Policy Updates

We’re thrilled to announce that Maisha Cole, currently the Deputy Director of the Law Center, will take over as Executive Director on June 1, 2024. 

“I have always loved this organization,” said Maisha, “and I am passionate about early childhood education as a path to justice and great opportunity. When we support families, children and child care providers, we lay the foundation for a brighter future for everyone.”

Our communities are stronger when every family has the child care they need. For too long, women of color have shouldered the expenses of the state child care system. Their health and well-being—and their families’—have suffered as a result. Thanks to the leadership of Parent Voices, Child Care Providers United, and key advocates, the State Budget this year will begin to right these wrongs.

Child care funding decisions affect all of us, from the families who depend on it, to providers who nurture the next generation, to the children who learn and grow every day.

The state budget is the most important legislation affecting child care each year. The number of families who get child care assistance, payment rates for child care providers and programs, and related expenses are all decided through the state budget legislation.

California’s child care shortage is dire. A key requirement for a provider to open a large family child care home is to pass a fire inspection. Safety is critical, but the inspection process has historically been onerous and expensive, with requirements that did not impact safety. “It’s a huge financial burden on family child cares,” one provider said.