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Dear 4Cs Community,
This month, we are proud to celebrate an important milestone: one year of Measure C transforming the early childhood landscape in Alameda County. Measure C represents an extraordinary community commitment to children and families. Approved by Alameda County voters, this long-term investment is strengthening access to child care and preschool, supporting the early childhood workforce, and recognizing that thriving children depend on thriving families, caregivers, and communities. First 5 Alameda County administers the early care and education portion of Measure C, which is designed to create lasting improvements across the county’s child care system.
For 4Cs of Alameda County, this moment is especially meaningful. Our leadership was engaged in the Measure C journey from its earliest stages, participating in the ballot initiative's planning conversations, advocating for the needs of children, families, and providers through participation in the Measure C Community Advisory Council, and continuing to help advance a shared vision for a stronger and more equitable early childhood system. Today, we are equally proud to be part of implementation, helping ensure that Measure C resources reach the people and communities they are intended to serve.
The first year has already begun to make a difference. Measure C investments are supporting emergency grants for child care providers, assistance for Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers, facility improvements, family navigation, inclusion supports and expanded access to subsidized care. These investments recognize the essential role providers play every day and help create more stable, high-quality options for the families who rely on them.
At 4Cs, we see the impact of these investments in the resilience and dedication of our provider community, in families’ continued search for safe and nurturing care, and in the collective commitment of our partners to build a system that works better for everyone. Measure C is not simply a funding source—it is an opportunity to reimagine what is possible when our county invests in young children during their most critical years of development.
As we celebrate this first-year milestone, we also recognize that this is just the beginning. The work ahead calls for continued collaboration, strong implementation, accountability, and an unwavering focus on equity. 4Cs remains committed to bringing the voices and experiences of providers and families to the table as Measure C continues to unfold.
Thank you to voters, First 5 Alameda County, our public and community partners, child care providers, advocates, families, and everyone who helped make this moment possible. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for Alameda County’s children—one that honors the vital work of early educators and expands opportunity for generations to come.
With appreciation,
Takija T. Gardner
Chief Executive Officer
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