The Children and Families Commission for San Bernardino County awarded two grants totaling $1.32 million to UCR Extension to provide reduced-cost education and financial stipends to qualified early childcare providers and educators in San Bernardino County.

"The news of renewed investment by First 5 San Bernardino in the early care workforce is very rewarding," said Margi Wild, who oversees the Early Childhood and Family Studies programs at UCR Extension. "Because of this financial investment, we can continue to offer stellar professional training and public service to the children and families of San Bernardino County."

The first grant of $850,000 is designated for the SBC-CARES program, a statewide initiative that provides incentive stipends, educational support and services to eligible early care providers and staff members at child care centers or family child care homes. Through the SBC-CARES program, early care professionals working in San Bernardino County receive stipends, mentoring and child development training. Currently, 48 of the 52 California counties have CARES programs.

The second grant of $470,030 is designated for the SBC-CONNECTIONS project, which is an educational support grant designed to aid Child Development students and Early Care Professionals living or working in San Bernardino County. Through the SBC-CONNECTIONS project, UCR Extension can provide tuition assistance, textbook assistance, participant stipends, educational materials vouchers, reduced-cost training, and college credit for training.

For more information about either program, SBC-CARES or SBC-CONNECTIONS, call (951) 827-5994.

RELATED LINKS