SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On April 13, 2020, the California Children and Families Commission, also known as the First 5 California Commission (Commission), held an emergency meeting to consider authorizing funding to provide relief to California’s childcare providers. The Commission, acting on the urgent nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, approved up to $4 million to support the acquisition and distribution of county-identified essential supplies for babies and young children, in addition to much-needed sanitation items.
“We have a role to play in helping California overcome this ongoing emergency. My fellow commissioners and I acted quickly to support funding for vital provisions that will help childcare providers and the broader community, while supporting essential workers throughout the state,” said George Halvorson, Chair of the Commission.
First 5 California’s efforts were led by Executive Director Camille Maben, who worked with representatives from the Governor's Office and the Administration, local First 5 county commissions, the First 5 Association, and child care advocates to identify the most-needed supplies, along with strategies to obtain them.
Through partnerships with all 58 First 5 county commissions, the Commission’s action will provide 60 days of mission‑critical supplies to childcare centers that care for the children of essential workers and their most vulnerable populations.
“The need is immediate, it is deep, and it affects more children and families than we can possibly serve,” said Ms. Maben. “With our partners, we will continue to support the childcare providers and essential workers who put their own health at risk as they provide much-needed services during this unprecedented time.”
To facilitate the purchase and distribution of these supplies, First 5 California is working in conjunction with SupplyBank.Org – a California-based nonprofit that specializes in leveraging bulk purchasing power and innovative supply chain strategies to provide low‑cost supplies to organizations supporting low-income and vulnerable populations.
ABOUT FIRST 5 CALIFORNIA:
First 5 California was established in 1998 when voters passed Proposition 10, which taxes tobacco products to fund services for children ages 0 to 5 and their families. First 5 California programs and resources are designed to educate and support teachers, parents, and caregivers in the critical role they play during a child's first five years – to help California kids receive the best possible start in life and thrive. For more information, please visit www.ccfc.ca.gov.