The California Child Development Corps is bringing this update about state funding for the CARES program to you. The Corps believes that teachers and family child care providers need to have the latest information about the public policy decisions that affect their work.

Funding from First 5 California for the CARES program is scheduled to run out at the end of June 2008. First 5 California dollars are an important funding source for the program since all counties that offer CARES programs (44) use state funds to operate. Without First 5 California funds, many counties would cease to operate a CARES program, and those remaining would reduce their supports and rewards.

As a teacher or a family child care provider you know that if the CARES program disappears, it will become harder to return to and succeed in school. Rewards for professional development will dry up. CARES is not the solution to low compensation in the field, but without it the momentum to improve the early childhood teaching profession will be setback.

The Vote:
First 5 California Commissioners will vote on January 24 and 25 whether to extend the funding for the CARES program. If they vote "yes," it would provide the CARES program with "bridge funding" to give the Commissioners time to evaluate the program, and decide whether to make a longer term commitment to the CARES Program. A longer-term funding commitment by the First 5 Commission would mean greater opportunities for you and other teachers and providers to continue your education and to receive stipends.

How you can make a difference:
The California Child Development Corps has been collecting letters in support of continued funding for CARES. To date the Corps has received over 100 letters. Add your story to strengthen the Corps voice. Reply to this email carescc@www.caccwrc.org with a few sentences about how CARES has helped you work with children and families and/or helped advance your education and professionalism. We will print it out and bring it to the First 5 Commission Meeting.

Please send your story today!