing to express deep concern about the impact of the current federal administration's proposed changes to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding on Preschool Special Education and Early Intervention.

Take action now! 

Are you a parent or caregiver who is interested in taking a more active role in advocating with the Kids Can't Wait campaign? 

Join us for a Parent and Caregiver Leadership Training session on September 4th from 6:30-8:00pm online!

Sign up here. 

📅 Monday, September 22nd from 5-7pm

📍Ibero Community Resource Center, 216 Clifford Ave, Rochester

We need a high-quality child care system that is accessible, affordable, and pays workers a livable wage. Join parents, providers, advocates, and community leaders for a powerful convening to learn, connect, and take action.

We'll hear directly from those most impacted and build momentum for change heading into County budget season. Through an interactive session, lived experience testimonies, and taking action, you'll leave with the tools, connections, and clarity to make your voice heard and demand investment in child care.

Register today! 

Child care workers are the backbone of our economy, yet many are paid poverty-level wages. 

It’s time for New York to invest in fair compensation so that this essential workforce can thrive, not just survive. 

💥 Learn how you can help and raise your voice: https://empirestatechildcare.org/support-the-child-care-workforce/

We were excited to host our Parent Café on August 12th at the Neighborhood HUB. With 28 parents in attendance, the evening was engaging, productive, and truly inspiring. Carmen Torres, Parent Leadership Manager, shared this:

"This Café was a beautiful reflection of our mission of Parent Liberation in action. Together, we demonstrated the power of the parent voice — not just as a means of expression, but as a strategy for transformation in our communities and systems. Parents shared openly, listened deeply, and explored what it truly means to advocate for their children and for one another. The atmosphere was electric, and the energy in the room was so high that time seemed to fly by.

As we look ahead, we are filled with excitement and hope for the future of our parent leadership journey. We will continue to grow, organize, and lead — because when parents are empowered, real change happens."

Many thanks to the Greater Rochester Health Foundation and ROC the Future for their partnership in putting on this event and for their commitment to children and families. 

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Did you know that just $20/month allows us to send an action alert — like our Kids Can't Wait action above — to over 5,000 community members? Action alerts are a powerful tool to get the attention of policymakers and build pressure for positive change. 
 
Become a Change Maker for Children today and help create meaningful change. 
 
You CAN make a difference.