WestEd’s Comprehensive Approaches to Raising Educational Standards (CARES) program, launched in Santa Clara in 2002, is an early education workforce development program. CARES supports local educators by providing education stipends and individualized education planning services to help them work toward obtaining college degrees.

The program is based on predicated research that confirms that children benefit tremendously, many going on to be more successful in school and life, when their early educators are well-trained and well-educated.

Santa Clara CARES has become a robust model of collaborative, data-driven support, constantly reevaluating needs and evolving to better serve local early educators. The benefits are both systemic and personal.