Legislative Visits

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.  

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 Advocacy Day 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.