Advocacy
First Up aims to create a path to help children and their teachers reach their full potential. Our ceaseless advocacy efforts help to increase awareness and funding in both the public and private sectors. There are a number of ways you can join this important work.
ECE Fellowships train engage participants in advocacy skills, offering both English and Spanish speakers the ability to unlock their full leadership potential and ignite change, and immersing them in a powerful learning experience where they dive into the foundational pillars or leadership and advocacy within the early childhood education landscape.
Capitol Days
In concert with other members of the Early Learning PA coalition, First Up regularly travels to Harrisburg to meet with legislators and conduct public visibility events, including rallies in the Capitol rotunda.
Families Have Voices, Too
Families Have Voices, Too is building a community of parents who support each other and work together toward common goals, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual aid. The organization brings people together to engage in advocacy, encouraging policymakers to create and implement laws and regulations that benefit Family Child Care programs. It also educates the public about the importance of early childhood education and the specific role of Family Child Care Programs.
Home-based Child Care Services
Home-based professionals and providers may be interested in our= home-based childcare services:
Resources
If you ‘re ready to get involved, we’re ready to help with toolkits and more. Access resources >
Contact us at publicpolicy@firstup.org or complete the Be An ECE Advocate! form to learn about other ways to engage.
Get involved with our advocacy partners
Southeastern Pennsylvania Early Childhood Coalition (SEPECC)
SEPECC serves as an umbrella of organizations supporting the mission of providing high-quality early childhood services to families. It represents childcare centers, family child care programs, advocacy groups, training agencies, early care support agencies and funders who share the goal of coordinating and increasing public support for early care and education. Volunteers from the early childhood community, with organizational support from First Up, provide leadership for the Coalition.
Meetings occur on one Tuesday. each month. For dates and to register to attend CLICK HERE>
Discover what we’re doing! Click for a recording of our latest meetings or to see meeting slides.
November 25, 2025 (TO COME)
- Recording
- Meeting slides
October 28, 2025
September 30, 2025
Connected young children living in urban neighborhoods to nature and increased the skill level of early childhood educators in using nature-based play to support children’s learning.
Action for Early Learning
Gave providers training, coaching and resources to deliver high-quality care, with the goal of kindergarten readiness and helping children to read at grade level by the end of third grade.
Sign up for the Pre-K for PA campaign to support pre-kindergarten care and education
Start Strong PA.
Sign up for the Start Strong PA campaign to support infant and toddler care and education
Thriving PA.
Thriving PA is a non-partisan statewide campaign with the goal of ensuring each mother and child in PA has the opportunity for affordable, quality health care access.