The Kids Can’t Wait campaign is a group of early childhood advocates, parents, and providers who have been working to change New York state policy and funding related to Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education services in hopes that children will receive these services as quickly as possible.

Now, it’s launching the Kids Can’t Wait Statewide Parent Advocacy Network. It’s a forum where parents can connect with other parents across New York, hear from experienced parent advocates, and learn how to get involved in legislative advocacy in your communities and at the state capitol in Albany. (See details below.)

A little bit of background: The Kids Can’t Wait campaign was created by The Children’s Agenda, which advocates for effective policies and drive evidence-based solutions for the health, education and success of children. The Children’s Agenda writes on its website that it’s especially committed to children who are vulnerable because of poverty, racism, health inequities and trauma.

Its many important policy priorities include increasing compensation and benefits for the child care workforce; reducing the “harmful impact of exclusionary discipline on children” by limiting suspensions (The Boost has written several pieces about the disproportionate number of suspensions given to children with disabilities, such as this Special Ed ‘Informal Removals’ Update); and increasing equitable access to health care and mental health services for children. You can find its policy priorities here.

Parent Advocacy Launch Details

The launch meeting is Sept. 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. You can register here.

Spanish interpretation services will be available.