This blog is adapted from a piece originally published on the New America website. Please see our follow up blog about a conversation between Elsa Holguin and Dr. Lisa Roy, two early childhood leaders working together in Colorado from a local (Denver) and state perspective.

Some local areas are moving faster than their state governments when it comes to improving early childhood education. So, how can these local efforts inspire changes at the state level?

Local Innovation and State Influence

Local leaders operate within the rules set by their state. The federal government has limited power over early childhood education, so state policies are very important.

The choices made by state governments can either help or hurt local programs. Local leaders need to work with state leaders to make sure their programs benefit children and families. This idea is key for the Early Care and Education (ECE) Implementation Working Group, a group of people who help run local early childhood programs.

It seems unlikely that the federal government will provide more money for early childhood education in the near future. State and local governments must continue to lead the way.

In fact, voters in many areas even decided to raise their own taxes to fund early childhood education, showing how important the issue has become. Families are struggling with the high cost of living and lack of access to affordable child care. It is urgent for state and local leaders to address these problems.

In November 2024, the ECE Implementation Working Group met to look at how early learning policies are different in each state. They also wanted to see how local areas have successfully impacted state policy. They asked:

• How can local leaders influence state and federal policy?
• How can local leaders build systems to help make this happen?
• How can they share their experiences with state policymakers?

Differences in Early Childhood Education Across States

There is often confusion about who is in charge of early childhood education and how it is funded. Responsibilities are shared between federal, state, and local governments. Most early childhood education programs are funded by a mix of these three levels of government. The federal government’s involvement is limited to a few programs. The rules for these programs can vary from one state to another, making the situation complex.

Governance: Each state sets up its early childhood programs differently. Some states have one department overseeing both child care and preschool education. Others separate the responsibilities.

Some states have a single department handling all early childhood services, from child care to home visits. There is no perfect model, but the way a state is organized can affect how local programs interact with the state.

Funding: Over the past 20 years, states have invested more in preschool programs. For example, from 2002 to 2022, the number of 4-year-olds enrolled in state-funded preschool more than doubled. However, federal funding for early childhood education outside of Head Start is limited. This leads to differences in the availability of programs from state to state.

Some states offer universal preschool for all children, and the amount of funding for these programs varies widely. Local communities often add their own funds to help expand early childhood programs.

Policy: State policies can also affect early childhood education programs. States have some flexibility in how they interpret federal rules. Local communities can add their own rules to improve the quality or expand access. Some local programs are separate from state programs, while others are closely tied to them.

How Local Programs Can Shape State Policy

Local areas and states have different needs when it comes to early childhood education. In some states, local programs are pushing forward even when the state is not doing much. For example, Massachusetts has one of the lowest funding rates for preschool. However, Boston has run a successful preschool program for many years.

In New York City, all 4-year-olds have access to preschool. Outside the city, less than half of the state’s 4-year-olds attend. Some cities, like Denver, started their own preschool programs long before the state got involved.

Local leaders often play two roles: policymaker and advocate. They push for changes at the state level while also managing local programs. This is sometimes necessary because state policies may limit what local programs can do. It also allows local programs to test new ideas that could inspire state or even federal policy changes.

Strategies for Influencing State Policy

There is no single way for local leaders to influence state policy, but there are lessons that can be learned from those who have succeeded.

1. Show the relevance to all communities:
   To convince state lawmakers to support new policies, local leaders need to show that the changes will benefit all kinds of communities.
2. Build coalitions:
   Local leaders can work together to strengthen their influence. For example, six cities in Texas formed a group called Early Matters Texas to push for statewide changes. Similarly, a group of preschool initiatives in Ohio meets regularly to share ideas and try to influence state policy.
3. Develop relationships across governments:
   Building good relationships with state officials can make a big difference. The world of early childhood education is often small. Local leaders may have just a few connections to state policymakers. Having a personal relationship can help when it comes time to advocate for changes.
4. Find new supporters:
   In some states, local leaders have had success when business leaders joined the cause. In San Antonio, business leaders helped convince local voters to pass a tax to fund preschool. Bringing in people from different sectors can help amplify the message.
5. Celebrate successes:
   When local and state leaders work together and achieve positive results, it can build public confidence in early childhood programs. Leaders in the ECE Implementation Working Group share how important it is to celebrate victories and work together, even when challenges arise.

Conclusion

Local early childhood programs have a lot to teach state policymakers. By sharing their experiences, building coalitions, and creating good relationships, local leaders can influence state policy and push for better early education for children everywhere.