Family Child Care providers (FCCs) are business owners, educators and community leaders who support working parents and families with home-based care and early learning for young children. They are mobilizing to stabilize their businesses and continue serving our city’s children and families, while advocating for the economic justice and recognition FCC providers deserve.
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​​While FCC providers play a critical role in meeting families’ early care and education needs, they are often left out of early childhood policy discussions and decision-making. To address this need, OSSS launched the Oakland FCC Policy Program in partnership with BANANAS and First 5 Alameda County in 2021, to cultivate and amplify FCC leadership and advocacy. In this program, FCC providers set priorities and lead the work, while OSSS provides backbone support, including coordination, education, information and logistical assistance

Photo courtesy of TalkOakland.org

Watch this short film designed by FCC providers to learn more.

Our Mission
The goal of the Family Child Care (FCC) Policy Program 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 building connections with elected officials and early childhood systems partners.​

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News

• From Family Child Care Providers to Policy Champions: Lessons from Oakland’s Family Child Care Policy Program; 2025

Who We Are
​We are guided by a planning committee which includes FCC providers and parents across Oakland. Our current members are:​

• Angelina Rojas
• Ashley McKelton, OakTown Daycare and CCPU, 521
• Brittany Philpart-Dow, OakTown Daycare and CCPU, 521
• ​Charlotte Guinn, Rose’s Day Care, Alameda Professional Child Care Association,  CCPU, 521
• Elizabeth Arriaga
• Margarita Garcia, El Carrusel WeeCare
• Nancy Harvey, Li’l Nancy’s Primary Schoolhouse and CCPU, 521
• Natanya Mitchell, Young at Heart Day Care and  CCPU, 521
• Noni Galloway, Parent Voices Oakland
• Regina Cannon
• Robert Williams, Blessed Beginnings Day Care and  CCPU, 521 
• Tarsha Jordan

Examples of Our Work
​Since the program began in 2021, FCC providers in the program have:

• Produced an Advocacy Film: Collaborated with filmmaker Kimberlee Webber to create a short film Economic Justice for Oakland’s FCC Providers.
• Served on the Measure C Oversight Committee: Two providers were appointed and currently serve on the oversight committee for Measure C: The Children's Health and Child Care Initiative for Alameda County, which includes a $10 million annual Emergency Revolving Fund to support child care programs at risk of closure.
• Received Recognition from City and State Leadership: Earned certificates of appreciation from then-Oakland City Council President Bas, and Assemblymember Mia Bonta. 
• Engaged Local Officials: Coordinated City Council and School Board visits to FCCs and shared policy priorities with Mayor and Councilmembers.
• Hosted Community Conversations: Provided FCC providers with policy updates, resources, and space to discuss concerns.
• Advocated for FCCs in Policy & Legislation: Participated in legislative visits and informed state legislation by Assemblymember Bonta on mitigating Universal Transitional Kindergarten's impact.
• Proposed Emergency Funding: Requested $1M in ARPA funds from Alameda County and a $2M trust from Oakland City Council for FCC economic support. 
• Educated OUSD Leadership: Organized a School Board Candidates’ Forum and engaged OUSD Board Directors on FCCs' role as early educators.

Learn More
​We invite FCC providers and parents interested in learning more about the group to join our monthly evening meetings, held virtually. ​For additional information, contact OSSS at [email protected].