The Early Care and Education (ECE) system serves children from birth through age 12, as well as their families and the workforce providing direct services in Tulare County. The Council acts as a liaison between the local ECE community and the state, working to identify and address the true needs of the county’s ECE system. A key objective of the Council is to assess and document the needs of children, families, and the workforce, primarily through various reports, including the Early Care and Education Needs Assessment.

Conducted every five years, the ECE Needs Assessment offers a comprehensive snapshot of the current needs of children aged 0-12. The data gathered is used to inform community members, local stakeholders, and state departments about the status of the ECE field. Through this, the Council advocates for ECE programs, aiming to secure the funding and resources necessary to support the healthy development of all children.

To view our most recent Early Care and Education Needs Assessment, please click the link below. The accompanying infographics present key findings in a clear and accessible format, designed to be shared with local stakeholders, policymakers, legislators, and community leaders.