Latest News & Updates

I give because child care is a critical building block of life, and I want to be sure this essential work receives the support it deserves.

Connections for Children (CFC) has opened a new community office inside the Social Justice Center at El Camino College in Torrance. Between classes, student parents can get free one-on-one help finding affordable South Bay child care, checking eligibility for tuition assistance, and joining CFC family programs. The office is open to everyone, with no appointment needed.

CFC’s new and improved Provider Lending Library is a one-stop resource hub for early childhood professionals. It was created to make high-quality educational materials more accessible to early care and education professionals while providing a welcoming space where educators can explore new ideas for their classroom and programs, check out resources, and connect with their peers.

The PBS SoCal Family Math Workshop Series supports parents and caregivers of children ages 2–5 with simple, hands-on ways to bring math into everyday life and play. Last year, Connections for Children launched and held five PBS SoCal Family Math workshops @ The Cayton Children’s Museum, with one session bringing together 24 adults and 19 children. Through songs, books, play, and interactive activities, families explore early math concepts in ways that are fun, age-appropriate, and easy to continue at home.

The UPK initiative, California’s way of ensuring access to high-quality early care and learning programs for all 3-and-4-year-old children, is creating opportunities for communities to bring this conversation to life. While many parents and guardians may know that access to early learning experiences promotes curiosity, independence, social-emotional development, and helps prepare children for school, many also find it challenging to navigate the early learning and care options available to them.

Connections for Children is proud to support families in finding safe, nurturing, and high-quality childcare through My Child Care Plan (MCCP)—an easy-to-use platform designed to connect families with licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes.

Jennifer Cowan, CEO of Connections for Children, joins the She Built It podcast to discuss child care, leadership, workforce investment, and community impact.

CFC Board Member Erica Exberger shares why giving back is a family value, how she’s inspiring her children to become the next generation of philanthropists, and why supporting children and families through CFC matters to her. Through volunteering, giving, and leading by example, Erica reminds us that even small acts of generosity can plant seeds that make a difference for years to come.

Connections for Children now has a presence at El Camino College

Jennifer Cowan, CEO of Connections for Children, joins the Giving Intelligence podcast to discuss why affordable, high-quality child care is essential to children, families, and the economy, and how advocacy, partnerships, and community support can help build a stronger child care system.