LOS ANGELES, CA — Child care advocates, families, and providers are bringing awareness to the state of child care in Los Angeles and demanding action to transform the child care system through a new campaign, A Golden State For Kids (AGS4K). Led by the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles (CCALA) in partnership with child care advocates Children Now, The Children’s Partnership, Crystal Stairs, Inc., and UNITE-LA, A Golden State For Kids is working toward a California where no family struggles to find or afford care for children ages 0 to 3. The campaign kicked off this morning with a webinar, featuring A Golden State For Kids advocates, parents, and providers.
“California is first in the nation on so many issues, and it can be the best place to build a life and raise a family. For our state to thrive, we must prioritize child care so that families, providers, and communities can care for every infant and toddler in a nurturing and supportive manner,” said Cristina Alvarado, Executive Director of CCALA. “Access to child care is critical—and transforming the 0 to 3 child care system is a common-sense solution our county and state leaders must recognize as an urgent priority.”
Since the January 2025 wildfires, the need for reliable and accessible child care in Los Angeles County has never been greater. Thousands of families and child care providers were displaced or severely impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires, highlighting the vulnerability of the child care system and the critical role it plays in the lives of working families. The fires destroyed multiple sites and forced closures of numerous child care facilities, leaving families scrambling for support and creating an urgent need for greater investment in child care infrastructure and recovery efforts.
Families statewide have long struggled to find and access care amid California’s affordability crisis. The fires have further intensified these challenges, making the scope of the crisis clear:
- More than 100 sites providing child care were impacted during the wildfires in January. Of these, 47 were destroyed.
- Even before the fires, the county faced a shortage of more than 33,000 early educators needed to meet existing demand.
- The average cost of child care for infants in California is more than $1,800 per month, making quality care even more out of reach for families facing wildfire-related disruption.
When a crisis hits, child care is among the first systems to falter—and one of the most essential for recovery. A Golden State For Kids is standing with families and providers to call for urgent, lasting solutions that protect and strengthen California’s child care infrastructure.
“For nearly 20 years, I’ve cared for the children of South Los Angeles—by educating them, nurturing them, and supporting their families,” said Judith Terrell, a home-based provider. “Child care providers are educators, caregivers, and a trusted support system for families. A Golden State For Kids is about recognizing that value and making sure children, families, and communities have the foundation they need to succeed.”
AGS4K is launching initially in Los Angeles County with plans to expand to a statewide footprint in 2026. As federal programs like Head Start face extinction and threaten an already underfunded system, solutions to improve access to child care are a growing priority for all Californians. To learn more, visit AGoldenStateforKids.org.
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About A Golden State For Kids
A Golden State For Kids brings together families, providers, child advocacy organizations, and businesses to build demand for accessible child care. Led by the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles in partnership with Children Now, Crystal Stairs, Inc., UNITE-LA, and The Children’s Partnership, the campaign works with partners to improve access to child care in Los Angeles and throughout the state. A Golden State For Kids is funded by the Stein Early Childhood Development Fund with support from California Community Foundation.
Additional Quotes from A Golden State For Kids Partners
Stacy Lee, Chief Learning Officer and Senior Managing Director, Early Childhood at Children Now:
“It is extremely concerning that the majority of young people do not believe it is possible to afford to live and raise a family in California. The good news is this is a problem we can solve. By making child care more accessible, families can save up to $17,000 a year—money that can go toward food, housing, and everyday needs. California must be a national leader where no family struggles to find or afford child care. Our collective future depends on it.”
Eva Rivera, Advocacy Director, Early Childhood Development at The Children’s Partnership:
“If we want a golden future for every Californian, it’s time to make the care of children ages 0 to 3 everyone’s priority. Child care lays the foundation for lifelong health and well-being that impacts our state for years to come. Stable, nurturing relationships with the adults in a child’s life are the core of healthy brain development, and quality, affordable child care allows children to succeed in school, form healthy relationships, and experience long-term health benefits.”
Jacqueline Vorhauer, Director of External Affairs at Crystal Stairs, Inc.:
“Providers play a critical role in shaping California’s future by building the foundation for success for children. But when over 60% of providers report difficulty paying for their own food and bills, we risk losing this essential workforce. We cannot afford to lose professionals who bear this massive responsibility of child development, and ensuring parents can go to work. California must revamp existing systems and create new, sustainable models for children and providers to thrive.”
Humberto Manuel Estratalán, Director of Public Policy at UNITE-LA:
“The longer we wait to break down barriers to quality child care, the more it costs our economy—to the tune of billions of dollars. Child care helps businesses keep their doors open: when employees have access to child care, they can stay at their job and are more productive. By ensuring our children ages 0 to 3 have the care they need, we create a stronger, more vibrant California where all of us can succeed together.”