Advocacy and Public Policy

Join us in advocating for public policies that support early education, families, and children. If you would like to join our Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, or have questions about our advocacy work, please contact the Advocacy and Public Policy Chair, Brittany Garrett Samayoa.

Please take a moment to read NAEYC's Statement on the Election: Moving Forward for Children.

Follow OCAEYC and #ocaeyc on social media for more public policy and advocacy updates! Find links to our social media platforms and read legislative updates below.

Current Legislation We are Following

We are currently awaiting new legislation to be introduced. The state deadline to introduce a new bill is February 17, 2023. Continuing checking this page for updates.

Recently Passed Legislation

Click on each title for more detailed information about the state assembly bills (AB) and federal legislation that was recently passed and signed into law.

CA: AB 22 (McCarty)

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Enrollment Would require all eligible children meeting certain requirements (age), and not enrolled in TK, to have access to CA State Preschool Programs the year before they enter Kindergarten if parents wish to enroll.

Highlights on the State of the Early Childhood Workforce

During the first eight months of the pandemic over 166,000 jobs in the sector evaporated. At least 13% of child care centers and child care homes are still closed (as of March 2021).

Fifty-six percent of child care centers said they lose money every day they’re open in a December survey from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Early educators have continuously shown high rates of utilizing public income support programs — i.e., the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — which may serve as a bellwether for the economic insecurity of this workforce.

Only 2% of all U.S. occupations pay lower wages than the child care industry, which is made up primarily of female workers of color.

Support OCAEYC

You can donate to OCAEYC and support our work. Donations are used to provide professional training and support to early educators which includes an annual conference, workshops, and scholarships to conferences. It also allows us to expand our ability to advocate for public policy that supports the well-being and success of children.

Donate now!