Resources

California Strong Start Index

The Strong Start Index standardizes and summarizes the conditions into which children are born. Comprising twelve indicators that are universally measured, the California Strong Start Index can …

Child Care Among California Households With Young Children Ages 0–5

This policy brief published in April 2025 uses data from the 2019–2023 California Health Interview Surveys to describe the child care experiences of households with young children ages 0–5.

SAVE THE DATE: Equity-Centered Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Advisory Panel

The California Department of Social Services is pleased to announce the seventh convening of the Equity-Centered QRIS Advisory Panel. The seventh Panel meeting will be September 25, 2025, from …

Key Learnings From First 5 California’s Shared Services Alliance Pilot

This brief summarizes the key highlights from the Shared Services Alliance Pilot as it approaches the end of the 2-year implementation period. Data from the contractors, partner agencies, and …

Building Adult Capabilities to Improve Child Outcomes: A Theory of Change

This 5-minute video from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child depicts a theory of change for achieving breakthrough outcomes for vulnerable children and families.