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About Us

Our Mission & Our History

Our Mission

4C Council's mission is to develop, implement and advance early care and education services, social services, health and human services, charter schools and other programs benefiting children, youth and families.

At 4C Council We...

Promote access to quality early education for children and parents by:

  • Taking the guesswork out of choosing child care through consumer education
  • Helping families achieve self sufficiency and stability
  • Supporting children to achieve positive outcomes, develop and learn
  • Providing low-income working families access to affordable child care

    Help new and existing childcare providers start and succeed in their business by:
  • Providing ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance quality
  • Supporting family, friends and neighbors to provide safe and quality child care
  • Promoting the inclusion of ALL children in child care settings

    Advocate for equal access to quality early care and education by:
  • Helping parents build leadership skills and participate in civic engagement
  • Informing the community about child care resources and issues
  • Partnering with advocacy groups to improve the lives of children and families in the region by promoting access and quality child care for all

    Our History

    This venture started in 1971, when a group of parents discovered their access to the existing child development services was limited, as they were systematically prevented from taking advantage of quality child care services that other children in affluent families were receiving. Their concerns were reviewed by community activists and educators, and it was determined that their child care needs were indeed not being met. As a result, the group applied for funding from the San Jose Model Cities Program and established the first county-wide Child Care Committee under the county's Social Planning Council. In 1972, the county joined in the venture, and the 4C Council was born.
    In its 37 years of service, the agency has grown from a $50,000 budget and a staff of three, to a $45 million budget and a staff of 150. Almost all of the funding is returned into the community as payments to child care providers for services provided to low income children and their families.
    As we have grown, so has our commitment to our community. 4C Council manages many programs and services devoted to young children and their families, regardless of income levels and background. The list of programs managed by 4C Council is:

  • Child Care Resource and Referral
  • Subsidized Child Care Programs
  • Child Care Food Program
  • Family Child Care Network
  • Child Care Initiative Program
  • Growing, Learning and Caring Program
  • Health and Safety Program
  • Child Development Centers
  • TrustLine

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