As part of Measure I investments to support young children and families, First 5 Sonoma County is developing a Child Care Scholarship Model for Infants and Toddlers to help more Sonoma County families access child care and early learning for their youngest children.
We heard from families through 59 in-person interviews across Sonoma County, a survey of 199 parents on the 4Cs Child Care Eligibility List, and 8 virtual follow-up interviews with parents of infants and toddlers. Together, these engagements explored families’ child care arrangements, barriers, waitlist experiences, preferences, and support needs.
Before the program is finalized, we want to hear from parents and child care providers! Your experience and perspective can help us understand what works, what may need to change, and what else we should consider as we design the program.
The proposed program would provide scholarships to help cover the cost of child care for infants and toddlers. Children would enroll before age 2 and could continue receiving the scholarship until age 3. The program is expected to support approximately 135 children each year who qualify and are waiting to access a childcare subsidy.
The proposed program would provide scholarships to help cover the cost of child care for infants and toddlers whose families meet the program’s eligibility requirements, including income eligibility.
Who qualifies for the scholarship?
Child care providers play an important role in helping eligible families access quality care for their infants and toddlers.
The proposed scholarship would be paid directly to participating providers each month, rather than to families. The program would be delivered through a cohort of licensed family child care homes during the First 5 Sonoma County strategic plan period, 2026-2031.
We want to hear from parents, child care providers, and community members.
There are several ways to learn more and share your feedback:
Review a brief Executive Summary or the Full Model before sharing your feedback.
For Parents: Read the Parent Executive Summary in English or Spanish.
For Child Care Providers: Read the Provider Executive Summary in English or Spanish.
Read the full model in English or Spanish.
Share your thoughts about the proposed Family Scholarship Model through our online survey.
Prefer to share your feedback in conversation? Join one of our bilingual English/Spanish virtual feedback sessions.
