The Early Care and Education Policy and Advocacy Fund (ECE PAF) is a five-year, $15 million investment. The fund is created to strengthen existing advocacy efforts and help create new opportunities for collaboration
among groups and organizations seeking policy and systems change with a goal of improving access to quality early care and education in Los Angeles County.
A recently released assessment underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. L.A. County parents may pay nearly half their income in early care and education costs and many struggle with a shortage of infant and toddler care. In fact, licensed centers and family care homes in L.A. County only have the capacity to serve 13 percent of working parents with infants and toddlers, according to the assessment.
What kind of services are provided?
“This investment is focused on building consistent boots-on-the-ground advocacy to achieve long-lasting systems change that benefits L.A.‘s children.” – Kim Pattillo Brownson
In addition to funding existing and expanding policy efforts, this investment will also help expand grantees’ overall capacity to engage in long-term policy and advocacy work, including policy analysis and educating policy makers on the need to address persistent gaps in quality and access to subsidized care, and professionalizing the early education workforce.
First 5 LA has selected Community Partners as an intermediary, to further support the focus on outcomes, capacity building at the organizational and field level, and partnership. First 5 LA is working with Community Partners to support and coordinate this fund. They will help organizations identify ways to align and complement policy agendas, share information and seize emerging opportunities.
Who is funded under this program?
ECE PAF
- Advancement Project California
- Partnership of the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles, Crystal Stairs and the Child Care Resource Center
- Children Now
- Early Edge
- LAUP
- Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Foundation
How does ECE PAF address First 5 LA’s goals?
ECE PAF is aligned with First 5 LA’s strategic plan, Focusing on the Future. Increasing access to quality early care and education supports First 5 LA’s mission to ensure all children in Los Angeles County enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life.
