FIRST 5 Santa Clara County uses an integrated comprehensive systems approach to create a pathway to high quality early care and education settings. Early education programs operate within interconnected social systems. Collectively, they impact the healthy development of children, their families, educators, and our community partners.
QUALITY MATTERS…a STRONG START for kids
QUALITY MATTERS is Santa Clara County’s local quality rating and improvement system. The program is committed to giving early educators access to information, resources, and opportunities to provide the best care to young children and families.
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Universal Access Pilot Project
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved the Universal Access Pilot (UAP) launch in 2018. UAP partners work across systems to connect families with universal access to child care services.
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Early Learning Apprenticeship
The Early Learning Apprenticeship Program recruits, educates, and trains apprentices to bring qualified educators into the early learning and care field.
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Shared Services Alliance
The Shared Services Alliance Pilot Program helps Santa Clara County child care providers build sustainable businesses. In November 2023, the Santa Clara County Shared Services Alliance hosted a conference for child care providers at West Valley College in Saratoga.