Early Care and Learning Policy Program
The early care and learning policy program pairs a flexibly paced e-learning course and in-person cohort discussions on the California systems that support early childhood development and learning, including child care, preschool, Transitional Kindergarten and after school programs.
The Road Ahead
Independent Study
Course participants will have access to an online course consisting of five learning sections using the LearnDash Learning Management System (LMS).
In preparation for each sections’ corresponding in-person convenings, participants will have the flexibility to determine when they access the course content using the LMS.
The course sections are intended to build foundational early childhood development and education policy knowledge and support related skill development.
Stay tuned for more information regarding sections within the early childhood development and education policy program.
Social Events
In-person convenings will provide an opportunity to meet with other cohort participants and senior staff in the Legislature to build relationships and further explore the concepts and issues introduced in the course curriculum. These events are organized to support relationship-building and open lines of inquiry.
Engagement with Experts
Interactive, inquiry-based activities and meetings with leading experts in the field, including fellow policy staff, researchers, practitioners and community stakeholders will create space to examine relevant data and practice in concert with policy expertise and the communities most affected by the policy decisions being made.
Participant Eligibility
Legislative Staff
Legislative staff working in the Capitol, particularly those who staff members on child care and education policy.
Passionate About Early Care and Learning Policy
Staff passionate about shaping early care and learning policy for future generations in California.
Hybrid Learning: Can Participate Three Days a Month for Three Months
Those who can participate three days a month in hybrid learning for three months during the legislative recess (between October – December).
Continuing Education Units
Those who are interested in receiving eight continuing education units (CEUs) from the University of California, Davis, for completion of the course.
Program Schedule
October 2024 to December 2024
This course was structured with the busy schedule of legislative staff in mind and will respect the legislative calendar. All events will be offered during the fall recess.
Participants will be required to dedicate time three days each month for the three-month hybrid program. Each month will include:
1 Day
Independent Study
2 Days
Engagement with Experts
½ Day
Social Events with Peers and Colleagues (Voluntary)
Continuing Education Units
Learning Community members who complete all the coursework offered in the online Learning Management System and Attends The In-Person Convenings will be eligible to receive eight continuing education units (CEUs) through the University of California, Davis.
Along with the CEUs transcript, a digital badge – which is graphic verification of the skills you have mastered and verifies your competencies digitally – will be made available. A digital badge is a great way to share your accomplishment with family, friends and colleagues via social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Already Enrolled in a Course?
If you are already enrolled in a course, you can login using the link below to resume learning.