Family Child Care Policy Program
Mission
The Family Child Care (FCC) Policy Program is a group of local FCC providers and parents interested in early care and education topics in Oakland and Alameda County. The goal of the group is to strengthen FCC providers and their businesses through advocacy. We do this by centering the voices and needs of FCC providers; sharing education, resources, and tools; and connecting with elected officials and early childhood systems partners. Oakland Starting Smart and Strong, along with BANANAS and First 5 Alameda County, supports the FCC Policy Program through the form of education, information, and logistical support.
What we do
Since launching in February 2021, we have:
Who we are
Our group is led by a planning committee made up of FCC providers and parents across Oakland and Alameda County. Current members include:
Learn More
We invite FCC providers and parents interested in learning more about the group to join our meetings. The FCC Policy Program meets once a month, virtually, during the evening. For additional information, contact OSSS Policy Analyst Trisha Barua, Trisha@OaklandSmartAndStrong.org.
The Family Child Care (FCC) Policy Program is a group of local FCC providers and parents interested in early care and education topics in Oakland and Alameda County. The goal of the group is to strengthen FCC providers and their businesses through advocacy. We do this by centering the voices and needs of FCC providers; sharing education, resources, and tools; and connecting with elected officials and early childhood systems partners. Oakland Starting Smart and Strong, along with BANANAS and First 5 Alameda County, supports the FCC Policy Program through the form of education, information, and logistical support.
What we do
Since launching in February 2021, we have:
- Hosted two Community Conversations for FCC providers to share policy developments, share community resources, and discuss concerns.
- Joined partner organizations for 2021 legislative visits to share our concerns with Universal Transitional Kindergarten.
- Proposed an FCC emergency fund to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, requesting $1 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support providers in keeping their businesses open.
- Connected with Alameda County early childhood systems leaders and Oakland Unified School District to develop ideas for partnership.
- Met with Oakland City Council on the key role FCC providers play in Oakland’s ECE ecosystem and the economic supports needed to sustain their businesses.
Who we are
Our group is led by a planning committee made up of FCC providers and parents across Oakland and Alameda County. Current members include:
- Shruti Agarwal, Shruti’s Family Daycare and Valley FCC Association
- Carolyn Carpenter, Bloomers Preschool and CCPU, 521
- Noni Galloway, Parent Voices Oakland
- Margarita Garcia, El Carrusel WeeCare
- Charlotte Guinn, Rose’s Day Care, Alameda Professional Child Care Association, CCPU, 521
- Nancy Harvey, Li’l Nancy’s Primary Schoolhouse and CCPU, 521
- Kristi Hausmann, Honey’s Happy Hearts
- Varshini Kannan, Bodhi Montessori
- Janani Krishnan, The Little Butterflies
- Valerie Morgan, Little Lives Childcare
- Mary Walker, Mary Walker Daycare
- Robert Williams, Blessed Beginnings Day Care and CCPU, 521
Learn More
We invite FCC providers and parents interested in learning more about the group to join our meetings. The FCC Policy Program meets once a month, virtually, during the evening. For additional information, contact OSSS Policy Analyst Trisha Barua, Trisha@OaklandSmartAndStrong.org.