The Skyline College Education and Child Development Department, Child Care Partnership Council of San Mateo, San Mateo County Office of Education, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation hosted the Thriving Families Symposium: The Next Decade on Friday, March 14, 2023, in the Farallon Room.
Dr. Aaron McVean, Vice Chancellor of Education Services and Planning welcomed the audience of leaders, teachers, and students, highlighting the work of the teacher preparation programs at Skyline and Cañada Colleges, and the child development centers at Skyline and College of San Mateo. Dave Pine, District 1 Supervisor, and County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Magee, co-chairs of the Child Care Planning Council presented to the audience why the needs assessment matters and grounded the group with the question “how are the children” and why the early education workforce matters.
Christine Thornsteinson, Director of Early Childhood Development, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and Sarah Kinahan Coordinator, San Mateo County Child Care Partnership Council, moderated the symposium, introducing Sandra Bishop, Chief Research Officer, of Council of Strong America presenting data about a recent report “122 Billion: The Growing, Annual Cost of the Infant-Toddler Child Care Crisis”.
The group had two-panel presentations. The presentation focused on promising practices to support and grow the childcare workforce. The panelists included Tina Watts – Skyline College, Linda Prieto – Upward Scholars and Teacher Up, Debra Olazaba – San Jose Public Library and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Caregiver Support Network, and September Jarrett – Heising Simons Foundation.
The second presentation focused on promising practices to grow the supply of childcare and strengthen the childcare system. The panelists included Peter Tsai – The Sobrato Organization, James Coleman – South San Francisco City Council, and Sarah Duffy – Child Children’s Officer, Santa Clara County.
For more information about the Child Care Partnership Council and the most recent assessment please follow the links below:
- Child Care Partnership Council – https://www.smcoe.org/about/child-care-partnership-council/
- 2022 Child Care Needs Assessment – https://www.smcoe.org/about/child-care-partnership-council/needs-assessment.html
Article by Michelle Amaral
