News Types
Our Policy Priorities for the Year
Child Action has finalized its policy priorities for the year. During this legislative session, we continue to advocate for policies that strengthen the child care system and center the needs of families and providers.
Our priorities include advocating for:
Child care providers to be paid based on the true cost of care
- Adequate funding so our agency can deliver holistic support to families and child care providers
- Strong regional child care partnerships that advance a coordinated strategy for early care and education
- Notably, our platform also underscores the critical need to protect access to child care for our most vulnerable families—particularly those involved with Child Protective Services, including families served through programs such as the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program.
- For more information about what we are advocating for, we invite you to review our Public Policy Platform for 2026–2027. Our budget advocacy remains aligned with our partners in the ECE Coalition.
Advocacy in Action
Our advocacy efforts are already underway this year.
Our first advocacy day of the year will take place on February 18, when we join fellow advocates at Thriving Families California Advocacy Day. This will be our first opportunity of the year to uplift the shared budget and legislative priorities of families and child care providers.
Federal Budget Update
Good news: on February 3, 2026, Congress passed a budget that was signed into law by the President. This budget includes increased funding for both child care and Head Start, with each receiving an additional $85 million.
Child Action continues to engage with our federal legislators to advocate for the needs of child care providers and families across Sacramento County.
“This group will be equipped with the tools, resources, and support needed to advocate for child care at the local, state, and federal levels.”
Parent & Provider Advocacy Group
The Government Affairs Department is forming a Parent & Provider Advocacy Group—and we want to hear directly from parents and providers.
Parents and providers will be at the center of shaping the group’s vision, including:
- How the group is structured
- How members engage
- How Child Action can best support advocacy efforts
We see this as a powerful opportunity for advocates to grow as leaders, amplify their voices, and feel confident driving change in their communities and beyond.
We are hosting the first engagement session with the Parent & Provider Advocacy Group this month.