Here are a few ways to become involved in issues relating to the early care and education of children:

Let state legislators know that you care about better child care licensing standards.

Support a rating system to help parents determine the quality of child care centers.

Become informed about federal and state funding streams for child care and preschool.

Read and understand the studies about how infants’ brains develop.

Join parent support groups.

Connect with all of the young children you have contact with.

• Get down on their level
• Look them in the eye
• Call them by their name
• Speak calmly with a smile
• Listen to them when possible, play and read with them
• Let them know you care about them