Partners

The CARES Training and Technical Assistance Project is a joint effort of Working for Quality Child Care, A Project of United Way of the Bay Area and the Child Development Training Consortium. First 5 California funds the CARES Training and Technical Assistance Project.

Working for Quality Child Care, a Project of United Way of the Bay Area (W4QCC) is committed to improving the quality of child care in California through upgrading the compensation, education, and professional leadership of child care teachers and providers. In addition to providing technical assistance and convening to CARES programs throughout California, W4QCC offers leadership development to the California Child Development Corps, a statewide advocacy group of teachers and providers; and works to strengthen public policies and programs that affect the child care workforce. To learn more about W4QCC go to www.w4qcc.org or call 415-808-7327.

The Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC) is a statewide program funded by the California Department of Education, Child Development Division (CDE/CDD) with federal Child Care and Development Quality Improvement funds. The CDTC was created in 1983 to address the critical shortage of qualified child care workers in California. The program is administered by the Yosemite Community College District and serves all of California. Since 2002-2003, CDTC has received funding from First 5 California. In addition to offering training and technical assistance to CARES programs, CDTC’s primary services are: reimbursement of tuition at 96 community colleges, Career Incentive Grants, Child Development Permits, Professional Growth Advisor trainings and registry, Administrator Institutes and an On-line Schedule of Nontraditional Classes and Trainings. Funding for all program services is limited. For more information go to www.childdevelopment.org or call 209-572-6080.

First 5 California, also known as the California Children and Families Commission, was established after voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes to fund education, health, child care and other programs for expectant parents and children up to age 5. First 5 California was designed to address the lack of public funding and support for early childhood development in the wake of a growing body of scientific evidence indicating that the emotional, physical, social and intellectual environment to which children are exposed has a profound impact on their ability to reach their greatest potential in school and in life.

First 5 California is the leadership agency and statewide coordinator for the California Children and Families Act. First 5 California provides oversight, training and assistance to the 58 County Commissions that receive 80 percent of the approximately $500 million collected annually. Twenty percent of the overall revenue is administered by First 5 California for mass media communications; education of parents and professionals; education, training materials and guidelines for child care providers; research; and administrative costs. The County Commissions must develop strategic plans consistent with First 5 California guidelines on funding local child development programs and services, but they also have flexibility in tailoring funding and programs to meet local needs. First 5 California’s key initiatives include: the First 5 School Readiness Initiative, Preschool for All, Health Access Initiative, Kit for New Parents, Early Care and Education Training and Development, and Public Awareness and Outreach. For information contact www.ccfc.ca.gov or call 916-323-0056.