Early Learning Institute

06/16/2026

Time for another WHAT DOES IT COST!

Whenever records are being set for spending and earning eyebrow-raising amounts of money, we often like to try and conceptualize it through the lens of Early Childhood services. In the past this has been athletic contracts, Government spending, and even Super Bowl advertising costs. Today, we take a look at the big news from last week: Elon Musk becoming history's first Trillionaire.

The California Budget and Policy Center currently estimates that the average cost PER CHILD receiving Early intervention services in California for an entire year is approximately $11,000. Forbes is currently estimating Musk's total net worth to be approximately 1.4 Trillion dollars. That staggering amount would translate to a whopping 127,272,727 (127+ MILLION) children receiving Early intervention services.

To help make that easier to visualize, that is not only more than every single child in California, but nearly 2 times the amount of the entire United States! And that is ALL children. If you narrow it to only the ages that Early Intervention covers, 0-5, it is enough to fund every single child 6 times over. Whew! (I sure hope he donates to kids!)

06/15/2026

As we come back from a 2 week hiatus (kids are not the only ones who can have a summer vacation!), we want to use our first post of June to wish everyone a Happy Pride Month!
Society would be much better off if they practiced inclusion and acceptance in the same way our early childhood classrooms do.

05/28/2026

Summer breaks have begun, and temperatures are soon to rise. We all know what that means...It's pool time.
We spend a bit on water safety every year(check back next month!), and for good reason- drowning remains the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1-4. This year, the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center launched an adorable campaign aimed at educating parents on water safety. We encourage everyone to check it out before hitting the pool or lake!
https://www.sgprc.org/be-splash-safe-with-olly-the-sea-lion/

05/26/2026

To our fellow provider friends- The May Revise is upon us. Do you know how the new budget will effect Early Childhood services?
Check out IDA's webinar this Wednesday to stay keyed in on the details of the new budget and hear from others the issues that are currently facing our industry.

Currently the Budget Committees in the Assembly and the Senate are holding hearings on the proposed 2026-2027 CA. Budget. The Governor will release his changes in what is referred to as the CA Budget - May revise.

Attend to learn the latest Early Intervention, Early Care & Education issues, Trailer Bills (Rate Reform/Quality Incentive Program, Early Intervention Programs Oversight).

REGISTER HERE: https://idac.memberclicks.net/may_revise_advocacy_27

Homework:
Do you know who your legislators are?
Check here Assembly www.assembly.ca.gov; Senate -www.senate.ca.gov
Do they know the importance of Early Intervention? Invite them to your program, and let them see and hear from families about the benefits of Early Intervention.

Roxy Ortiz currently holds the position of Director of Government Affairs at the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA), an organization that represents the 21 regional centers throughout California. In her role, she is responsible for the comprehensive development and management of ARCA’s legislative program, which involves not only monitoring and analyzing legislative changes but also proactively engaging with policymakers to advocate for the needs of individuals and families supported by the regional centers.

05/22/2026

Tomorrow will see another group of graduates walk across Sonoma State's stage. This year will include one of our own, Daniela Velasco Mendoza, who will be receiving their degree in Early Childhood Studies!
Congratulations, we know you will continue to do amazing things for young children!

05/21/2026

Last week, we posted about how California ranks 49th out of 50 child affordability. This raises the question "where IS raising a child in the USA affordable?
Well, in the case of child care, the answer is NOWHERE.

A new report confirms what families across the country already know: child care is unaffordable everywhere in the United States.

Parents are stretching budgets past the breaking point just to access care so they can work, attend school and support their families. Meanwhile, early educators remain underpaid for the essential work they do.

When child care costs more than families can reasonably afford, everyone feels the impact, especially babies and toddlers during the most important years of development.

We need bold investments in affordable, high-quality child care and stronger support systems for families nationwide. Read the article: https://bit.ly/4tyeYOA

05/20/2026

We got this glowing review on Google and wanted to share. Thank you for the kind words, Jessie!

"Can’t say enough great things about this group! From the early support we received from Howard to our OT services with Jennifer U, the experience has been nothing short of incredible. Everyone has been so kind, compassionate, and genuinely invested in what’s best for both kids and families.

Jennifer especially goes above and beyond by providing helpful reading materials, tools, and exercises that can be used both at home and in everyday situations to support you and your child. Her guidance and care have made such a positive difference. Highly recommend!"

05/20/2026

A fantastic reminder for all those families with little ones on summer break- you can rent parking passes from over 200 state and regional parks from your local library!

350 additional Sonoma County Regional Parks passes will be added to the Sonoma County Library collection as of June 1, 2026!

“Libraries are designed to open doors — not only to knowledge, but to experiences people might not otherwise have,” said Library Director Erika Thibault. “Our partnership [with Sonoma County Regional Parks] reflects that purpose, creating new pathways for residents to explore, connect and spend time in the spaces that make Sonoma County special. It’s about making opportunity visible, tangible and within reach for everyone we serve.”

Learn more: https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-increases-access-to-parks-with-expanded-library-pass-program

05/18/2026

Happy Birthday, Head Start!

The data says "evidence-based outcomes."

You call it Tuesday. You call it showing up when it's hard. You call it believing a 4-year-old can go further than anyone expected—and proving it.

61 years of Head Start. Happy birthday to the people who make it real.

05/12/2026

Well that's just sad. Do better, California.

Infant care costs are rising across the country, to the point that it is now higher than the average rent in 17 states.
While California has yet to cross that line, we are not doing so great. When it comes to most affordable state to raise a child in the Country, we are not the #1 state....or #2....or #3....we are #49.
ONLY Massachusetts has a higher annual cost for infant care.
It is okay to be angry. Something needs to change.