The Hunt Institute Convenes State Policymakers for Early Childhood Policy Academy Cohort 8 at Duke University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2026

Contact: Shruti Desai, ED.D., Chief of Staff | The Hunt Institute

communication@hunt-institute.org | (984) 377-5200

Durham, N.C. (March 10, 2026) — From Sunday, March 8 – Tuesday, March 10, 2026, The Hunt Institute, in partnership with the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation and the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, convened the 8th cohort of state policymakers from across the country for the Early Childhood Policy Academy. The Academy is a learning experience focused on strengthening early childhood systems and advancing policies that support children, families, and communities nationwide.

Hosted in Durham, North Carolina, the convening marked the culmination of a cohort-based learning experience that included a series of online modules followed by an in-person capstone focused on translating research into actionable policy strategies.

High-quality early childhood experiences are critical not only for children’s healthy development and school readiness but also serve to boost parental workforce participation, business productivity, and state economies. Through the Academy, policymakers explored the science of early childhood development, the impact of high-quality early learning, factors influencing child care accessibility, and funding and governance structures that shape early childhood systems.

Javaid Siddiqi, President and CEO of The Hunt Institute, said, “Governor Hunt understood that the early childhood years are not an add-on, they are the foundation of a child’s life trajectory and a state’s economic strength. We honor that legacy not just by convening leaders, but by equipping them to act. The Academy creates a space where policymakers engage deeply with research, learn from one another, and leave prepared to advance bold, evidence-based policies that meaningfully support families and improve outcomes for children.”

Throughout the convening, participants engaged with national and state leaders, researchers, and practitioners on topics including the economic case for early childhood investments, workforce challenges and opportunities, child health and well-being, and strategies to strengthen mixed-delivery child care systems.

The agenda also included a child care site visit highlighting Durham County’s universal pre-kindergarten program and its funding model braiding local, state, and federal funding. Expert panels and policy discussions were designed to help participants reflect on their learning and identify policy priorities they may pursue in their states. Cohort 8 participants represented a diverse group of state legislators and policymakers from across the country, underscoring the growing national momentum around early childhood policy and investment.

The Early Childhood Policy Academy is funded by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation and is designed to equip policymakers with the knowledge, research, and cross-state perspectives needed to advance effective early childhood policies.

About The Hunt Institute

The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, is a leader in transforming public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Hunt Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit: http://www.hunt-institute.org/.