Over the summer, a group of graduate students in early childhood policy stepped into the heart of our nation’s capital—and into the heart of policymaking. As part of the Congressional Overview and Early Childhood Policy course, led by Professor Gail Joseph, students spent five packed days in Washington, D.C., gaining first-hand insight into how the federal government shapes the early learning landscape.
From exploring how Congress really works to diving deep into partisanship, the appropriations process, and the intersection of media and politics, students heard directly from former political appointees, policy analysts, and communications strategists. They even had the rare opportunity to observe a bill markup led by Senator Elizabeth Warren and witness a live Senate vote from the gallery—bringing civics to life in real time.
Beyond the Hill, students met with federal staff at the Administration for Children and Families to learn how policy translates into practice, and capped their experience with a visit to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to hear about their federal policy agenda and advocacy priorities.
While a nine-hour airport delay on the return home tested everyone’s stamina, the experience was still highly regarded. More than just a course, this immersive week built community, sparked curiosity, and grounded students in the federal policy systems that shape opportunities for young children, families, and educators.
