Child Care and Development Programs in California: Key Context and Current Issues

key takeaway Nearly half of California’s preschoolers are dual language learners, yet inconsistent and short-term funding limits statewide support. Sustained investments in professional development for educators are essential to meet these children’s linguistic and cultural needs while strengthening retention and system-wide collaboration. Multilingual children are one of California’s greatest assets, their skills enrich communities and … Continued

key takeaway Higher wages for early care and education workers in California are essential to expanding affordable child care, supporting families’ economic security, and addressing long-standing workforce inequities rooted in racial and gender disparities. Access to affordable, nurturing early care and education (ECE) is critical for families’ economic security and positive child development. California’s ECE … Continued