Government plays a vital role in supporting early childhood systems, but this is a work that cannot be done in silos. Collaboration across city, county & state is crucial to improve outcomes and rebuild our systems so that all young children & their families have the opportunities to prosper and be who they are meant to be.

On April 22, 2021, NLC hosted a webinar that explored policy and practice opportunities to improve collaboration, alignment and advocacy beyond the city limits, with a look at state, county and local systems within the current political landscape. This webinar is part of NLC’s Municipal Policy 101 webinar series, which delves into key components of municipal policy and early childhood systems building for leaders so that they can feel empowered to place the welfare of young children and families at the heart of policymaking.

Panelists included:

  • Sandra J Simon, Director of Special Projects & Education Initiatives, Mayor’s Office, City of Rochester
  • Rebekah Dorman, PhD, Director, Invest in Children, Cuyahoga County Office of Early Childhood
  • Melissa Mincic, National Conference of State Legislatures
  • Spencer Wagner, Senior Specialist, Center for City Solutions, Local Democracy, National League of Cities
  • Moderator, Nancy Lim, Program Director, Early Childhood Success, Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, NLC