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.
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.
Support Our Efforts
Advocacy is most effective when communities come together. Join us in championing policies that strengthen early childhood education and behavioral health, ensuring that vital programs remain accessible to those who need them most. ECS works to protect and expand services for children, families, and individuals, but lasting change requires collective action.
TAKE ACTION by staying informed, subscribing to our newsletter, responding to advocacy calls, and using your voice and vote to create meaningful change.
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.
Current Initiatives
Protecting Head Start for San Diego Families
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For nearly 60 years, Head Start has provided early education, family support, and essential services to low-income families. ECS serves over 5,000 children and families across 17 locations in San Diego, ensuring children have access to the resources they need to thrive.
However, Head Start funding is not guaranteed. Policy changes and shifting federal priorities can put this essential program at risk. While recent decisions have maintained funding for now, continued advocacy is critical to ensure Head Start remains available for future generations.
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ECS is actively working to protect Head Start funding. CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons, Director of Early Education Rosa Cabrera, and our Head Start team regularly engage with lawmakers to highlight the program’s impact. They recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for the National Head Start Association’s Winter Leadership Institute, meeting with staff of members of Congress to emphasize the urgent need for stable, long-term funding.
To ensure ECS supporters stay informed and engaged, we implemented a robust communication plan to keep you informed and mobilized. ECS is working to protect and expand access to early childhood education for generations to come.
Read our Addressing the Potential Federal Funding Pause blog to learn more. -
Support Head Start by contacting your members of Congress. A short email can help protect funding for this vital program.
Send a brief email expressing your support
Share why Head Start matters to you
Include your name and ZIP code to show you are a constituent
Your voice makes a difference. Contact your representatives today and share our blog to spread awareness. Learn more at ecsheadstart.org.
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.
Current Initiatives
Supporting Immigrant Communities
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The commendable decline in smoking rates has decreased tobacco tax revenues, a vital funding source for ECS Para Las Familias (PLF) and other behavioral health programs. PLF provides indispensable services to low-income children and families, essential for their development and well-being.
As these funding sources dwindle, finding sustainable alternatives to support these critical programs becomes increasingly urgent.
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Contact Governor Gavin Newsom’s office to advocate for the maintenance and expansion of subsidized childcare slots.
ECS CEO joins 173 delegates on the San Diego Regional Chamber’s Mission to Washington, D.C.
Learn More About ECS’ Advocacy Work
Passionate about policy and social justice? Interested in learning more about our advocacy efforts? Be a voice for change and discover how ECS is shaping policies that make a lasting impact. Email us today!
ECS Head Start travels to the Capitol to discuss local and nationwide Head Start issues.