Events

Join us for MCCA's 5^th Annual Day on the Hill! First, gather for coffee and morning pastries and pick up your materials for the day. We'll go over MCCA's key policy priorities and arm you with the tools you need to have effective conversations with your legislators. The morning's agenda will also include visits from special guests and networking with other child care professionals. Then, we'll send you over to the Capitol complex to advocate for child care priorities. Lunch will be provided!

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Time: 8:00am-3:00pm (end time subject to change based on legislative schedule)
Location: Flaherty & Hood, 525 Park St. #300, St. Paul, MN 55103
Last Day to Register: March 3, 2026. This gives us enough time to make legislative appointments for all registered attendees. 
Registration Fee: This event is free to attend for active MCCA members. There is a $35.00 per person registration fee for non-members. If you would like to become a member of MCCA, please click here for more information.

Event Agenda (tentative, subject to change)
8:00am - Event space opens for packet pickup and networking time.
Coffee and breakfast items provided.
9:00am - Welcome and event walkthrough
9:30am - Lobbying 101
MCCA Government Relations Chair Clare Sanford and MCCA Lobbyist Darielle Dannen will walk through MCCA's legislative agenda and provide tips and talking points for effective legislative advocacy. 
10:00am - Visits with Early Childhood Champions (tentative)
11:00am-12:30pm - Lunch available at Flaherty & Hood offices sponsored by Marsh McLennan Agency
11:00am-3:00pm - Individual meetings with legislators

Event FAQ
Why should I attend MCCA Day on the Hill?
MCCA Day on the Hill is a critical opportunity for child care professionals to build relationships with their elected officials and make their voices heard in support of child care providers and families throughout the state. While MCCA's lobbyists are at the Capitol almost every day during session, legislators really want to hear from YOU - the people that live and work in their district. Sharing your story and explaining how legislators can support you and other child care providers is incredibly impactful. In addition to advocacy, our Day on the Hill is also a great chance to network with other child care professionals throughout the state.

Where is MCCA Day on the Hill being held?
Due to construction on the State Office Building, meeting space at the Capitol complex is extremely limited. Like last year, our Day on the Hill will be held at the offices of Flaherty & Hood, which are located just across the street from the Minnesota Senate Building. Legislative meetings and committee hearings may take place throughout the Capitol complex and are accessible through the underground tunnel system and via street-level routes. Be prepared to walk up to 15 minutes to get to your appointments.

Is there parking available?
There is a surface lot on the west side of the Flaherty & Hood office building with space available by permit only. A temporary parking permit will be sent to attendees prior to the event and copies will be available day-of. The surface lot fills up quickly and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is additional paid street and ramp parking available in the surrounding area.

How will MCCA schedule my legislative meetings? When will I know my meeting schedule for the day?
MCCA and Flaherty & Hood will be working together to schedule legislative appointments for all registered attendees. Please provide your home address during registration so that we can match you with the Senator and Representative that represents you. If the legislators representing your home district are not available, we will attempt to schedule you for appointments based on your center address or pair you with other MCCA members to attend their legislative meetings.

Please be aware that legislative schedules can be challenging and change frequently, sometimes with very little or no notice. We will do our best to communicate your schedule with you before the event, but there may be last-minute changes that we can't anticipate. If your legislators are not available, we encourage you to go to their office, speak to their legislative assistant, and leave a note and our MCCA handout to let them know you were there. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding!

I'm nervous about meeting with legislators! Will MCCA prepare me?
MCCA will provide a training in the morning, as well as giving you a handout with advocacy tips. However, the most important thing to remember is that your legislator is there to represent YOU. Legislators meet with hundreds of constituents during every legislative session, many of whom have never been to the Capitol before. If you have additional questions about meeting with your legislators prior to the event, please reach out to MCCA.