Child Care Aware® of America invites early care and education professionals, Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) organizations, state and community leaders, policymakers, advocates, and allies from across the nation to come together for the premier event shaping the future of child care—the annual Child Care Aware® of America Symposium.

This is where ideas spark, partnerships form, and inspiration grows. Over three energizing days, you’ll dive into the big issues and bold opportunities defining the child care landscape—from policy and advocacy to practice and innovation. Through dynamic sessions, cutting-edge research, and powerful conversations, you’ll gain new insights, fresh strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose. And don't forget Advocacy Day—your opportunity to meet and speak with your Congressional leaders about the most pressing issues child care issues you and your community are facing.

Because child care is essential — to families, communities, and the economy. Together, we’ll lift up this critical system, celebrate its workforce, and drive solutions that ensure every child has access to quality, affordable care.

Whether you’re leading change in your community or just beginning your journey in this field, the Symposium is your chance to connect, learn, and take action alongside others who share your commitment to creating a stronger, more equitable future for child care.

When we come together, we create change. Join us at Symposium, May 3 - 6, 2026 in Arlington, VA—and be part of what’s next.

All sessions should be in be interactive, have clear learning objectives participants actionable approaches to utilize in their work, and be non-commercial and avoid the endorsement of any product or service.  Sessions related to recent research and/or policy advancements are of particular interest. Presenters should represent a range of perspectives and experiences and have documented expertise in the content being proposed. 

Submission deadline: Monday, December 29th, 5 p.m. EST 

Please send any questions about presenting at this event to info@usa.childcareaware.org  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Approximately 25 sessions will be selected for inclusion in Symposium 2026.
• Breakout rooms for concurrent sessions hold between 30 and 65 participants and are set with crescent tables seating between 6 and 8 participants.  Some rooms may be theater style with rows of chairs facing the presenter.
• Rooms will have a head table open with seating for up to 4 presenters and will include microphones and water.
• AV including microphones, laptops, screens, and projectors will be set up and ready for use by presenters.
• CCAoA requires that presenters submit presentation materials (PowerPoints, participant handouts, etc.) prior to Symposium 2026 so that content can be pre-loaded into breakout session spaces, and shared in our event app.  Materials are due no later than April 17th, 2026.
• If presenters would like to show videos or other online content, please note this as a part of your proposal so appropriate steps are taken to ensure adequate AV support.