Community
MAAC
EXPANDING
E arly care and education sets the foundation for all future learning , behavior , and health , while ensuring intergenerational economic mobility , and healthy communities . However , the lack of access to childcare in San Diego is forcing caregivers to choose between employment and ensuring their children have proper care . According to the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation , there are currently 74,000 children under the age of six with no access to childcare . The shortage of affordable early care and education in our region is taking parents out of the workforce and leads to hiring and retention issues for employers .
MAAC is uniquely positioned to address these issues simultaneously . For over 45 years , MAAC has been leading the way in the early care and education space , providing no cost comprehensive services to nearly 1,800 children and their families annually . The organization prioritizes individualized support for each child and recognizes the importance of empowering families with tools for their child ’ s learning . MAAC also assists caregivers with job opportunities , financial literacy training , mental healthcare ,
52 GBSAN . COM | AUGUST 2023
EQUITABLE ACCESS TO EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION
and housing , understanding all these components are necessary for families to achieve economic mobility .
The deep understanding of the challenges impacting the child development sector and families is why MAAC partnered with Palomar College and Early Care & Education Pathways to Success for its Next Level : Early Care & Education Apprenticeship Program . The only one of its kind in San Diego County , this program offers free college coursework in child development , paid on-the-job training , and additional support including tutoring , technology , and careerreadiness training . Once participants complete the two-year program , they have the qualifications to apply for an Associate Teacher Permit and are prepared for living-wage employment . Through this innovative program , MAAC will increase the early care and education workforce , ensure children get quality education , and set up the graduates of this program for economic mobility .
There are always ways you can partner with MAAC and help families have access to early care and education . To learn more about MAAC , please visit www . maacproject . org or contact Susan Arias , Director of Philanthropy at ( 619 ) 779-2576 .