ECS Advocacy: Expanding Opportunities &
Access for Our Communities
ECS and MAAC in Washington, D.C., for NHSA’s Winter Leadership Institute, advocating for early learning, engaging in professional development, and meeting with lawmakers—including visits to the offices of Representatives Darrell E. Issa and Juan Vargas.
What is Advocacy?
Advocacy is the act of championing causes that matter to our communities—amplifying voices, influencing policies, and driving systemic change. At ECS, our advocacy efforts focus on early childhood education and behavioral health, two critical areas where we work to break down barriers and ensure equitable access to essential services.
ECS CEO joins 173 delegates on the San Diego Regional Chamber’s Mission to Washington, D.C.
How We Advocate
ECS actively engages policymakers and community stakeholders to address issues for health and human services programs that transform lives. Our advocacy is strategic, ethical, and community-centered, ensuring that every effort aligns with our goal to empower individuals and strengthen communities.
We engage in a multi-level advocacy strategy, ensuring that our voice is heard where it matters most.
Coalition & Partnership Building: We collaborate with policy experts, service providers, and government agencies to amplify our impact. Through coalitions, we strengthen our efforts and push for collective policy change.
Engaging with Policymakers: We provide subject matter testimony, policy recommendations, and research-driven insights to legislators and decision-makers at the local, state, and federal levels.
Community Empowerment & Awareness: ECS equips communities with the tools they need to advocate for themselves. We facilitate discussions and provide information to inform and inspire action.
Ethical & Nonpartisan Advocacy: We operate with transparency, integrity, and strict adherence to legal guidelines, ensuring that all our efforts align with ECS’ mission, values, and compliance policies.
Advocacy Focus Areas
Early Childhood Education: High-quality early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong success. ECS is committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to nurturing learning environments.
Workforce Support – Address teacher shortages, increase wages, and enhance training programs.
Access & Eligibility – Advocate for expanded preschool slots, improved income eligibility criteria, and inclusive policies.
Funding Streams – Secure direct Head Start funding and resources for therapeutic preschools to provide specialized early interventions.
School District & Community Partnerships – Collaborate with school districts, affordable housing developers, and community organizations to expand services.
Childcare at Military Bases – Support policies that increase childcare options for military families.
Behavioral Health: Access to mental health and substance use disorder services is vital for individual and community well-being. ECS advocates for systemic improvements to ensure that behavioral health services are accessible and effective.
Workforce Development – Tackle staffing shortages, increase pay, and strengthen training pipelines for behavioral health professionals.
Caseload Management – Support policies that reduce caseloads, ensuring quality care and manageable workloads for providers.
CalAIM Reforms – Advocate for necessary changes in California's Medicaid program, particularly in fee-for-service reimbursement and data sharing.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment – Expand access to detox services, withdrawal management, and long-term recovery programs.
Policy Reform & Community Support – Secure funding for child and family mental health services, transitional housing, and expanded behavioral health facilities.
Access to Treatment – Push for initiatives that remove barriers to behavioral health services for underserved communities.
ECS Head Start travels to the Capitol to discuss local and nationwide Head Start issues.