February 2026 Newsletter

February 2026

The results of these conversations have shed light on the following priority areas that have been identified as priorities:

1. Early Learning continues to be a top priority in terms of quality, so children are well prepared for kindergarten, and affordability, so more of our parents can pursue work.

    

2. Post-secondary opportunities, both during and after high school, were also identified as important. Expanding access to work-based learning opportunities so our youth can better understand the careers available to them is a top priority.

    

We will continue to explore ways to advocate for common-sense solutions that create opportunities for our youth within the Summit County community.  Our continued support for the Unified Early Learning System partnership, which seeks to improve our early learning ecosystem in Summit County, is one example of how community partners are supporting this priority area.  In addition, SEI is working with our sister organization, Learn to Earn Dayton, to pilot a career-connected learning program in schools here in Summit County. 

In addition, some members of our Summit County Parent Coalition will travel to Columbus in May to participate in the Family Voices at the Statehouse event with Groundwork Ohio. The event will allow families to share their stories with Ohio leaders and network with each other to advocate on behalf of Ohio’s children and families. 

This will be an excellent way to engage our policymakers regarding issues affecting our youth. Take care, and let’s keep our fingers crossed that spring will get here soon.

Sincerely, 

David W. James Ed.D.

Summit Education Initiative (SEI) partners with Advocacy & Communication Solutions (ACS) to help shape and advance our community’s policy priorities. Recently, ACS facilitated a strategic session with our civic leaders focused on early learning and statewide advocacy. During the conversation, leaders explored potential priorities for state-level action, discussed emerging legislative opportunities, and reflected on what issues matter most for children and families in our community.

The session also gauged interest in developing a shared, community-driven policy agenda that aligns local leadership around a clear set of early learning priorities. This work marks an important step in strengthening our collective voice and ensuring our community is positioned to advocate thoughtfully and strategically for policies that expand access, improve quality, and sustain investment in early childhood education.

What do we mean by “policy”?

Influencing public investment at any level of government, in one of three categories, using a variety of policy levers:

1. Advocate for expanded access to high-quality early learning and support policies that strengthen child care, early intervention, and developmental screening.

2. Champion evidence-based literacy efforts, strong preschool-to-kindergarten transitions, and policies that improve attendance and early grade success.

3. Elevate youth voice and support policies that expand student engagement, career pathways, dual credit, and postsecondary readiness.

4. Promote policies that strengthen FAFSA completion, credential attainment, and alignment between education and workforce systems.

5. Sign up for policy updates, connect with your legislators, attend advocacy briefings, and amplify early learning priorities within your network.