Steering Committee (Planning Council)

The Steering Committee, also known as the Planning Council, is composed of appointed and general members. Only appointed members may vote on Planning Council business, but all members are encouraged to actively share their perspectives. The Steering Committee oversees the work of our committees and work groups and ensures alignment with our priorities and goals.

Chair: Kym Johnson, Chair-Elect: Noni Galloway

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is composed of the Chair, Chair Elect, and the chairs of all standing committees and work groups. This committee is responsible for supporting time-sensitive decision-making between Planning Council meetings and overseeing mandated work. It also monitors our strategic planning progress, manages member recruitment, and ensures ongoing education and support for our members.

Chair: Kym Johnson, Chair-Elect: Noni Galloway

Public Policy Committee

The Public Policy Committee includes both appointed and general members. Its primary purpose is to monitor and analyze legislation, policies, and regulations impacting children, families, and child care providers. The committee guides the Planning Council’s advocacy efforts by developing policy recommendations and taking positions on key legislation to support the needs of Alameda County’s early learning community. Members also utilize key resources such as the Legislation Tracker and the Policy Platform to inform their work and ensure alignment with current priorities.

Co-Chairs: Jennifer Cabán & Diana Garcia

Quality Advisory Work Group

The Quality Advisory Work Group, composed of both appointed and general members, works to improve the quality of early care and education for children from birth to five years. This work group evaluates and makes recommendations on programs that impact children in early learning programs, ensuring that the Planning Council remains informed and involved in promoting best practices across all early care and education settings.

Co-Chairs: Mitchell Ha & Vincent Cheng

State Contractors Work Group

The State Contractors Work Group brings together state and federally contracted agencies to share information and develop policy recommendations. Under this work group’s umbrella, the Enrollment and Eligibility Work Group (EEGW) meets to address specific concerns related to enrollment, eligibility, and access to child care services.

Co-Chairs: Tina Adams & Alexandra Hilario

Data Work Group (in development)

The Data Work Group will be composed of both appointed and general members. Its primary purpose will be to guide the Planning Council’s data collection, analysis, and reporting efforts, with a focus on the Child Care Needs Assessment and Zip Code Priority Report. Members will collaborate to identify data sources, highlight gaps, and ensure accuracy and equity in the information presented. The work group will provide recommendations that inform countywide planning, funding priorities, and decision-making to support children, families, and early learning programs across Alameda County.

Facilitator: to be determined

Enrollment and Eligibility Work Group (EEGW)

As a sub-group of the State Contractors Work Group, EEGW focuses on streamlining enrollment and eligibility processes across contracted agencies to ensure equitable access to child care services. The work group collaborates to address challenges, recommend policy changes, and develop best practices that support families in Alameda County.

Facilitator: Kari Dubois, ACOE Consultant

Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Advisory Work Group

The UPK Advisory Work Group, which includes representatives from early learning programs, community organizations, and public agencies, serves as a feedback forum to provide input and diverse perspectives in support of a mixed delivery approach to expanding care and education for three- and four-year-old children in Alameda County. Its primary role is to inform strategies, identify challenges, and guide recommendations to ensure young learners have access to high-quality early learning opportunities that meet the needs of families across the county.

Facilitator: Lucero Irizarry, LPC Coordinator