Hello,
As we work toward recognition of the art of providing high quality care and education for our youngest children through just compensation and excellent work conditions, and time to reflect and develop the curriculum and child and family supports that are needed—it is important to pause and recognize our hard work, and victories along the way. This week Mayor Breed and Board of Supervisors President Yee announced the distribution of $32.9 million of the windfall ERAF (Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund) as stipends directly to early care educators over the next three years. Read the full press release
here.
Although this does not get us to our end goal—it is a victory, and it is due to each of you who talked to a colleague, parent, or friend in support of ECE Prop C; collected signatures for the ballot measure; put up a sign; walked door to door;
Walked Around the Block for ECE; or spoke to your legislators after Prop C’s passage in June 2018 to let them know how much the funding is needed. Supervisors clearly stated that they prioritized the windfall funding to the issues that San Francisco’s voters mandated. ECE Prop C’s passage led to securing the $32.9 million windfall funds. Thanks to each of you.
The much-needed $120 million projected from the passage of ECE’s Prop C continues to be held up in court. As expected, the anti-tax group, Howard Jarvis & Associates, filed an appeal the day before the 60-day limit following the July San Francisco Superior Court ruling. A Fresno ruling on a related case [link to Fresno article in Mercury], also contesting whether a citizens-initiative that requires a 50+1 or a two-thirds vote, went against a 50+1 citizens initiative passage—making San Francisco’s ECE Prop C victory less clear. For more background see Prop C in the news on the
ECESF website.
Department of Children, Youth, and their Families (DCYF) Summits begin today in District 11 this Saturday, October 12, with events scheduled in each district. Early care and education voices—educators and parents—are not heard enough at these input sessions. Your voice is imporant to these! See details with links below to find one you—and others you know—can attend. Also see more information on an additional policy updates, and flyers and registration for i3 Institute's Project of Learning and Leadership and Coaching Community Practice below.
Have a great weekend,
Sara Hicks-Kilday
ECESF Director
