Tennessee Takes a Bold Step for Early Learning

Jacksi’s journey with Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) kicked off at our 2023 Advocacy Summit. That whirlwind experience on Capitol Hill taught her powerful advocacy skills – ones she uses every day in Tennessee.  

Working at the YMCA, Jacksi sees firsthand how low-income families struggle to access child care. When afterschool programs were cut, parents faced an impossible choice: leave their kids unsupervised or risk losing their jobs.  

That’s why Jacksi sat down with legislators during this year’s Invest in Kids Hill Day, securing another critical co-sponsor for a school nutrition bill.  

Advocates like her were thrilled when Governor Lee mentioned child care seven times in his February address – and funded early learning in the state budget for the first time in his tenure.  

Key investments included expanding the Smart Steps Child Care Program for working families, boosting the WAGE$ program to reduce childcare workforce turnover and supporting Boys & Girls Club programs. 

It’s all thanks to the tireless efforts of SCAN advocates who:  

• Met with 36 lawmakers 

• Delivered 494 postcards and 600 valentines as part of our Have a Heart campaign 

• Sent 99 advocacy emails  

Meanwhile, SCAN trained 124 aspiring advocates on how to drive policy change, and State Manager Katie Growden shared her insights as a former early educator on Nashville Channel 5. 

This year, we fought for kids’ futures in Tennessee – and we won. But these victories are just the beginning.