As data on the pandemic continue to roll in, it’s clear that the pandemic’s burdens are not shared equally. It is increasingly evident that California’s families of color–the state’s linguistically and culturally diverse communities–have been among the state’s hardest hit. Their children, many of whom are Dual Language Learners (DLLs), continue to experience stress and anxiety as their families work as essential workers risking exposure to COVID-19. What’s more, there is evidence that the state’s DLLs are likely to face digital divides—that is, lack of access to the learning technologies required for distance learning. 

State and local leaders must invest in an Early Learning and Care system that supports DLLs and their families’ needs with distance and/or hybrid learning. As the largest proportion of California’s young child population, DLLs, in many ways, are the future drivers of the state’s economic and social well-being. Their future is our future. Learn more about our ideas on what can be done to support DLLs right now by reading our first blog in a new series written in partnership with Advancement Project California and the Sobrato Early Academic Language. 

Learn more

In Their Own Words: Hearing from our Early Learning Community during COVID-19
Family, Friend, and Neighbor Providers Share their Unique Experiences of Working during the Pandemic 

Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers are home-based childcare providers who are unlicensed or license-exempt and provide care to the children of a friend or family member. FFN care is common in the US - between one-third and one-half of young children nationwide are cared for by an FFN caregiver at least part of the time. Many FFN caregivers provide care free of charge for family members, but some are paid privately or through public subsidies. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families came to rely on FFN providers as other childcare settings closed or limited their enrollment - a survey from the Bipartisan Policy Center showed that a third of families who had previously relied on a childcare center were relying on childcare from a relative during the pandemic and an additional 8% were relying on a friend, neighbor, or nanny for care. This means nearly half of children previously in formal childcare are now being cared for by informal FFN caregivers. In August, Early Edge California interviewed a number of FFN caregivers working with childcare agencies across California to understand their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn More

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Early Edge California

It's Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the histories and cultures of Hispanic Americans and the contributions they have made to our country! This year is even more special as California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has now proclaimed Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 as Latino Heritage Month. Thank you, Governor Newsom for recognizing the contributions of Latino Californians and making this celebration official in our state! 

In honor of this important awareness month, Early Edge California will be sharing resources, activities, and more. Celebrate with us! Start by visiting our Spanish language hub on our website featuring many of our key resources. And, stay tuned as we share more in the coming weeks!

Early Childhood Policy Council holds 2nd Workforce and Parent Advisory Committee Meetings

Last week, the Early Childhood Policy Council (ECPC) convened meetings for its Workforce and Parent Advisory Committees. During the Workforce Advisory Committee on Sept. 9th, members voted to appoint two representatives of the Workforce Advisory Committee to the larger ECPC. The meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss and provide input on the Master Plan for Early Learning and Care (MPELC). Presenters included Committee Chair Tonia McMillian and Catherine Goins, Assistant Superintendent of Early Childhood Education for Placer County Office of Education and Senior Policy Advisor for the First 5 Association of California. The Parent Advisory Committee convened on Sept. 10th to further discuss and provide input on the MPELC. Presenters included WestEd’s Lupita Alcala and Erica Otiono, Associate Director, Early Learning and Care Division (ELCD), California Department of Education (CDE). The appointment of two committee members to the larger ECPC was rescheduled for a future meeting. The MPELC team will incorporate input received at these two meetings, as well as input from the Legislative Women’s Caucus, the Administration, and Sponsor Agencies. Read our summary of both meetings for in-depth information about the discussions that took place.