The Alameda County Office of Education plays a crucial role in supporting early care and education (ECE) through the Early Care and Education (ECE) Planning Council. This body undertakes vital tasks such as conducting child care feasibility studies for county buildings, analyzing public policy impacts, fostering partnerships to enhance ECE resources, and offering professional development opportunities for staff within subsidized ECE programs across Alameda County.
Understanding the Local Planning Council (LPC)
The Alameda County Early Care & Education Planning Council (ACECEPC) is the formal name for the Local Planning Council in Alameda County. Established in 1991 through Assembly Bill 1241, this council is a mandated entity for every county in California. Its primary purpose is to identify and prioritize the allocation of the Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funds within the county.
Funding for the LPC is provided by the California Department of Social Services, Child Care & Development Division. Locally, the Alameda County Office of Education houses and supports the council. Previously, it was located within the General Services Agency under the County Administrator’s Office. It’s important to note that each of the 58 counties in California has its own LPC, tailored to the specific needs of its community.
Who Serves on the Alameda County LPC?
The Alameda County LPC is composed of 25 dedicated volunteer members who either live or work within Alameda County. These members represent five key categories, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise:
- Community Representatives: These members are affiliated with agencies that advocate for child care and early learning but are not direct child care providers. They bring a broad community perspective to the council.
- Child Care Consumers: This category includes parents or guardians who are currently raising children aged 0-12 years. Their lived experience as users of child care services is invaluable.
- Child Care Providers: Representing the heart of early care and education, these members are the individuals and organizations directly providing care and education to children in Alameda County.
- Public Agencies: This category encompasses representatives from local education agencies (LEAs), city governments, and other publicly funded agencies, ensuring alignment with public sector initiatives.
- Public Member/Discretionary Appointees: These members are appointed at discretion to bring additional expertise or community representation to the council.
Key Responsibilities of the LPC
The Alameda County LPC has several mandated responsibilities aimed at strengthening the early care and education landscape in the region:
- Child Care Needs Assessment: The council is required to conduct a comprehensive child care needs assessment at least once every five years to understand the evolving needs of the community. The last assessment was completed in 2021, and the next one is scheduled for 2026. This data-driven approach ensures that planning and resource allocation are based on current needs.
- Prioritizing Funding for State Preschool and General Child Care: The LPC identifies zip code-based priorities for the allocation of State Preschool and General Child Care funding. This targeted approach helps direct resources to areas with the greatest need.
- Coordination of the Alameda County Child Care Pilot Subsidy Program: The council plays a coordinating role in the Alameda County Child Care Pilot Subsidy Program, further supporting access to affordable child care for families.
Vision for Early Care and Education in Alameda County
The Alameda County Early Care and Education Planning Council envisions a future where the early care and education system is highly valued, well-resourced, and inclusive of the diverse population of Alameda County. This vision aims to create an environment where children, families, and early educators can all thrive and reach their full potential.
Mission Statement
The core mission of the Alameda County Early Care and Education Planning Council is to assess, represent, and advance the early care and education needs of children, their families, and early educators throughout Alameda County. This is achieved through ongoing community collaboration, proactive leadership, and effective advocacy efforts.
