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Receive a presentation from First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission regarding the Rise Vallejo Early Education and Community Resource Center project and its impact on expanding early learning and family support opportunities for children and families in Vallejo and Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission recommends the Board of Supervisors receive a presentation regarding the Rise Vallejo Early Education and Community Resource Center project and its impact on expanding early learning and family support opportunities for children and families in Vallejo and Solano County.
SUMMARY:
The Rise Vallejo Early Education and Community Resource Center (Rise Vallejo) is a multi-partner initiative to expand access to high-quality early learning and family support services in Solano County. The five-year development process has included site acquisition, renovation of a shuttered elementary school, cross-sector partnerships, and coordinated funding efforts totaling over $20 million. Rise Vallejo is scheduled to host a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Friday April 17th, 2026. (See attachment A)
Rise Vallejo addresses a critical gap identified by First 5 Solano-lack of appropriate facilities as a primary barrier to expanding childcare capacity. The facility is expected to serve more than 200 children annually. The Center will house multiple early learning providers, offer shared infrastructure, and serve as a model for future place-based investments in early childhood systems.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Rise Vallejo project represents a total capital investment of approximately $20 million, funded through a combination of local, state, federal, and philanthropic sources. This includes $1,870,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and $2,000,000 of General Fund toward the purchase of the building. The site was transferred to Child Start, Inc., who will be operating the facility.
DISCUSSION:
The Rise Vallejo Early Education and Community Resource Center represents a significant, collaborative investment in Solano County’s early childhood infrastructure. The project originated from the need to relocate existing Head Start classrooms and evolved into a comprehensive solution to address long-standing facility barriers impacting early learning providers.
Following extensive exploration with local jurisdictions, real estate partners, and school districts, a shuttered 18-classroom elementary school site in Vallejo was identified and repurposed. The project required substantial renovation to meet early childhood licensing standards, including installation of classroom-based restrooms, HVAC system upgrades, ADA improvements, and development of age-appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments.
The facility is operated by Child Start, Inc., with a shared-services model that reduces operational costs for providers by aggregating facility expenses. The Center will host multiple providers, including Head Start and private providers, and offer centralized staffing support provided by Child Start, Inc. such as a Center Director, Family Navigator, and facility maintenance personnel.
In addition to early learning services, the project includes a future phase to expand into a Community Resource Center, further integrating family support services. The project demonstrates a scalable, place-based model that aligns public, private, and philanthropic investments to increase access to high-quality childcare in under-resourced communities.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to receive and file the presentation. This option is not recommended, as it would limit the Board’s awareness of a significant County-supported investment that expands early learning capacity, strengthens community infrastructure, and leverages multi-sector funding to benefit children and families in Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Solano County Administrator’s Office, Solano County Counsel, Solano County Office of Education
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION