On Advocacy
Amy Warzybok
Amy has her M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University and her B.S. in Business from the University of Minnesota. Amy taught preschool using a Reggio Emilia approach, managed family, preschool and camp programs in nature and environmental centers and was an adjunct professor in child development. She is currently Director of the Dodge Nature Preschool in West Saint Paul.
In spring 2024, I first laid eyes on Draft One of the revised Minnesota Family and Center Based Child Care Licensing Regulations. I was overwhelmed and concerned about the impact these new regulations could have on child care programs and families across our state. I had a basic understanding of Minnesota’s government but didn’t know how to effectively advocate for my and other programs' needs or share the impact these new regulations could have on our state’s childcare programs.
I spent the 2024-2025 school year participating in the Child Care Advocates Ready to Emerge (C.A.R.E.) Fellowship program to deepen my understanding of the Minnesota Legislature and learn how to better advocate for children, families and providers. Draft Two of the Licensing Regulations was released this year. I partnered with provider groups, including Minnesota Early Childhood Outdoors, and this group, the Reggio-Inspired Network of Minnesota, to provide feedback. I also met with my local legislator, Mary Frances Clardy, to share concerns and hopes for these updates.
This month, I hosted a site visit for Diane Hualcy and Randy Keys from the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families. They have been visiting child care sites around the state to learn more about the needs of programs and the impacts licensing regulations can have on providers. They shared that Draft Three is currently being written based on the feedback programs have shared during the listening sessions, surveys and more.
If you have concerns about the new licensing regulations or other items being discussed in legislation, reach out to your local legislators to inform them about the issue and the impact it will have on your community. Learn who represents you and how to get in touch with them.
For more information on advocacy work for child care and families in Minnesota, here are some great resources:
