Early Learning and Care (ELC) includes children from birth through age 12. In addition, it also encompasses the families and the Early Learning and Care Workforce that provide direct service to the children of Tulare County. The Council serves as the liaison between our local Early Learning and Care field and the State by identifying the true ELC needs of Tulare County. The primary goal of the Council is to identify the local ELC needs of children, families, and the workforce, which is done through various reports that include but is not limited to the Early Learning and Care Needs Assessment.

The ELC Needs Assessment is conducted once every five years and it is a snapshot in time of the local ELC needs of children from birth through age 12. The information that is obtained in the ELC Needs Assessment is then utilized to educate community members, local stakeholders, and state departments on what is happening in the ELC field. The Council advocates for the importance of supporting all ELC programs in hopes they receive the funding and resources necessary to help support the healthy development of all children.