FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Robert Villegas
Communications Advisor
Office of Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento
robert.villegas@bos2.oc.gov
(714) 673-4575
SUPERVISOR SARMIENTO CHAMPIONS SOLUTIONS TO MEET CHILDCARE NEEDS
Supervisors support Second District expenditure to assist childcare businesses and entrepreneurs.
Santa Ana, Calif. (February 27, 2026) – At its meeting this week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported the item, from Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, designed to assist in meeting the need for additional high-quality childcare services in the Second District.
The $75,000 commitment of Second District discretionary funds will support the Childcare Business Incubator program at First 5 Orange County.
“We know that the percentage of infants and toddlers with all parents needing to work continues to increase, and recent studies indicate that only 1 in 8 county infants and toddlers has a licensed childcare spot,” said Supervisor Sarmiento. “We must address the shortage of spots and assist local entrepreneurs in our district with the necessary training and assistance to successfully create these additional businesses to serve the needs of our residents.”
The program provides technical assistance for childcare entrepreneurs to support the opening, stability, viability, and expansion of quality childcare businesses. First 5 Orange County helped launch the program in partnership with community, education, and business development organizations. In the program, future childcare providers spend two months building their knowledge of business basics, early child development, and how to operate a childcare program.
“Increasing the availability and quality of childcare is central to the well-being of Orange County’s children,” said Soledad Rivera, Chair of the Board, First 5 OC. “We are so pleased with the support of so many of our partners and Supervisor Sarmiento for championing this program. The success and growth of these businesses, in the Second District, will make a difference in the lives of so many local families currently struggling to find licensed care for their children.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with First 5 OC, support local small businesses, and help meet the current and future childcare needs of Second District families,” added Supervisor Sarmiento.
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento serves as Vice Chair on the Board of First 5 Orange County. He was elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in November 2022. He represents the Second District, which includes the City of Santa Ana and portions of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, and Tustin. For additional information, visit https://bos2.oc.gov/supervisor