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Immigrants are essential to the care workforce, making up 20% of child care workers, including 26% of center-based child care providers and early educators, and 23% of preschool teachers, according to the Center for Law and Social Policy.

Read the full article on StatePoint Media here.

Note: this article was published by media outlets nationwide.

The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) submitted a comment opposing the Department of Homeland Security’s proposal to rescind the 2022 public charge regulations without replacement. The proposed rule would intensify fear and confusion by failing to replace the 2022 regulations with clear standards or guidance. Instead, DHS signals that it may reinterpret public charge in the future. Without clear guidelines on what benefits may be considered, the proposal would trigger a renewed chilling effect, discouraging immigrant families from accessing essential health, nutrition, and housing supports. This would increase poverty, hunger, poor health, and housing instability, particularly for children, including U.S. citizen children. The proposal would also harm states, localities, and child-serving providers by undermining participation in programs designed to support economic stability and security. CLASP urges the Department of Homeland Security to withdraw the proposed regulation in its entirety and maintain the 2022 public charge regulations currently in effect.

Read Comment Here

One hundred, ninety organizations concerned with the well-being of children submitted a public comment to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opposing a proposed rule that would provide the agency discretion to deny green cards based on factors such as an applicant’s health or use of any federal health or social services program.

Read Comments Here

By Shira Small, Rachel Wilensky, and Stephanie Schmit

Since taking office on January 20, the Trump Administration has repeatedly undermined families’ access to child care and early education—disproportionately harming families with low incomes and families of color—by forcing Head Start closures; sowing fear and uncertainty among children and families, particularly immigrants; and weakening the federal agencies that support early childhood programs. CLASP’s new fact sheet documents these actions, outlines efforts to defend critical programs, and makes clear the urgent need to protect providers, children, and families from further harm.

➲ EXPLORE FACT SHEET 

By Madeline Mitchell

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Suma Setty, senior immigration policy analyst for The Center for Law and Social Policy, a nonprofit policy think tank in Washington, D.C., says child care providers have also lost some of their workers with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) “because of fears of immigration enforcement.” DACA is a government program that allows for work authorization and puts a temporary hold on deportation for those who were brought into the country illegally as children.

Read the full article in USA Today here.

Note: This article was republished by scores of media outlets across the country.

By Monica Potts

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But the two biggest factors coming into play that are hitting families especially hard heading into the new year are the costs of childcare and health care, said Ashley Burnside, a senior policy analyst at the Center for Law and Social Policy, or CLASP. “We can’t talk about affordability in this moment without naming the huge health care costs that families are now facing because of the expiration of the premium tax credits,” she said.

…

Lorena Roque, associate director for labor policy at CLASP, said she sees data showing that a lot of families are taking on two or more jobs just to make ends meet. But even that might no longer provide a full picture of who is struggling because the administration has been hostile to the kinds of data-gathering efforts that would give us a fuller picture of the economy, like the rates of Black and Latino unemployment.

Read the full article in The New Republic.

By Laurie Mazur

[EXCERPT]

The National Immigration Law Center and the Center for Law and Social Policy forged the Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition: a network of immigrants’ rights and antipoverty organizations. By combining expertise in both realms, the coalition has emerged as a powerful advocate for immigrant families. 

Read the full article. 

By Lily Ana Marquez

1. What motivates me to show up as a parent leader and advocate?

Being the parent of two children who are very different motivates me to continue as a parent leader and a strong advocate. It is my responsibility to ensure they and all children have what they need to thrive. I show up as a leader and advocate because my children still need someone to pave the way, to speak up when they can’t, and to influence systems that directly affect their lives. I believe that policies should be created by parents or in collaboration with them, so they reflect the real needs and experiences of families. My motivation is rooted in keeping my children’s well-being at the forefront of every decision and working toward a future where all families are seen, heard, and supported. Therefore, parents need to be involved in the well-being of their children by being present, engaged, and showing up when important decisions are made affecting their lives. Children and families have different needs; therefore, policies and systems need to change to reflect the needs of their constituents, making sure no one is left behind. If a child has what they need emotionally, intellectually, physically, mentally, and socially then they will grow up to be the best versions of themselves. Having a holistic mentality and approach will encourage a child to have long-term success and happiness. Knowing that motivates me to show up for my children and others because I believe that everyone’s needs must be met to thrive in life, and focusing on all of those factors can make a huge and positive impact in people’s lives.

2. What inspires me to advocate for better child care and early education (CCEE) policies and experiences for children and families?

I’m inspired by the urgent need for change in systems that are outdated and no longer meet the evolving needs of today’s families. Families deserve options, flexibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Families need to be at the table when decisions are being made about them. I advocate for better CCEE policies because I’ve seen firsthand how the lack of access to child care and early education can shape a child’s future. I believe that when parents are part of the policy-making process, the outcomes are more equitable, inclusive, effective, and truly family-centered.

3. What is one of my biggest accomplishments as a parent advocate?

One of my proudest accomplishments has been successfully advocating for child care access for families who qualify but often fall through the cracks. I’ve also fought for my own child’s right to be evaluated when the health care system never saw anything wrong but I had a strong intuition that there was something wrong. Therefore, I followed up with health care providers and then went through a lengthy evaluation system to find out that my child did have a special needs diagnosis. So when he finally was given that diagnosis, I had to follow up with the school to make sure they were implementing the Individualized Education Program, ensuring that teachers, staff, and stakeholders stay engaged and accountable for his well-being and educational needs. When I lived in San Francisco I advocated for “Baby” Prop C, which is a commercial tax to fund early childhood education. The commercial rent tax applies to businesses with over $1 million in gross receipts. The passage of this proposition created funding for much-needed services. These personal and community wins have reinforced my belief that advocacy can lead to real, lasting change when passionate people are persistent, informed, organized, present, and involved in the process. We need to unite and work together to create the change we want to see in the world which will benefit those in need.

4. What excites me about this fellowship?

I’m excited to deepen my knowledge of child care and early education policy, understanding not only what needs to change, but how to strategically influence the decision-makers who can make it happen. I look forward to learning alongside other passionate advocates, understanding best practices for successful policies, gaining tools to elevate parent voices, and contributing to a movement that prioritizes investment in children. I truly believe it is better to support and uplift children early than to try and repair the consequences later in life. Therefore, we need to invite those impacted by the issues to get involved in the solutions, and we need to work with stakeholders and others to make sure we can successfully make a strong community impact.

5. How do I hope to use my skills and expertise to enhance the work of CLASP and the broader CCEE policy space?

I hope to contribute my passion, bilingual skills, educational background, and professional experience to amplify parent voices in policy spaces. I have professional work experience in the corporate world, education sector, and non-profit sector, demonstrating my adaptability and resilience in diverse environments. Most importantly, I’m committed to using my lived experience and advocacy to push for equitable, parent-informed solutions in early care and education. I hope to learn and collaborate with CLASP and the CCEE team to make sure we are creating diverse and inclusive policies in different states and on the federal and national levels. Families need options and different pathways to education and work which ultimately will be mutually beneficial for families and the economy by making sure kids are learning while parents are earning livable wages. Once people engage and help influence change, they will be empowered. Therefore, incorporating lived experiences while policies are created allows for a more effective, equitable, and relevant programs and systems. Individuals who have direct and firsthand knowledge on social issues that affect them can provide insights into policies to help change, improve, and create policies. Today more than ever it is important for everyone to get engaged and influence policy that has a huge effect on our lives.

6. Outside of my advocacy, what are some of my favorite things to do?

Outside of advocacy, I love spending time with my kids taking them to the park, encouraging play, and helping them build friendships and healthy habits through active fun. I encourage exploration and relationship-building with hopes they will socialize with others. I also look forward to giving my children new experiences and exposing them to different opportunities that I hope will help them grow. Traveling together is especially important to me; I want them to explore places beyond their comfort zone, see the diversity of the world, develop a broader appreciation for what they have, have a more compassionate perspective of life, and adapt to changes, which I hope will also persuade them to count their blessings. Hopefully they will find something they are passionate about while making this world a better place for all.

Read more about the fellowship here.

 

By Alecia Murray

1. What motivates me to show up as a parent leader and advocate?

My greatest motivation will always be my children. From my amazing adult daughter to my three active boys, watching them grow reminds me every day why parent voices matter. They’re the reason I stay involved, stay informed, and continue to advocate for families in my community. I really enjoy helping others, building relationships with parents, and sharing knowledge—from holistic health to policy advocacy, and community resources—because informed and empowered families strengthen entire communities.

Through my work with the Ohio Parent Advocacy Network (OPAN), United Parent Leaders Action Network (UPLAN), and other parent groups, I’ve seen just how powerful it is when parents have real seats at the table—and how often their voices are missing. That’s what drives me to stay active in different parent groups: to learn what’s happening across communities, share information, and help families feel connected and supported.

What keeps me going is that moment when a parent realizes their voice can spark real change. That energy inspires me to keep advocating every single day.

2. What inspires me to advocate for better child care and early education (CCEE)?

My inspiration to advocate for better child care and early education comes from my own journey as a mom. Before my three boys were enrolled in Head Start’s home-based program, I struggled to teach them with workbooks and flashcards. I wanted them to love learning, but it felt like something wasn’t clicking. Then a Head Start home-based teacher came into my home and began showing me how learning could be fun—through play, games, and everyday experiences. Watching my boys light up with curiosity during those moments changed everything for me. I realized that early education isn’t just about academics—it’s about connection, joy, and discovery.

During some of our family’s hardest times, the Head Start Parent Ambassador Program—the original name of OPAN—became a source of strength and community. Joining the Parent Ambassador program helped me heal and grow by connecting with other parents who shared their stories with honesty and courage. Hearing those voices made me realize how powerful it is when families are seen and heard. That’s what continues to inspire me: knowing that our lived experiences can shape policies and improve systems for every child and parent who comes after us.

What keeps me motivated are the small victories—the moments when a child grasps something new or when a parent realizes their voice has real influence. Those moments remind me why advocacy matters. When families are supported and their voices are truly valued, we don’t just improve early education—we build stronger, more compassionate communities for everyone.

3. What is one of my biggest accomplishments as a parent advocate?

One of my proudest accomplishments as a parent advocate has been co-founding the OPAN Alumni Group alongside a deeply committed group of parent leaders and my amazing mentor. After completing OPAN’s year-long training, many of us realized we weren’t ready to stop — the program had equipped us with so much knowledge, confidence, and momentum that parents wanted to stay involved, continue advocating, and keep building upon everything we had learned. That shared commitment is exactly why the alumni group was formed. As I continued growing through organizations like OPAN, UPLAN, the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE), and Groundwork Ohio, my dedication to empowering other parents only deepened. Helping build this alumni network with such a passionate group of parent leaders has shown me how powerful we can be when we unite with purpose—and how far our voices can carry across the state.

Another accomplishment I’m especially proud of is joining the Family Math Parent Advisory Council (PAC) in 2019. This council not only introduced me to UPLAN, but it also deepened my love for advocating in a space that feels so natural to me. Math has always been a joy in our home—something I love and something my boys genuinely enjoy—which makes advocating for high-quality family math opportunities for everyone to feel effortless. Through the PAC, I’ve connected with incredible parent leaders from across the country, and I’ve been inspired by the collective passion we share. With NAFSCE now leading the Family Math initiative, the work is thriving, and I’m excited to see how this movement continues to grow and support all families.

Seeing the OPAN Alumni Group and the Family Math PAC empower parents to share their stories, influence policy, and lead meaningful change has been incredibly rewarding. These accomplishments are more than milestones—they’re proof that when parents come together, their voices can transform entire communities.

4. What excites me about this fellowship?

This fellowship excites me because it gives me a platform to amplify parent voices on a national level and collaborate with others who are passionate about equity and family-centered policies. I’m always ready to learn from other parent leaders and experts, contribute my lived experiences, and help shape solutions that truly reflect what families need.

What excites me most about CLASP’s leadership in this fellowship is their strong commitment to teaching policy. I want to deepen my understanding of how policy works—how it’s created, implemented, and sustained—so I can use that knowledge to strengthen my advocacy. CLASP’s expertise in breaking down complex policy concepts and making them accessible to advocates like me will help me connect my lived experience to real policy solutions. Learning from CLASP’s approach will give me the tools to engage more confidently with decision-makers and translate community voices into informed, impactful action.

This fellowship is not just an opportunity to learn—it’s a chance to grow as a policy advocate, build relationships with others who share my passion, and turn our collective experiences into policies that truly support families.

5. How do I hope to use my skills and expertise to enhance the work of CLASP and the broader CCEE policy space?

I hope to bring my experiences as a parent and advocate to support CLASP’s work in shaping early childhood education and care policy. Having worked at local, state, and national levels with OPAN, UPLAN, NAFSCE, and Groundwork Ohio, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that parent voices make in creating meaningful, equitable change.

I want to use my skills to connect policymakers with the real stories of families—the challenges, successes, and ideas that come from lived experience. By sharing what parents need, helping families find their voice, and supporting collaborative initiatives, I aim to ensure that policies are not only informed by research but also grounded in the realities of everyday family life. My goal is to help parents feel empowered to influence the systems that shape their children’s education and well-being, so that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

6. Outside of advocacy, what are some of my favorite things to do?

My world really revolves around family and finding joy in everyday moments. I love spending time with my husband, our three energetic boys, and my adult daughter. Whether I’m cheering them on at sporting events, playing together at home, or exploring local parks, those moments fill me with joy and remind me why family is at the heart of everything I do.

I’m also really close to my parents and my big extended family. As the oldest of seven, I grew up surrounded by noise, laughter, and a lot of love — and that hasn’t changed. We still talk all the time, gather at my parents’ house, and lean on each other through everything. That closeness keeps me grounded and reminds me why strong family connections matter so much.

I am very passionate about holistic health and wellness (before the boys, I was an aerobics instructor). I love finding ways to take care of my mind and body—whether it’s practicing mindfulness; using singing bowls, tensor rings, or crystals; or experimenting with fermentation in the kitchen. These small moments keep me centered and give me the energy to tackle whatever life—or my kids—throws my way.

And then there’s my playful, slightly quirky side—I’m a total treasure hunter at heart. I love garage sales, thrift stores, and bargain hunting. (I used to be an extreme couponer, so finding a great deal still gives me a rush!) I get such a kick out of discovering hidden gems, repurposing things in creative ways, and sharing those finds with my kids. It’s fun, spontaneous, and always full of surprises.

I love embracing my playful, carefree side through the messy, hands-on adventures I share with my boys. We love to slip on a pair of mudding boots and slosh through creeks, wander through the woods foraging goodies, or simply explore the outdoors, observing wildlife and soaking in the beauty of nature. They’re the moments that make life joyful, messy, and perfectly imperfect—playful adventures that spark curiosity and become memories I’ll treasure forever.

All in all, my family, wellness practices, and love for simple adventures keep me balanced, inspired, and ready to bring that same energy and heart into my advocacy work.

Read more about the fellowship here.

About Us

Centering and Elevating Parent Voice in National Child Care Policy

The CLASP Child Care and Early Education Policy Fellowship for Parents is designed to center and elevate the lived experiences of parents in the national child care policy space and integrate this expertise with the work of CLASP’s Child Care and Early Education team. This fellowship brings together parent advocates to inform, shape, and advance more equitable child care and early education policies by training fellows across CLASP’s issue areas and supporting their engagement with policymaking and advocacy at the state and federal level.

What the Fellowship Does

Through this fellowship, CLASP aims to:

And fellows will engage in:

2025-2026 Fellowship Cohort

In September 2025, CLASP welcomed our first cohort of parent fellows. These two mothers are passionate, dedicated advocates fighting to ensure that all children have access to affordable, quality early childhood education:

Alecia Murray

Alecia Murray is a parent advocate, wife, and proud mother of four — including her talented daughter, 30, and three energetic sons, ages 13, 11, and 9. Alecia’s advocacy journey began through her own experiences as a parent, which inspired her to speak up and ensure that families are truly seen, heard, and valued in the decisions that shape their lives.

Based in Lima, Ohio, Alecia has spent nearly a decade championing early childhood education, health equity, and parent leadership at both the state and national levels. She has served as president of her local Head Start Policy Council, board member of the Ohio Head Start Association Inc., and a fellow with Groundwork Ohio.

Alecia is also a co-founder of the Ohio Parent Advocacy Network Alumni Group, an initiative she helped launch alongside a group of parent leaders and her mentor to elevate parent voices and strengthen family leadership across the state. In addition, she serves as a committee co-chair with the United Parent Leaders Action Network, leading parents nationally in advocacy and systems change.

Nationally, Alecia contributes to the Family Math Parent Advisory Council with the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement. Through this work, she helps create innovative strategies and resources that empower parents, teachers, and administrators to support children’s learning through everyday math experiences, connecting learning, play, and daily life while bridging families, schools, and communities.

Alecia holds a B.A. in Business Administration and an A.A.B. in Computer Information Systems, both earned with honors, and is a certified grant writer. Her mission—shaped by her experiences as both a parent and advocate—is to uplift families, inspire leadership, and build equitable systems where every parent’s voice makes a difference.

Alecia’s advocacy is rooted in the belief that parents are not just participants; they are powerful partners in building equitable, thriving communities. Whether she is speaking at national conferences, contributing to policy discussions, or mentoring other parents, Alecia strives to inspire others to stand up, speak out, and lead with purpose.

Learn more about Alecia here.

Lily Ana Marquez

Lily Ana Marquez is an advocate for equity in education, child care, and economic justice. She was born and raised in Oakland, California. As a first-generation college student, she holds a B.A in sociology and communication from Holy Names University and an M.P.A in public management from California State University, East Bay.

With over 13 years of experience in higher education as a financial aid administrator and eight years as a parent leader with Parent Voices of California, Lily has been a steadfast champion for affordable, accessible child care and early education. Her advocacy journey began after she left the workforce due to the lack of child care for her two children, Mia (8) and Jeremiah (10). Her oldest child’s special needs and Individualized Education Program deepened her commitment to ensuring that all children, especially those with unique needs, receive equitable support and opportunities to thrive.

Guided by the values of humanity, equity, justice, and compassion, Lily believes policies should truly reflect the people they serve and emphasizes the importance of including those with lived experience in shaping solutions to the challenges that affect them. By centering the voices of impacted communities and key stakeholders, she strives to ensure that everyone has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Lily has been a parent leader with Parent Voices of California since 2018, and is also a parent leader with United Parent Leaders in Action Network at the federal level, representing parents and bringing her perspective as a parent and child care advocate in the early care and education space. She hopes to work with others across different states to make sure all families have equal access and that systems change to reflect the needs of the communities and are just, fair, diverse, and inclusive.

Lily currently serves as a program manager at a Bay Area nonprofit that works to dismantle poverty, where she uplifts community voices to shape programs, funding, and solutions grounded in lived experience.

Learn more about Lily here.