Celebrating the Next Generation of Black & BIPOC Early Childhood Educators 

By Black & BIPOC Early Childhood Education Achievement Team

This summer, Children’s Council of San Francisco proudly celebrated another incredible milestone as we honored 30 graduates from our Black & BIPOC Early Childhood Education Career Development Pipeline. Surrounded by family, friends, community  partners and supporters, we came together to recognize a group of educators whose dedication, resilience and commitment are helping shape a more equitable future for children and families. 

This year’s graduating class represents three distinct cohorts: 

• 9 graduates from City College of San Francisco’s Cohort 1 BIPOC ECE Transitional Age Youth (TAY) 
• 7 graduates from Las Positas College’s Cohort 1 BIPOC ECE Adult 
• 14 graduates from Las Positas College’s Cohort 5 Black ECE 

While each cohort followed its own unique journey, they shared a common purpose: building meaningful careers in early childhood education while strengthening representation and opportunity within the profession. 

The graduation ceremony celebrated more than the completion of coursework. It recognized the determination of individuals who balanced work, family responsibilities  and personal challenges while pursuing a career dedicated to nurturing the next generation. Through culturally responsive instruction, wraparound coaching, peer support and career exploration, graduates developed both the technical knowledge and confidence needed to move forward in the field. 

The impact of the program is already evident. Exit interviews revealed that graduates are taking multiple pathways toward strengthening the early childhood workforce: 

• Approximately one-third are actively seeking employment in early childhood education. 
• Approximately one-third are preparing to open their own Family Child Care programs, expanding access to quality care within their communities. 
• Approximately one-third plan to continue their education, pursuing additional credentials and degrees to further advance their careers. 

These pathways demonstrate that the program is not simply preparing participants for their first job; it is creating long-term career opportunities and cultivating future leaders within the early childhood education profession. 

For many graduates, the program represented much more than professional training. It became a place of belonging, encouragement and possibility.

One graduate from the Black ECE Cohort described the program as a supportive community that empowers Black women and Black community members to achieve their goals in early childhood education. After relocating to the United States, she was searching for a meaningful career path when a friend encouraged her to join the program. She now hopes to continue working in early childhood education while pursuing additional education, encouraging others who are new to the country to see early education as a profession filled with purpose, opportunity, and growth. 

Another graduate from the BIPOC ECE Adult Cohort, who currently works as a paraprofessional, shared plans to continue serving children while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Her long-term goal is to build a career within a social or community-based setting where she can continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. 

For graduates already working in the field, the experience reinforced the importance of relationships. One participant from the BIPOC ECE Transitional Age Youth Cohort, now working as a Teacher Assistant Floater, reflected that one of the most meaningful lessons learned throughout the program was the importance of building trusting relationships with children and families. She shared that her goal is to become a trusted adult for every child and family she serves because strong relationships are at the heart of quality early childhood education. 

These stories reflect the broader mission of Children’s Council’s Black & BIPOC Early Childhood Education Achievement work: creating pathways into the profession while ensuring educators have the support, mentorship and community needed to thrive long after graduation. 

As our graduates begin new jobs, continue their education and prepare to open Family Child Care businesses, they are helping build an early childhood workforce that better reflects and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Their leadership, lived experiences and commitment to children will strengthen classrooms, support families and inspire future generations of educators. 

Congratulations to all 30 graduates. We are honored to have been part of your journey and look forward to seeing the lasting impact you will make in early childhood education. 

Thank you to our program funders the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood, the Mimi & Peter Haas Fund and the Hellman Foundation. The Black & BIPOC ECE Pre-Apprenticeship Programs 2026 Graduation is graciously sponsored by Golden State.