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The Ounce National Policy Spotlight - July 2019

Everything Policy Exchange

At the end of June, over 100 attendees, including partners, advocates, and Educare leaders and families, gathered in Chicago for the Ounce’s annual Policy Exchange, a convening that allows for in-depth policy discussions and collaborative learning on a range of topics. Consisting of plenaries and breakout sessions, this year’s Exchange participants explored equity through the theme of “Uniting for Families: Building a Longer Table.”

This edition of the Policy Spotlight includes a collection of highlights from that meeting.

This is advice you want to hear

Helen Blank: Policy Legend

Helen Blank is a pioneer in the early education field. Most recently, she served as director of child care and early learning at the National Women’s Law Center where she authored numerous reports, including an annual report on state child care policies.

As a life-long child and family advocate, Helen shared lessons and wisdom gleaned from almost half a century of advocacy work at this year’s Policy Exchange. She reminded those in the audience to start with a “bold vision and a big ask” and stressed the value of maintaining perspective. Helen also reminded the audience of the importance of not letting their fears define their paths and to maintain an understanding of their goals.

Hear more amazing advice and perspective from this policy legend by watching these videos.

Put these in your advocacy toolkit

Three key resources from the Policy Exchange

Check out these useful resources featured at this year's exchange.

Chicago cost modeling
"Estimating the cost of a high-quality universal preschool system for Chicago"
The Opportunity Atlas
An interactive map that explores which neighborhoods in America offer children the best chance to rise out of poverty.
Colorado workforce survey
The executive summary of a study designed to identify the strengths, gaps, and unmet needs in the early childhood workforce.

These are better than Cliffs Notes!

Big ideas in motion

ANIMATION: Graphic notes of a big conversation

This year’s Policy Exchange featured graphic note taker, Joe Rosshirt, who visually captured the “big ideas” from each session. In line with this year’s theme of “Uniting for Families: Building a Longer Table,” he captured our collective conversations about what this means for our work. From more equitable funding structures to the power of parent voice, these visuals capture the heart of this year’s Policy Exchange.

Click here to see it for yourself!

Mia Birdsong calls us to action

VIDEO: The story we tell about poverty isn't true

Justice cartographer, pathfinder, community curator, and storyteller, Mia Birdsong challenged us to re-examine our history in order to better understand our future. Starting at the basic definition of “citizen” and moving us to the four things that everyone longs for, Mia left us reflective and inspired.

Check out Mia’s TedTalk to learn more about her and her work.

Understanding authentic family engagement

NOTES: Case study of Hope Starts Here

Parents Dion Warr and Kellia Phillips were joined by Camarrah Morgan, network partner at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation to better understand how engaging parents and families enhances policy and program development.

Using the Hope Starts Here initiative in Detroit that re-imagines early childhood partnerships, participants were able to identify key strategies related to authentic and equitable family engagement.

Check out our high-level notes from this session during the Policy Exchange.

You'll want to hear what this early childhood leader has to say

Charlotte Brantley: Policy Legend

Charlotte Brantley is a nationally recognized leader in the field of early childhood education, honing her expertise over a distinguished 40-year career. Fueled by a genuine passion for the well-being of young children, she drove a long-range vision to position Clayton Early Learning as a statewide nucleus with national influence during her tenure as President and CEO. She also served as a founding co-chair of the Educare Policy Workgroup.

At this year’s Policy Exchange, Brantley reflected on the most pressing topics in early childhood education that will increase equitable outcomes for children. Specifically, she elevated our need for increased funding, the purpose for authentically engaging authentic parent and family voice, and the importance of setting priorities. She also offered participants some insight on the meaning of leadership, service, and the advice she’d give emerging leaders.

Click here to watch video of her session at the Policy Exchange.

Make a difference with the Ounce

The National Policy team is hiring!

We are looking to add a policy manager, to our already dynamic team. This role will provide consultation, technical assistance and peer learning opportunities to our state and local early childhood partners. Consultation will involve cross-disciplinary work at the intersection of early learning policy and systems, evidence-based research, and high quality equitable practice.

This position can be housed in the Ounce's Chicago office or 100% remote within the United States.

Click here to learn more about this position and apply today.