This year’s ParentChild+ Annual Conference was more than just a gathering, it was a powerful reminder of the strength, unity, and purpose that drives our network. Start Early Washington ParentChild+ State Program Director Pamela Williams shares her thoughts on coming together to reflect, connect, and celebrate 60 years of ParentChild+.
Celebrating 60 Years of Impact: Highlights from Innovating Toward an Equitable Future
The 2025 ParentChild+ Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., united hundreds nationwide to celebrate 60 years of impact, connection, and purpose-driven early childhood work.
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive the latest early learning program and policy news in Washington state.
Held at the nation’s capital over two full days, with an additional day offering training sessions, the 2025 conference brought together over 30 representatives from Washington and hundreds more from across the country to reflect, connect, and celebrate 60 years of ParentChild+.
What made this year’s conference especially meaningful was its unapologetic commitment to authenticity. Presenters and participants alike shared how refreshing it was to be in a space where they didn’t have to edit their language or soften their message to comply with shifting national narratives.
“At other conferences, we’ve had to change how we talk about our work to fit new edicts. But not here.” shared Pam Williams, ParentChild+ Program Director for Washington State, “At ParentChild+, we were encouraged to speak our truth about our families, our communities, and the challenges we face. That validation was deeply felt.”
This spirit of honesty and empowerment extended across every session, workshop, and conversation. Attendees explored issues like supporting neurodivergent children within a 30-minute home visit model, serving immigrant and marginalized communities under increasing social and economic pressure, and navigating the fear triggered by recent executive orders. And they did it surrounded by peers who not only understood but shared their struggles and their hope.
One standout moment came from the Congolese Integration Network, a Seattle-based agency that led a moving workshop. ParentChild+ was their very first program, and they’ve since grown into a cornerstone of support for their community. The session highlighted how the program helped mothers forge bonds with children under complex circumstances, becoming a gateway to deeper healing and empowerment.
My job is to make space for them—to advocate for their funding, to ensure they’re seen and heard. I was so proud to watch them stand on their own and share their stories.
Another highlight was the sense of solidarity and shared learning. Whether gathered in sessions, or over shared meals, participants built lasting connections. Many left inspired, buzzing with ideas for how to bring what they learned back to their home sites.
“My team was texting each other about which sessions to attend, planning dinners, and coming out of workshops energized. One session led by a national colleague had them running out the door saying, ‘We need her for our next professional development day!’ That’s how you know it resonated.”
The conference also marked the beta launch of a new site certification process, encouraging sites to reflect deeply on their service delivery and prepare confidently for the next stage of growth. The certification is designed to be more collaborative, supporting agencies to assess strengths and tackle areas for improvement with honesty and self-pride.
Of course, no conference is without its difficult conversations. One session on fatherhood sparked strong reactions, not because of the topic, but the delivery. Yet even that led to rich, respectful dialogue and demonstrated the value of safe spaces where staff can speak freely and challenge what doesn’t align with their values.
It was a room full of empowered people, unafraid to speak their truth. That’s what made it beautiful.
In Washington’s own contingent of 30 representatives, many found their voices not just in sessions—but on Capitol Hill. They met with Senator Patty Murray’s team to advocate for the program and share how ParentChild+ has transformed their communities. Some spoke from deeply personal experiences, including a coordinator who started as a parent in the program and now helps lead it, and Washington’s own Marcella Taylor, who went from ParentChild+ parent to State Manager.
As we celebrate our 60th year, this conference reminded us not only of how far we’ve come, but of the incredible community carrying our mission forward. With connection, courage, and shared vision, we continue to grow—and make room for the next generation of leaders to rise.
About the Author
Pamela Williams
Start Early Washington’s ParentChild+ Washington State Program Director
Pamela Williams is the ParentChild+ Washington State Program Director with Start Early Washington, supporting a diverse group of organizations implementing one-to-one and home-based family child care models statewide.
Washington State Hub
Learn more about our work in Washington state and access relevant resources and publications.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date on early childhood policy issues and home visiting programming in Washington state.
Resources for Professionals
From interactive courses to engaging events, we support educators in building powerful practices that transform teaching and learning.