Legislative Visits

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Legislative visits are the highlight of Capitol Day! Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your time in the Capitol. 

Your group should have a designated team captain - someone to be the primary point of contact regarding legislative visits. Team captains are invited to join a training session on Thursday, April 29, 2027 at 3:30 pm. The Zoom link for the training session will be included in your registration confirmation. 

How are visits scheduled? 

Your team is welcome to set your own visits, or Head Start California can assist in setting them. When you register, you will be asked your preference. 

What if my program isn't the only one in my legislative district? 

It is important to know that your legislators may also have other Head Start programs that also want to visit them during Capitol Day. HSC will do our best to coordinate and avoid duplicate meetings, because legislative offices typically do not want multiple meetings with groups from the same event. If you are located in a legislative district with many Head Start programs, we will try to secure a large meeting space to accommodate as many attendees as possible.

Please be aware that when multiple Head Start programs are combined into one legislative meeting, space limitations may require each program to select two or three representatives to attend. Programs are encouraged to identify those participants ahead of time and possibly coordinate speaking roles with the other programs.

How will I know when my visits are? 

If your team prefers to set your own visits, your team captain will have that information. 

If your team asked HSC to set your visits, we will communicate with your team captain. It is important that your team captain watch for emails from HSC. Meeting information will also be available the morning of Capitol Day during the training at the Masonic Temple.  

When are visits scheduled? 

HSC will do our best to schedule visits in the afternoon; however, occasionally they must be scheduled in the morning. If your team has a meeting in the morning, please reach out to us and we will provide training materials beforehand. 

If HSC is requesting your meetings, we will typically do so within one week of your registration being completed. While we do our best to schedule meetings as soon as possible, it is not uncommon for meetings to be secured in the days just prior to Capitol Day. 

How many people should attend legislative meetings? 

The most effective meetings typically include three to five participants—the perfect size to ensure everyone has a voice while keeping the conversation focused and impactful. An ideal team includes your program’s executive or program director as the team captain, at least one parent/caregiver, and staff members with varying front-line roles who can speak to the real-world impact of Head Start. Everyone—health staff, home visitors, facilities teams, and beyond—brings an important perspective to the table.

Due to space limitations in the Capitol Annex Swing Space, large group meetings may not be possible – but there are plenty of activities for attendees not in meetings.

Whether your program sends one participant or 30, we’re excited to have you—there’s a place for everyone to be part of Capitol Day and make our collective voice heard.

What happens if my legislator isn't available? 

Most meetings will be held legislative staff. Don't be offended if you don't meet with your actual legislator, that is normal. The staff are very influential and meeting with them is important. 

In the event we are unable to secure a legislative meeting for you, you can always meet with them virtually at a later date, or with their representatives in your home district. 

What do we discuss in meetings?

You'll be provided specific talking points for your meetings at the event. Beforehand, you can prepare your Head Start story to share. This webinar will help you prepare your personal story, and this webinar will help you prepare your program's story. 

What should we bring to meetings? 

We'll provide an informational folder for you to leave behind. You should also bring your program's annual report, children's artwork, and any information on specific local issues you'd like to discuss with your legislator. 

Where are legislative visits held? 

The State Capitol office building is under construction and the legislature is currently operating from the Capitol Annex Swing Space. Most meetings will be in this building. It is about a 5-block, 10 minute walk from the training location to the Swing Space. To enter the Swing Space you will have to go through security - and once you are inside the elevator lines can be long. Give yourself at least 30 minutes before your meeting to get into the building and to the floor your meeting is on. Allow additional time - up to 60 minutes - if your meeting is between 12:00 - 1:30, as lines to get into the building after lunch can be very long.