*Updated 11/20/2024*
Election Day is just around the corner on November 5th! We reached out to candidates running for office to represent Oakland - City Council, Oakland Unified School Board, City Attorney, and Alameda County Board of Supervisors - and asked them to complete a questionnaire about their experience and views on Oakland’s early childhood ecosystem. We received 17 responses from 41 candidates.

A key policy focus for Oakland Starting Smart and Strong (OSSS) is uplifting early childhood as a priority in Oakland city government. With that in mind, we analyzed the City’s 2024-25 Midcycle Budget that was recently approved by Oakland City Council.​

High quality early learning and care opportunities lay the foundation for school readiness. Therefore, connections between school districts and early childhood programs are critical to successful community partnerships that support positive child and family outcomes.