Dear Candidate,

It's time we started holding candidates accountable for improving the care and education of our youngest. This developmental chart from Harvard shows why.

Here's an example of a letter you might consider sending. If you need help figuring out who to send it to check here.

Dear Candidate,

I see that you're running for election in 2026. I'm a parent, grandparent, and/or early child care and education professional. Even though brain science has proven that the foundation for every child's learning and success is formed during the first few years of life, we don't have a viable system in place for the care and education of children ages 0-3.

If elected, what, if anything, do you plan to do to improve the early child care and education system in your state or in our country?

How will these improvements help children and families?

Where will the funding for these improvements come from?

What is your timeline for these improvements?

Would you consider visiting an early childhood care and education program as part of your campaign?

Thank you for your consideration of these very important matters. The nation's future depends on it.

Sincerely,

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Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY!  (click on the word) She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.