You can begin working with reporters to raise awareness of early childhood issues using the resources below.

Media 101 Training Call Recording
Listen to communications experts from the Ounce of Prevention Fund and advocates from the Peoria Early Childhood Forum talk about how to work with the media to effectively advocate for young children. (Download audio file). Recorded 6/20/11

General Media Tips

• Early Childhood Advocacy Toolkit , Ounce of Prevention Fund
• Community Media Workshop
• Sample Consent Form - Ask parents in your program to sign a consent form so that reporters can take photos when they visit.

Identifying Media Outlets and Reporters

• Google the name(s) of your local newspaper(s) and look for reporters writing about your issue
• Community Media Workshop Media Guide lists reporters at print, broadcast, and online outlets in Illinois
• EasyMediaList
• YAHOO! News Directory

Developing Messages

• Early Childhood Talking Points - General messages from the Ounce of Prevention Fund
• The Heckman Equation - Messages on the economic benefits of early childhood education

Write a Press Releases or Letter to the Editor

• Letter to the Editor Creator - Ounce of Prevention Fund
• Press Release Creator - Community Media Workshop

Resources to Share with Reporters

• Learning Begins at Birth , Ounce of Prevention Fund
• Closing the Achievement Gap in Academic Performance , Ounce of Prevention Fund
• Cost savings analysis of school readiness in Illinois , Wilder Research
• Starting Smart & Finishing Strong: Fixing the Cracks in America's Workforce Pipeline Through Investments in Early Childhood Development, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Investments in Early Childhood Education as a Means for Deficit Reduction in Illinois, The Heckman Equation
• Video: Change the First Five Years and You Change Everything, Ounce of Prevention Fund
• Video: Early Learning Matters

Published Letters to the Editor

• "Guest Column: Never too early to start reading to your children," Rockford Register-Star, 4/12/11
• "Early childhood program is needed," Rockford Register-Star, 3/29/11
• "Protect child care, early learning funding," Bloomington Pantagraph, 3/23/11
• "Early education important for school success later," Decatur Herald & Review, 10/14/10

Media Stories

• "Lake County legislators meet with parents and teachers," Trib Local, 04/25/11
• "Art in Action: Exhibit joins education advocacy effort," Alton Telegraph, 04/01/11
• "Durbin warns of cuts to preschool funding," Aurora Beacon-News, 03/24/11
• "With federal stimulus money running out, Early Head Start facing cuts," Catalyst Chicago, 02/07/11