Pico Rivera and the National Childcare Network Collaborate to Augment Childcare Access Within the City
City of Pico Rivera Partners with Upwards for Childcare Support and Solsmart Gold Designation
Pico Rivera, a city in California, is making strides in both solar energy and childcare support. The city has recently partnered with Upwards, a national childcare network, to bolster local childcare providers.
The partnership, facilitated by Upwards' Boost program, aims to provide no-cost business and technical support to 14 local childcare micro-enterprises. This initiative offers digital tools for operations, marketing, family engagement, and curriculum planning, alongside one-on-one coaching and support. The goal is to improve efficiency, increase enrollment, and expand childcare availability.
Jessa Santangelo, VP of Business Development and Community Impact at Upwards, stated, "Quality childcare is essential for working families and critical for local economies to thrive." Since its launch in 2022, the Boost program has impacted over 400 childcare providers across six states, creating more than 130 childcare jobs and increasing childcare access in multiple communities.
In a significant move, Pico Rivera has also earned the Solsmart Gold Designation for Solar Energy Leadership. This recognition is a testament to the city's commitment to solar energy and sustainability. The Solsmart Gold Designation was awarded to Pico Rivera by Vice President of Development at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
Pico Rivera's Director of Sustainability and Energy, Victor Ferrer, and other city officials received the Solsmart Gold Designation. The Act focuses on lowering costs for families and creating good paying jobs in the solar sector.
To further support the community, Pico Rivera has also invested in providing high-speed internet access for the entire city. This move is expected to boost local businesses and improve the quality of life for residents.
Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38) secured funding for 15 projects, including those in La Mirada, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, and others. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which she helped pass, has been signed into law.
For childcare providers interested in the Boost program, they can sign up and learn more about Upwards at upwards.com/provide-care/boost.
[1] Upwards. (n.d.). Boost Program. Retrieved from https://upwards.com/provide-care/boost [2] Upwards. (n.d.). Boost Impact. Retrieved from https://upwards.com/boost-impact [4] Upwards. (n.d.). Boost Provider Benefits. Retrieved from https://upwards.com/boost-provider-benefits
- Attendees of community news events might learn about education initiatives like the Boost program offered by Upwards, which aims to enhance the quality of childcare for local families and provides no-cost business and technical support to education-and-self-development providers.
- To diversify their offerings beyond solar energy and childcare support, the City of Pico Rivera could consider partnering with education institutions to host events that discuss educational topics, such as workshops, seminars, and webinars, beneficial for the growth and development of the community's members.
