The Children’s Health & Child Care Initiative for Alameda County

What is Measure C?

Measure C is a 0.5% sales tax that was approved by voters in March 2020 to generate approximately $150 million annually for expanding access to early childhood education in Alameda County. First 5 Alameda County is the administrator of the child care, preschool, and early education portion of Measure C’s revenue: 80 percent of the generated funds.

Though the measure faced legal delays, it was upheld by the California Supreme Court in 2024. and the final step that enables us to begin distribution of funding is the Board of Supervisors approval of the 5-Year Plan and Budget.

On June 10, 2025 the Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to adopt the Measure C 5-Year Plan, unlocking urgently needed investments for families, caregivers, and early educators. This plan was shaped by community voice at every step, and its impact will be felt across every corner of the county:

~80% of providers are eligible to receive one-time Emergency Grants between $40,000 – $100,000 for a total investment of over $80 million. (Grants open June 11)
A wage floor of at least $25/hour in Year 2 and wage raises for an estimated 3,000 early educators (estimated annual wage increases up to $25,000)
2,400 new subsidized child care slots to expand access to care for families and provide new income for local providers
Increased funding for Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers, including $4,000 Relief Grants in Year 1 and a ~$500 monthly voucher enhancement in Year 2 for an estimated 2,500 caregivers
Significant family-serving investments, including $1 million for inclusion supports, $5 million for community-based Family Resource Centers and $1.5 million for navigation to connect families to services

This was the result of 63+ hours of public meetings, surveys, design team convenings, and written comments—an extraordinary, collaborative act of public planning.

Measure C

5-Year Plan

Read the Program Plan and Budget to learn more about the investments for families, caregivers and early care educators in Alameda County.

View Plan

Community Advisory Council

Recommendations and program design for First 5’s role in administering Measure C’s Child Care, Preschool, and Early Education (CCPEE) account comes from the Community Advisory Council (CAC), an 11-member volunteer advisory body. CAC members are selected and appointed by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and the Alameda County Early Care & Education Planning Council (Local Planning Council) based on the expertise and experience required for their designated seat as specified in the Measure C Ordinance.

LEARN MORE

Accessing Measure C resources

Are you an early care and education administrator or child care site owner? You may be eligible for Measure C funds. Please visit our funding opportunities page to learn more.

Funding opportunities

Every extra year of exposure to a positive childhood environment makes a significant impact on long-term outcomes.

Dr. Raj Chetty, William A. Ackman Professor of Economics at Harvard University

Measure C: A local effort to strengthen the early learning and care system

What is Measure C?

Measure C 5-Year Plan

Community Advisory Council

Accessing Measure C resources

Related resources

Measure C 5-Year Plan

Measure C Materials

Video: Measure C webinar for providers, part 1

Video: Measure C webinar for providers, part 1 (Cantonese voice over)

Video: Measure C webinar for providers, part 1 (Spanish voice over)

Every extra year of exposure to a positive childhood environment makes a significant impact on long-term outcomes.

Measure C

5-Year Plan

Every extra year of exposure to a positive childhood environment makes a significant impact on long-term outcomes.