Policy makers, child care advocates and providers, and families are invited to attend Child Care Resource Center’s annual Policy Forum, which will focus on coordinated and comprehensive prevention and support services for thousands of southern California families. The theme of this year’s forum is “Cultivating Whole Child and Family Well-Being.”
For more than 25 years, the policy forum has been the premier event for critical and motivating discussions around early learning and child care issues that matter most for children and families. Local, state and national speakers will cover hot button issues and answers questions. The forum takes place Friday, Jan. 6 at the California State University of Northridge Grand Salon. CCRC, along with statewide partners, will engage in a dialogue about promising practices that integrate child care into community systems. Confirmed speakers include:
- Mayra E. Alvarez, MHA, Children’s Partnership, President – First 5 California, Commissioner
- Carla Bryant, PH.D., Center for District Innovation and Leadership in Early Education, Co-Founder & Executive Director
- Karen E. Scott, First 5 San Bernardino, Executive Director
- Jackie Wong MSW, First 5 California, Executive Director – Washington Unified School District, Board President
The panelists each bring to the table unique experience and have demonstrated efforts to improve the whole child and family through equitable approaches that move from disconnected systems to collaborative thinking and innovation. The proposed whole child and family approaches are centered and informed by community engagement and input through evidenced-based and promising practices. “These are California’s audacious, visionary, real time strategists, thought-leaders deeply engaged and committed to building comprehensive services wherever families go that supports well-being and thrivance,” says CCRC Government Relations Director Dr. LaWanda Wesley.
Some 500,000 California families receive subsidized care through community child care programs. The forum will consider ways to improve the standard and availability of care, as well as increase prevention and support services.
“Our aim for this policy forum is to identify tangible opportunities and practical strategies to work collaboratively across state agencies and systems to leverage, preserve, and protect existing resources that impacts prevention and support services,” says Wesley. These services include but are not limited to
- Developmental Assessment and Referrals
- Behavioral Health and Trauma Support
- Nutrition Access
- Housing Assistance
- Workforce Development for parents
- Health Screenings
- Family Support Services
In-person seating is limited but a virtual option is available. Tickets are available now through this registration link.
Anyone with questions can contact LaWanda Wesley at [email protected].
This event is sponsored by First 5 LA.
