Kids Can't Wait NYS Campaign

10/14/2026

Last session is tonight at 6:30 PM on Zoom! ALL ARE WELCOME!!

Don’t forget to register to receive the Zoom link: https://secure.everyaction.com/PmJxKnQRfkKPMowF0id_fw2

10/08/2026

Are you ready to kick off the Kids Can’t Wait Campaign with the us?! The first session is next Tuesday, October 13th! Don’t forget to register to receive the Zoom link: https://secure.everyaction.com/PmJxKnQRfkKPMowF0id_fw2

90% of our brain is fully developed by age five. Early childhood developmental services help kids thrive!

In our state, infants and toddlers who need services like Early Intervention are on waitlists. How can we work together to create change?

We are bringing together parents, caregivers, providers, educators, and advocates, to plan strategies and tactics for the next 3-5 years of the Kids Can't Wait Campaign - let's build the blueprint for our babies!

Whether you are new to Kids Can't Wait or have been involved for years, ALL are welcome to join us for our annual Kids Can't Wait campaign kick-off event!!
💻This event is VIRTUAL - you will receive the Zoom link in your email when you register!
🌐Spanish Interpretation services will be available!

Register at: https://secure.everyaction.com/PmJxKnQRfkKPMowF0id_fw2

10/08/2026

¡Habrá servicio de interpretación al español! ¡Inscríbete y comparte esta información para que podamos hacer de Nueva York un lugar mejor para nuestros bebés que necesitan servicios de desarrollo temprano! https://secure.everyaction.com/PmJxKnQRfkKPMowF0id_fw2

El 90 % de nuestro cerebro está completamente desarrollado a los cinco años. ¡Los servicios de desarrollo para la primera infancia ayudan a los niños a prosperar!

En nuestro estado, los bebés y niños pequeños que necesitan servicios como la Intervención Temprana están en listas de espera. ¿Cómo podemos trabajar juntos para generar un cambio?

Estamos reuniendo a padres, cuidadores, proveedores de servicios, educadores y defensores para planear estrategias y tácticas para los próximos 3 a 5 años de la campaña Los niños no pueden esperar (Kids Can't Wait): ¡construyamos el plan para nuestros bebés!

Ya sea que seas nuevo en Kids Can't Wait o que hayas participado durante años, ¡TODOS están invitados a acompañarnos en nuestro evento anual de lanzamiento de la campaña Kids Can't Wait!!

💻Este evento es VIRTUAL: ¡recibirás el enlace de Zoom en tu correo electrónico al registrarte!
🌐¡Habrá servicios de interpretación al español disponibles!

Regístrate en: https://secure.everyaction.com/PmJxKnQRfkKPMowF0id_fw2

09/30/2026

Changes to Head Start Performance Standards will be devasting for children experiencing homelessness

Relying on state licensing standards will grow class sizes, allow for less qualified teachers, remove limits on expulsion, eliminate multilingual learning, substantially reduce health screening while also making it substantially harder for homeless families to access services.

Your voice counts! Join us in submitting comments to oppose these changes - visit our website for templates and to learn more: https://horizonschildren.org/general/a-proposed-federal-rule-threatens-head-start/

09/30/2026

One week left: tell your representatives to speak up for Head Start.

On August 7, the White House released a proposed rule (NPRM) that would change the standards governing Head Start. The proposal could increase classroom sizes, lower teacher qualification standards, weaken protections and supports for children with disabilities, and add paperwork barriers for families experiencing homelessness. These are not abstract regulatory changes. They affect real children, families, and communities.

In New York, Head Start and Early Head Start serve nearly 40,000 children. In many rural communities, it's one of the few dependable early learning options there is.

Public comment closes October 6th. Contact your federal representatives and urge them to weigh in. Everyone's voice is needed in protecting Head Start: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/urge-congress-to-speak-up-for-head-start

Want help submitting a comment? Join Liftoff's webinar tomorrow, September 30th: https://actionnetwork.org/events/head-start-in-the-headlines?source=direct_link&

09/30/2026

Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve nearly 40,000 children in New York State! These programs need to be protected!

Contact your representatives in Congress TODAY and urge them to submit comment on the Head Start proposed rule changes before the deadline of October 6th! You can send your letter at https://actionnetwork.org/letters/urge-congress-to-speak-up-for-head-start?source=direct_link&

Liftoff WNY

✨ For six decades, the Head Start program has helped children and families build strong foundations for success through early learning, health screenings, and family support.

In New York, nearly 40,000 children and families participate in Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the state. More than 4,000 children in western New York are enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start.

Changes proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services could significantly affect the Head Start model.

Read The Buffalo News op-ed by Mary Jo Hunt, Executive Director of the James H. Cummings Foundation and a Liftoff WNY Steering Committee member, to understand why.

🎁 🔗 Gift link: https://buffalonews.com/opinion/article_168d0f6e-3891-4086-a32a-c1f23b233e86.html?gift=1&gift_token=dfcaac46-c100-4ffc-8f9f-98e03cbd5d43

📣 If you’re concerned about the proposed federal changes, we encourage you to submit a public comment. Public comments are open through October 6 at regulations.gov under Federal Register document 2026-16134.

09/30/2026

Rochester's Democratic delegation to the state Assembly is providing $250,000 to pay for the study.

09/29/2026

check this out! 🙌🏽🤩

09/14/2026

Our next Kids Can't Wait Statewide Parent Network meeting is this Wednesday, September 16th at 6:30PM on Zoom!! We will be hosting a workshop to learn how policy impacts families and how parents can impact policy change by breaking down issues into policy solutions and identifying decisionmakers.

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/R6YbVNVOSYmMFckJYH3qCA