Earlier this year, hundreds of early childhood educators and ECE professionals from around the country gathered in Washington, D. C. to share knowledge and strengthen advocacy skills to better influence and shape early childhood education across the nation. Hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the annual NAEYC Advocacy conference invites experts to share their stories from the ECE field to help show policy makers the importance of ECE support for young learners.  

This year, we are proud that our very own Krista Sipherd, Center Director for Kid’s Country in Monroe, Washington, was one of the panelists at the conference. We sat down with her to discuss her big takeaways from the powerful event in our nation’s capital.  

What inspired you to attend the NAEYC Advocacy Conference?  

I was driven by the deep professional and wage disparities that early childhood educators continue to face. Despite being highly educated and bringing years of experience to their work, many of our teachers are still viewed and treated as babysitters. However, I have started to see a shift in how our profession is being recognized, and that momentum inspired me to step forward and be part of the change. I attended the forum to advocate for higher wages, increased professional respect, and greater autonomy for educators. Especially those who are in the classrooms doing important work every day. 

What was the most surprising thing you learned?  

I was struck by how powerful our field truly is, and how often that power is misunderstood. I met people who genuinely didn’t understand the value of early childhood education. Some even compared our work to a grandparent casually watching the kids while the parents are away. It was eye-opening to realize just how much work remains to elevate public understanding of what we do.  

On the flip side, one of the most memorable moments was meeting with Senator Maria Cantwell. She was especially interested in the University of Washington’s research on how an infant’s brain responds to a caregiver’s voice. She said something that really stayed with me: “The work you do is literally building the brains of the future.” 

Were there any challenges/problems you’ve been facing as a CD that were answered (even partially) at the conference?  

One challenge is the disconnect between licensing regulations and the expertise of ECE professionals. Decisions affecting classrooms are often made by departments focused on building codes rather than education, which can feel arbitrary and discouraging. Especially when classroom design and ratios are set without input from the educators who do the work every day. This can unintentionally diminish the professionalism of our field and overlook the thoughtful, evidence-based practices we already have in place.  

Early childhood educators are highly trained, deeply experienced, and have collaboratively created inclusive, equitable standards for high-quality care and learning. These standards should be the basis for policies written into the Washington Administrative Codes (WACs). I was heartened to hear that when I met with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene’s team, she is interested in shifting decision-making power back to the professionals in the field. That kind of trust and recognition is essential if we want to see real progress.  

You mentioned meeting with Congresswoman DelBene—were there any other moving interactions with policymakers during the forum?  

Yes, we had a powerful conversation with Senator Patty Murray. We discussed the urgent need to articulate college-level courses that early childhood educators have already completed into recognized degree pathways. Many providers have done extensive coursework, often equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, but because there’s no unified system, their efforts aren’t reflected in formal credentials. 

This issue disproportionately affects educators of color and immigrants, many of whom bring rich experience and education from diverse backgrounds that go unrecognized. Creating clear pathways for degree completion would not only honor the dedication of our workforce but also elevate public perception of the profession. 

There is real momentum to make these changes, and I left the conference feeling hopeful and more determined than ever. 

What was your favorite panel or presentation?  

My favorite presentation followed a screening of the documentary Make A Circle by Jen Bradwell. The panel featured the filmmaker, the CEO of NAEYC, and other influential leaders in the field. They spoke honestly about the current challenges in early childhood education. How families are struggling to afford care, while educators face unlivable wages that are driving some of our most talented teachers out of the profession. 

What made the panel so powerful was its hopeful tone. They highlighted the inspiring work being done across the country to change this trajectory and emphasized that each of us has a role in shaping that future. I walked away feeling empowered, like I could be part of the movement to transform early childhood education, too. 

It was uplifting to hear these leaders speak with such clarity and vision. They painted a future where early educators are paid what they are worth, and where all families, regardless of income, race, or social status, have access to high-quality early learning. If we continue moving forward together, we can help shift public policy to reflect the true value of our work. 

Early Learning Academies is proud of Krista’s passionate advocacy for ECE professionals who make a difference in early childhood education. To learn more about what we stand for, read our mission. Want to learn more? Check out these resources:  

Learn more about NAEYC’s Advocacy Conference 

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