NAEYC Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C.

Karen Yarbrough and Emily Demsetz with Congressman Mike Quigley at the NAEYC Public Policy Forum

In February, two members of our team, Karen Yarbrough and Emily Demsetz, participated in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Public Policy Forum held in Washington, D.C.

Karen Yarbrough and Emily Demsetz with Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez at the NAEYC Public Policy Forum

They joined several other Illinois colleagues, including Alexandria Taylor—Co-Chair of the Illinois Association for Early Childhood Education (ILAEYC) Public Policy Committee and alumna of UIC’s Alternative Licensure Program—and spent the day meeting with Illinois elected representatives and their staff to educate them about the importance of funding for programs that serve young children and their families. They also shared information about the Smart Start Illinois Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program, which now serves 60+ incumbent early childhood educators working at 9 organizations across the state.

Highlights pictured include meeting with early childhood supporters, Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03).