Request for Proposals Open for Informal Child Care Provider Training

Proposals are being accepted by First 5 LA through 5 p.m., January 5, 2007 for qualified groups or individuals to design and implement pilot programs to provide training and mentoring to family, friends, and neighbors who provide informal child care.

This program will mark the launch of the Workforce Development Initiative, designed to address the growing shortage of qualified early care and education professionals with funds from a First 5 LA investment of $15 million to train, mentor, and recruit child care providers.

The primary goals of this project are to raise providers' awareness about quality child care and child development, and increase their social connectedness and use of community resources.

"First 5 LA's investment in workforce development represents a major step in ensuring we have an adequate supply of qualified caregivers and teachers who can give our children the early learning boost they need to succeed in school and in life," said First 5 LA Executive Director Evelyn V. Martinez.

"Research shows there is a shortfall of more than 3,000 child care spaces in LA County due to a lack of teachers and facilities. At a time when more than half of children 5 years and under have parents who work outside the home, there is also a great need for recruitment and training of new teachers, as one in five preschool teachers is now over 50 years old," she added.

About 590,000 children between ages of 0-12 years old receive care in license-exempt settings throughout LA County, according to a study published by the LA County Child Care Planning Committee in 2005.

For information on how to submit a proposal, click here.