This meaningful experience brought together Head Start and Early Head Start programs from across California, along with resource partners and early learning advocates, for a day focused on championing the needs of young learners. Participants engaged directly with legislators and elected officials to emphasize the importance of continued investment in early childhood education, including program funding, family services, and teacher support.
ECE parents Annaimee Cox, Silvia Suárez, and Leonardo Hernandez, along with ECE Director Ricardo Rivera, were among those in attendance, representing Baldwin Park Unified and advocating for the continued success of early learning programs. Additional team members included Martha Gonzales, Sergio Cueva, and Blanca Lopez Angulo from the Compliance Team, ECE teacher Marcia Vargas, Family Services Facilitator Yesenia Martin, and Public Information Officer Erika Sanchez.
Throughout the day, BPUSD representatives collaborated with peers from across the state, strengthened partnerships, and participated in advocacy efforts, including creating posters and joining a march to raise awareness. The group had the opportunity to meet with Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, who welcomed the team into her office for a conversation centered on Baldwin Park and the impact of ECE programs in the community. The team also met with additional legislative representatives to further share their perspectives and experiences.
The trip also highlighted the powerful role of parent voice in early education. Silvia Suárez, a mother of five BPUSD students and proud ECE parent, currently serves as the Policy Council Treasurer. Now in her third year on the council, Suárez shared that this was her second time attending Advocacy Day.
When asked what she was most looking forward to, Suárez expressed her desire to “continue learning and growing.” After taking a brief break from the council following the birth of her youngest child, she recently returned, motivated by her passion for involvement and advocacy. She shared that she values being informed and appreciates how parent voice can make a meaningful difference in shaping programs and opportunities for children.
Suárez also credited BPUSD’s ECE program for supporting her journey through motherhood and helping guide her understanding of the essential foundations of early learning for her children. Through experiences like Advocacy Day, she hopes to continue expanding her involvement and is interested in serving on additional committees and leadership roles in the future.
The visit concluded with a time of reflection, as staff and parents discussed ways to continue strengthening community connections and expanding outreach to families.
Photos
The ECE team and parents pose for a photo in front of the State Capital building with their advocacy posters.
The ECE team and parents pose for a photo at the 2026 Advocacy Training.
ECE team and parents pose for a photo with California Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio
ECE parents from left to right Silvia Suárez, Annaimee Cox, and Leonardo Hernandez.
Visit BPUSD social media to see additional photos.