Who’s At Your Table? 2026–2027

A 9-Month Capacity-Sharing Series for Early Childhood Leaders

Who’s At Your Table? is a 9-month virtual learning series that helps early childhood leaders move from family participation to authentic parent partnership. Teams gain practical tools to involve parents as co-designers of programs, policies, and funding decisions. Join us to learn how to share decision-making power with families.

Launch: October 15, 2026
Format: Monthly 90-minute virtual sessions

Schedule

  • October 2026 – June 2027 

  • Third Thursday of each month (Note: the January session will be held on January 14th)

  • 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET

Why This Matters

Inviting families to the table isn’t enough—we must build tables where power is truly shared. Many systems need new ways of making decisions, building trust, and valuing lived experience. This series supports teams in making that shift so families help shape the systems that impact their lives.

Who Should Participate

This opportunity is uniquely designed for a wide range of organizations and change-makers who are dedicated to centering parents and their lived experiences. This includes but is not limited to non-profit advocacy teams, philanthropic organizations, etc.

  • Parent leaders with lived experience using early childhood and other family support services

  • School districts, academia, early childhood systems, and/or hospitals

  • State or local level decision makers

  • Direct service providers and community partners

Team Composition: 4–6 individuals that includes at least 1 parent leader

What You’ll Learn

Over nine months, teams build the skills and structures needed for effective and authentic parent leadership:

  1. Building organizational buy-in for parent leadership

  2. Identifying and removing barriers to parent participation

  3. Recruiting diverse parent leaders

  4. Preparing parents for leadership roles and building confidence

  5. Facilitating meetings with real shared power

  6. Creating respectful parent compensation systems

  7. Rebuilding trust with families harmed by systems

  8. Engaging fathers and male caregivers

  9. Designing and evaluating programs with parents as partners

How It Works

  • Sessions: Expert instruction, peer learning, hands-on practice, and action planning

  • Between Sessions: 2–3 hours/month applying strategies in real work

  • Peer Learning: Collaborate with 4–6 teams with similar goals

  • Support: Optional office hours for coaching and brainstorming

Cost

The cost for one team to participate in the 9-month cohort series is $25,000. Please contact fpl@ecic4kids.org if the cost is a barrier for your team to participate.

The National Center recognizes that family leaders serve as experts in systems work and should be compensated for their time and experience. Teams are responsible for compensating the parent leaders serving on their team for their participation in all Who’s At Your Table sessions, coaching calls, etc. ECIC can offer support for processing parent payments. Visit the NCFPL parent compensation guidance to learn more.

Interested in participating? 

The 2026–27 cohort launches in October with limited spots available. 

Join an Information Session to learn more about Who’s At Your Table

  • Monday September 14, 2026 

  • 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET

  • Registration Link

Submit your interest form today! The National Center team will then follow-up to schedule an individual exploratory conversation with your team before the cohort launches to learn more about how we can meet your needs.

Have questions and can’t make the Information Session? Please schedule a 30-minute conversation with NCFPL staff.  

About NCFPL

The National Center for Family and Parent Leadership is powered by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC). Since 2005, we’ve helped organizations nationwide move from family engagement to authentic parent leadership.