618 The Power of Advocacy with Tim Kaminski

Child care leaders are often expected to follow rules created by people who may not fully understand what it takes to run a program. In this episode, Erica sits down with Tim Kaminski, child care operator, advocate, and Texas Licensed Child Care Association leader, to talk about what happens when owners, directors, and educators stop sitting on the sidelines and start using their voices to influence the future of the industry.

Tim shares how he went from feeling intimidated by advocacy to building real relationships with legislators, agencies, and business leaders—and why those relationships matter when policies directly affect staffing, funding, ratios, pre-K expansion, and the sustainability of private child care programs.

Together, Erica and Tim dig into the realities policymakers often miss and why child care must be talked about as workforce infrastructure, not simply a service. They also discuss the power of data, association involvement, and everyday advocacy—and why speaking up does not begin at the state capitol. It begins with understanding your story, knowing your numbers, and being willing to tell decision-makers what is really happening inside your program.

If you are a child care owner, director, educator, or association leader who has ever felt like decisions were being made about you without you, this episode is for you.

To learn more about TLCCA Texas Licensed Child Care Association - Home