Measure C Implementation Update

​ It has been over five years since Measure C: The Children’s Health & Child Care Initiative for Alameda County was on the ballot and approved by voters. After a lengthy legal challenge, Alameda County finally prevailed in court last spring, securing funding for child care and children’s health programs.  

​Since then, First 5 Alameda County has held multiple listening sessions with the Measure C Community Advisory Committee to gather community feedback about Measure C implementation and develop a five year plan as required by the legislation. Based on this feedback,  First 5 Alameda County developed an Emergency Stabilization Fund (ESF) as an initial step to provide immediate support to the early childhood education community, including child care providers, educators, and families. However, on March 18th, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted to pause the Stabilization Fund until the final five year plan is approved.

To finalize the remainder of the full Five-Year Plan, First 5 has mapped out a 10-week process, including 17 hours of meetings for public input. Parents, child care providers, early care educators, and community members who are passionate about services for young children are encouraged to join these meetings and provide feedback. ​

​The First 5 Commission is expected to approve the Five-Year Plan on June 5th, with the Board of Supervisors agreeing to hear the item on June 10th. If approved,  the final five year plan can be put in place along with the Emergency Stabilization Fund. Now is the time for early care and education advocates (that’s you!) to get involved. Attend the upcoming Measure C Community Advisory Committee, First 5 Alameda County Commission, and Alameda County Board of Supervisors meetings to understand what the plan contains. Visit our public meetings page for more information.