Coffee & Kids: Supports for Early Care & Education Workforce

In May 2026, community leaders, advocates, and policymakers gathered for a conversation on the current state of the early care and education workforce, existing ECE workforce supports in our county, and opportunities for investment to support “the workforce behind the workforce.”

A woman speaks at a podium during a conference. The audience listens as she stands beside a screen and a First 5 Contra Costa banner. An American flag is visible in the background.

Thank you to all who joined us for Coffee & Kids. We are grateful to the offices of elected officials, local agencies and organizations, educators, funders, and partners whose participation and engagement made this conversation possible. Your continued collaboration and commitment to strengthening the early care and education workforce are essential to building a more sustainable and equitable system for children, families and educators across Contra Costa County.

Click here to read the full event recap and download resources from the presentations

This event was made possible through aligned investments from California Proposition 10 and a California Jobs First Catalyst Planning Grant for regional planning efforts related to early care and education.

To explore partnerships and opportunities, contact Stephanie Shieh, Early Childhood Program Officer, at sshieh@first5coco.org or call 925-655-0360.