Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2026

On May 13, we were honored to join providers, parents, and advocates from across the state for Early Childhood Advocacy Day (ECAD). Hundreds gathered in Springfield to urge legislators to invest in young children, families, and the early childhood workforce.

The event was presented by Illinois Action for Children, We, the Village Coalition, Start Early, Child Care For All, COFI / POWER-PAC IL, Latino Policy Forum, Raising Illinois, SEIU HCII, United Palatine Coalition, Evanston Early Childhood Council, and Illinois AEYC.

Watch the ECAD 2026 Rally Livestream

Advocacy 101 Trainings

We, the Village and Illinois Action for Children have designed a virtual Advocacy Training that will provide you with an understanding of state-level advocacy, budget, and the legislative process in Illinois.

 

Watch the English Training VideoWatch the Spanish Training Video

 

Advocates walking to the capitol at Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2026
Speaker at the rally for Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2026

Write to Your Legislator

If you would like to share personal testimony with your legislators, please submit a “Letter to Your Legislator.”

Click the form below to learn more and share your story.

Relive the inspiring moments from this year’s Advocacy Day!

Explore photos capturing passionate voices, engaging discussions, and the collective effort to champion early childhood education.

Speaker during the rally for ECAD 2026

Contact Us!

Connect with our Public Policy and Advocacy Team.

For more information and questions, please contact:

advocacy@actforchildren.org
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