Guiding Principles

Because we know that…

• rapid brain development in the first years of a child’s life lays the foundation for all the learning that follows...
• developmentally appropriate practice is key to successful early childhood education...
• nearly 90% of American voters say early childhood educators are important members of their community, on par with nurses and firefighters...  

We believe that…

• every Presidential candidate can share a vision for our country in which all young children learn, thrive and reach their full potential. 
• every Presidential candidate should be able to articulate his or her ideas and plans for making this vision a reality. 
• those ideas and plans, different as they may be, must demonstrate how the candidate, if elected, would expand opportunity, support excellence, and value early childhood educators. 

Expanding Opportunity 

Families support educators and educators support families - but neither can afford the growing costs of accessing and providing high-quality early care and education. How would each candidate bridge the gaps to give more young children the opportunity to participate in high-quality early care and education, beginning at birth?  

Supporting Excellence 

If we sacrifice quality, we sacrifice results. How would each candidate promote excellence in all settings and systems to deliver on the promise of early childhood education? 

Valuing Early Childhood Educators   

Effective early childhood education depends on strong early childhood educators. How would each candidate work to attract and retain highly-qualified professionals?