SAN JOSE, CA – Of the more than 2 million residents in Santa Clara County, more than 130,000 of them are young children under age five. When families with young children have equitable access to early care and education (ECE), communities thrive. That is why the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) collaborates with local, regional, and state partners to expand access and raise awareness that ECE is not only helpful to families with young children and is essential to the entire community and the economy.
“Having partners who champion early care and education is essential to ensuring accessible, high-quality programs for all students,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “We know that the work cannot be done alone. To be done well, it must be in partnership.”
As the early care and education landscape continues to evolve, the SCCOE collaborates with education experts, policymakers, and community-based organizations to offer essential information. The Santa Clara County Early Learning Master Plan showcases progress toward universal access to high-quality ECE. Earlier this year, the SCCOE coordinated and hosted the inaugural Early Care and Education Policy Forum. The forum brought together leaders and policymakers to provide perspectives and responses to historic investments and programmatic changes, and help develop a deeper understanding of the challenges, benefits, and promise of universal access to high-quality early learning.
Policy changes and investments in access, data systems, facilities, family engagement, and program quality continue to progress toward universal access to ECE. For example, eligibility for California State Preschool now includes young learners from high-need school districts, those eligible for transitional kindergarten, and children with disabilities; priority is given to income-eligible children.
Through the Early Education Expansion Program (IEEEP) funding, access to inclusive early learning and care for children with disabilities is increasing. The funding supports three main areas:
Facility repairs and renovations that will assist children;
Bringing adaptive equipment to children to increase their participation;
Providing professional development to providers and staff to ensure they are prepared to serve children with a range of disabilities
IEEEP funding has brought facility renovations to sites throughout Santa Clara County in Gilroy, Hollister, and San Jose. A new early learning center at the SCCOE’s Ridder Park office is expected to be completed this fall thanks to this funding. Facilities to house learning environments are one part of the challenge to bring ECE programs to families.
The Santa Clara County Early Care and Education: Facilities Study Final Report was completed in the spring. With the assistance of Brion Economics and support from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, this report provides data and strategies to meet the anticipated needs for ECE facilities. To support families in need of early care and education, the report:
Recommends prioritizing the development of facilities for children under age three;
Establishes that local public funding is necessary to address the need for facilities;
Asserts that new and converted facilities must support inclusive access for children with disabilities and be climate resilient, and
The report concludes by reminding policymakers and partners that a sustainable network of multi-sector infrastructure, resources, and dedicated staff is key to the future of ECE.
The SCCOE serves as a core member of the ECE mixed delivery system in Santa Clara County. The SCCOE connects families with providers and providers with training and technical assistance while supporting the rollout of universal preschool and transitional kindergarten by districts. Through a coalition of community leaders, ECE providers, school leaders, nonprofits, elected officials, members of the business community and other key partners, the Strong Start Initiative provides public education on the importance of ECE and the intersection of other resources needed to support universal access. To amplify awareness of resources available to families in need of ECE services, the SCCOE’s Steps to Success initiative guided more than 18,000 families to enrollsantaclara.org and more than 20,000 families to childcarescc.org through multilingual, high-visibility media channels. Located on childcarescc.org, the Santa Clara County Childcare Resource & Referral Program (R&R) provides families with free access to navigate and find child care that meets their needs. Providers have the opportunity to create a profile on the website and utilize professional development offered by the R&R.
Successful ECE programming is not complete without a robust workforce. Those working as childcare and early learning professionals are also supported through the R&R. Under this program in partnership with the Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP), state-funded grants provide free support and training to those interested in starting a family childcare home business within Santa Clara County. The R&R also provides free California Emergency Medical Services Authority-approved training to providers in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.
Additionally, the SCCOE is working diligently to increase the workforce needed to meet the needs of the county’s littlest scholars. To reduce barriers to participating in and completing credentialing programs, the SCCOE’s Educator Preparation Programs offer pathways in early learning to becoming an educator through two programs: Early Education Teacher Development Grant Program and Early Learning Apprenticeship Program. Local community colleges, center-based child care providers, and family child care locations use a “learn and earn model” with coursework free to apprentices. Scholarships of varying amounts are also available to participants. Soon a PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential will be available through the SCCOE to prepare individuals for service as an intern teacher in a classroom setting.
The journey towards ensuring equitable access to early care and education in Santa Clara County is not just a mission—it's a collective commitment to the future of our children and our community. As we invest in the well-being and development of our youngest members, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Together, let's nurture the potential of every child, knowing that by investing in them today, we are shaping a better tomorrow for us all.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
The SCCOE is a premier service organization driven by the core principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and partnership. For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org