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Maria Kristjansson

Rasmussen University
EEC4485 Section 02 Early Childhood Education Advocacy, Research and Policy
Professor Marsha Moore

May 12, 2026

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I have been working with children for the past 14 years, and time after time I see and feel the need of strong advocates to fight for the rights of our little ones.

Every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, deserves access to high-quality education that will set them up for success.

This toll Kit is for educators and families that are passionate about ECE and supporting healthy children's development.

All children deserve loving and nurturing environments to grow in. It is our duty to demand they do so!

That's why, I have made child and family advocacy my mission!

I hope that this Advocacy Tool Kit serves as a road map for passionate new educators and families looking for change.

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1. Advocacy Types

2. Bills and Laws

3. Top-Three Issues

4. ECE Community and Legislators Communication

5. Letter to Legislators -Sample-

6. Calling your Legislator -Guide-

7. Media Partnership -Guide-

8. Community Partnership -Guide-

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1.1 Community Awareness:

To educate the community on relevant issues around ECE disparities, and have them become active participants to be the voice of the little ones that can't speak for themselves.

1.2. Policy Advocacy:

ECE professionals know young children need access to quality care. At the moment high-quality care is being treated as a luxury and not a child's basic right. Moreover, ECE professionals are being treated a babysitters and not professionals that have the ability to shape the future of a child, to help them be successful. ECE professionals need to advocate for change.

1.3. Media Partnership:

Partnering with local media or social media is a great way to reach a broader demographic and share relatable and impactful stories with the community in hopes of creating unity and strong ties.

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According to the article "Overview of the Process: How We Make Laws" (2025), a bill becomes a law through a simple path: it’s introduced, reviewed in committees, debated and voted on by both chambers, and then sent to the Governor for approval or veto.

That being said, it is really important that the community interacts and communicates the struggles they are facing to their state legislators, so they can they can present the problem and summit for a new law or bill.

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3.1. High Turnover:

due to low Salaries/benefits and High burnout rates. ECE professionals are expected to juggle so much when the pay is low, and the benefits are not supportive of their well-being. This this causing a workforce shortage because passionate teachers are walking away from the field at alarming rates.

3.2. Limited Affordability to high-quality Care:

Unfortunately, high-quality care is treated as a luxury and not a child's right. This is why families are left with few options that are not safe, reliable or beneficial for their children's development and overall family stability. Which subsequentially keeping families stuck in a cycle of poverty.

3.3. Lack of Resources:

Lack of government support is the main cause of lack of resources and limited budgets being allocated to ECE and child-family support.

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4. ECE Community and Legislators Communication

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4. ECE Community and Legislators Communication

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I am located in Redmond WA. I am part of District 48 and the state legislators are:

Senator Vandana Slatter
Democrat

Representative Osman Salahuddin
Democrat

Representative Amy Walen
Democrat

Ways to Contact Your Legislators

·       Find your district — Use the “Find Your District” tool to identify your lawmakers before contacting them. District Finder - Washington State Legislature

·       Call the Legislative Hotline — Dial 1‑800‑562‑6000 to leave a message for all three of your district’s legislators at once.

·       Email your legislators — Go to the Legislators page on leg.wa.gov, select your senator or representatives, and use their email form.

·       Submit comments on a bill — On the bill information page, enter the bill number and click “Comment Here” to send your position to all three legislators.

·       Call their direct office numbers — Each legislator has a direct Olympia phone line listed on their profile.

·       Send a letter or postcard — Address it to: Sen. or Rep. [Name], State Legislature, Redmond, WA 98052.

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Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent in your district. I’m writing to share my concerns about [issue/bill number] and to ask for your support in strengthening policies that benefit children, families, and early learning professionals in our community. As someone who works closely with young children and their families, I see firsthand how thoughtful legislation can improve access, stability, and long‑term outcomes.

I hope you will consider my perspective as you review this issue, and I would appreciate the opportunity to stay informed about your position.

Thank you for your time and for your service to our district.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[City or ZIP Code]

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Legislator Call Guide — Read Along

1. Introduce yourself “Hello, my name is ____________________. I live in ZIP ________.”

2. Identify the legislator “I’m a constituent of Senator/Representative ____________________.”

3. State your purpose “I’m calling about ____________________ (bill number or issue).”

4. Share your message “I’d like to ask the legislator to support / oppose this because ____________________.”

5. Add one personal line “In my work/life, I see how this affects our community every day.”

6. Make your request clear “Please share my message with the legislator.”

7. Close the call “Thank you for your time.”

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1. Know your message “One clear point I want people to remember is: __________.”

2. Share a short story “One real example that shows why this matters is: __________.”

3. Contact the right reporter Look for reporters who cover education or community issues.

4. Keep outreach simple “Hi, I have a story that affects families in our community. Are you interested?”

5. Be clear and calm in interviews Stick to your message, keep it short, and stay positive.

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1. Start with one clear message “My main point today is: ____________________.” Use a simple idea people can remember.

2. Share a real example “A story that shows why this matters is: ____________________.” Keep it short and focused on children or families.

3. Explain why the issue affects the community “This impacts our community because ____________________.” Connect it to daily life—work, stability, health, or learning.

4. Offer one action they can take “You can help by ____________________.” Examples: attending an event, contacting legislators, sharing information.

5. Invite questions or conversation “I’m happy to talk more or share resources.”

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Copilot

District Finder. District Finder - Washington State Legislature

Google Images

Overview of the Process: How We Make Laws. (2025). Washington State Legislature. overview-of-process.pdf