ECE on the Move

is a distinguished collective of over 700 early childhood educators working in residential settings across New York City. Established by veteran educators Gladys Jones and Doris Irizarry, the organization advocates for recognition and respect for professionals in home-based childcare, preferring the term “early childhood educators” to reflect the expertise and dedication inherent to their work. Frustrated by how providers weren’t represented in policy discussions about their field, Jones and Irizarry began organizing providers in 2008 and formally founded ECE on the Move in 2019.

ECE on the Move provides professional training and assistance for regulatory compliance, aggressively advocates for public policies to benefit and protect home-based educators and the families they serve, and creates community for early childhood educators to support and celebrate each other. We firmly believe in the transformative power of early education provided in the warm, personalized environment of a home.

  • Family child care takes place in the home of a licensed provider, where children learn and grow in a safe, familiar, and family-like environment. Unlike larger centers, family child care allows for:

    • Personalized attention in small group settings.

    • Strong relationships between provider, children, and families.

    • Flexibility that meets the needs of working parents.

    • Community connection, with providers serving families right where they live.

  • ECE on the Move was created because too often, family child care voices are left out of decision-making. We stand as a collective force to change that. We lift up stories, fight for justice in child care, and remind everyone—families, agencies, and leaders—that early childhood education is essential.

    • Child care is the foundation of strong families and communities.

    • Providers deserve respect, fair pay, and recognition as educators.

    • Parents deserve affordable, accessible, and high-quality options.

    • Partners strengthen our collective impact.

    • Together, we are stronger: when providers, parents, partners, and advocates move as one, real change is possible.

    • Advocate for fair policies and funding so providers and families can thrive.

    • Build community power by uniting parents, caregivers, educators, and partners.

    • Ensure equity in early education so every child, regardless of background, has access to quality care.

    • Support providers with the tools, knowledge, and networks to succeed.

Gallery