First 5 California (F5CA) is pleased to announce the release of the Shared Services Alliance (SSA) Pilot for Early Learning and Care (ELC) Request for Applications (RFA) funding opportunity. On August 19, 2020, the F5CA Commission approved $1,500,000 from IMPACT 2020 for the startup of SSA Networks to build capacity in ELC settings by providing business and operational infrastructure support.

These SSA Networks will leverage regional partnerships to streamline local operations, such as billing, enrollment, fund management, and reporting that will allow for increased service capacity within the network.

This funding opportunity is available to Local Public Entities to support private licensed ELC providers and license-exempt tribal settings, with priority given to Family Child Care homes and other small and underserved settings.

The RFA, including application instructions, can be found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PZCcyeUqqK9Sxhy39wK9HNkwBSMQCO2S/view?usp=sharing. Questions regarding the RFA and application can be directed to Kristin Torres via email at [email protected].