Immigrant parents and childcare advocates press Marin County for immigrant support fund, childcare investment and higher pay for providers

Several parents and community organizers told the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 26 that immigrant families in Marin County are living “in fear” because of federal immigration activity and need a county‑supported safety net, legal supports and better access to childcare.

Speakers from Parents Voices of Marin and partnering groups urged the county to create a holistic immigrant support fund that would include legal services, “know your rights” education, immediate supports (clothing, emergency aid) and childcare assistance if a parent is detained. Speakers also asked that the county invest in more childcare slots, noting long wait lists and the difficulty parents face when childcare is not available.

Several commenters stressed wages and working conditions for childcare providers. One speaker said some childcare workers are earning as little as $12 per hour and argued providers need a living wage to retain slots and quality care. Multiple speakers tied childcare to workforce and family stability, saying reliable childcare would allow parents to enter or remain in the workforce.

County staff described the county’s ongoing involvement in early childhood work. Assistant County Executive Bridal Espiritu Santo (spoke as Ariel/Bridal in the presentation) reviewed an early‑learning road map developed with the Marin Community Foundation, Marin County Office of Education, First 5 and other partners. Staff said the county previously used $1,000,000 in ARPA one‑time funds for related initiatives and set aside $250,000 in the last budget toward implementing the roadmap.

Staff said a consultant (prenatal to 5 fiscal strategies) will begin fiscal mapping to identify available revenue streams, build a five‑year cost model and produce a “burden index” showing where funding gaps exist across age and income groups. The consultant’s work is intended to show how different local funding scenarios could close service gaps.

Board members asked about leveraging county funds, short‑term site preservation for at‑risk childcare providers, and options for shared/parent‑led models of care. Supervisors signaled support for continuing the roadmap work and for targeted, evidence‑based use of one‑time funds in the May budget process. No appropriation was adopted on Feb. 26; staff said they will return with further recommendations as the May hearings approach.