Advocacy Work

Advocacy Work

Learn more about policies and issues we support

Peaks & Valleys:
COVID-19 Family Story Project

Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, families have weathered unforeseen impacts in stride. First 5 San Mateo partnered with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to launch the Family Story Project to hear from families themselves. Through zoom interviews, 40 families from 10 communities shared their experiences and perspectives about the challenges and barriers faced during the pandemic, family and community strengths that helped them overcome obstacles, and families’ hopes & dreams for their children. Read the full report and watch the video below to learn about their stories.

Download this one-pager to share some of the findings from this project. These parents shared what more aligned systems look like to them.

Get the details about the challenges, supports, and investments that families are looking for. 

Policy and Issue Areas

2021 Proposed California State Budget Revision

We include our voice among the many organizations advocating for increasing access to affordable child care and increasing the rates paid for child care providers as part of the May 2021 Budget Revision.

ECE Coalition Letter to Governor Newsom on the Budget Revision

May 2021 Commission Meeting presentation by Children Now on the May Budget Revision

Peaks & Valleys: Early Childhood Resource Alignment- San Mateo County Families Share their COVID-19 Stories  

CalEITC, EITC, and YCTC

Continue to be available to families who file before October 15, 2021.

The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) are proven, effective tools to help move working families out of poverty and up the economic ladder. Together with the federal EITC, these credits can put thousands of dollars in the pockets of working families. For the first time in 2021, tax filers with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) are eligible for the CalEITC and YCTC credits, meaning outreach to immigrant communities is especially important this year. More information and resources are available below. Help spread the word about EITC, CalEITC, and YCTC to families in our community. 

Federal EITC

Learn more about the Federal EITC and visit often for updates

California EITC

Get resources and information about CalEITC

Young Child Tax Credit

Learn about the YCTC and get updates

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