Program trains early childhood educators

The San Mateo County initiative was created by the nonprofit Izzi Early Education in partnership with EDvance College and Unitedly, and funded by the county’s Measure K dollars.

Over the next three years, EarlySpark will facilitate child development associate credential coursework for 64 students, which includes covering the cost of tuition, providing stipends, paid internships and technology support.

The program is about “investing in people who are deeply committed to children and families,” Angel Barrios, executive and program director of Izzi Early Education, said.

“The future of San Mateo County depends on a strong foundation for our youngest learners,” Barrios said.

In February, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved dedicating $3.3 million toward Izzi Early Education, which was formerly known as the Institute for Human and Social Development. The nonprofit has provided early care and education for over 40 years and operates 10 facilities throughout the county.

The funds were dedicated to establish a pipeline for new and advancing early childhood education credentialed staff who might not otherwise have obtained their credentials, according to a county staff report.

“This initiative is more than a workforce pipeline — it’s a commitment to economic mobility, professional advancement, and educational equity,” a press release from Izzi Early Education reads.

The initiative is focused on recruiting educators “whose lived experiences reflect the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of the communities they serve,” according to a press release.

While most of the families Izzi worked with throughout the county are Spanish speaking, working with Unitedly, a nonprofit focused on supporting early care and education providers to the Asian community allows them to extend their reach.

The program is crafted to ensure bilingual and monolingual participants can succeed as they enter the early education field. Instruction will be provided in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese.

“As a provider deeply rooted in San Mateo County, Izzi understands that children thrive when they see themselves in their teachers,” Barrios said. ‘We’re proud to help create pathways for educators who reflect and uplift the communities they serve.”

In addition to the child development associate certificate that program participants will work toward, 25 students will also transfer to EDvance College to seek a bachelor’s degree required to advance in the field. As a partner in the pipeline program, EDvance College will provide scholarships for the required classes to help students graduate with as little debt as possible.

A new cohort is slated to run from January to June 2026, and the deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 5. Interested participants, who need no previous experience to qualify, can visit www.earlysparksmc.org for more information.