Transforming Early Learning with The Children's Movement of Florida
How early education advocates are building a better future for Florida’s children
The first five years of a child’s life are packed with potential. These years develop communication, emotional skills, focus and problem-solving abilities. They form the cornerstones for academic success and ultimately prepare individuals to thrive in the workforce. Few investments have a bigger payoff.
Since 2019, Helios Education Foundation has supported The Children’s Movement of Florida’s advocacy efforts to improve early learning policy and funding in Florida.
- Madeleine Thakur, President and CEO of The Children’s Movement of Florida
Serving as a Nonpartisan Voice for Florida’s Children
The Children’s Movement of Florida is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, coalition-building organization based in Miami. For more than two decades, the organization has amplified the voices of parents and educators, engaged policymakers, and championed investments in high-quality early learning. It’s mission: to help each child in Florida thrive in their first five years.
The Movement has driven key advancements in early learning, including successfully raising standards for early education, strengthening voluntary pre-kindergarten, and building accountability into the early education system. Today, the group continues to advocate for quality early learning teaching, access and policies that support the future success of Florida’s children.
“We illuminate the hidden power of all children reaching their full potential—for their own success, for the strength of our communities, and for the muscle of our workforce and economy,” said Madeleine Thakur, President and CEO of The Children’s Movement of Florida.
Developing The Future Project and Roadmap
With Helios’ support, The Movement launched The Future Project, a statewide effort that engaged families, educators, and leaders around the state to share hopes, challenges, and ideas to further improve the early learning ecosystem. As part of the project, The Movement held over 40 listening sessions in 22 counties and engaged nearly 1,000 Floridians through over 100 conversations.
These voices helped shape Florida’s Early Learning Roadmap, The Movement’s statewide vision for the future of early learning. Parents and educators made up 70% of the steering committee who initially drafted the plan.
“We wanted parents and educators at the table with our elected leaders and system leaders, working together for the change we need,” Thakur said. “The family and educator voice has been at the center of all this work. They are experts on the ground, and the results are different when you listen and build relationships as peers.”
Investing in Early Learning Pays Off
Looking ahead, Thakur sees early learning taking its rightful place in the education continuum.
“When we look at K-12 or higher ed, there are budget conversations every year, but we don’t have that yet in early childhood. We believe it is possible to change that,” said Thakur.
As Helios celebrates 20 years, this partnership proves what’s possible when purpose meets action. From legislative halls to family tables, the message is spreading: invest early to invest wisely.