Working Together To Build a Better Beginning
Every child’s path is shaped by the world they’re born into. For too many families in Fresno County, that path is filled with barriers—systemic gaps in access, care, and opportunity that begin before birth and stretch across early childhood.
Early Matters Fresno exists to change that.
We’re a countywide coalition of over 50 public, private, and community-based partners aligning around one shared goal: to ensure that all families raising young children in Fresno have the support they need to thrive. From maternal health to child care access, from grassroots collaboration to policy change, we’re focused on what works—and we’re doing it together.
The Problem
Fresno’s families face steep and systemic barriers.
The earliest years of a child’s life are critical—but for many families in Fresno County, poverty, access gaps, and disconnected systems create challenges that are hard to overcome. These are not isolated issues—they are systemic barriers. Addressing them requires coordination, policy change, and community-rooted action.
Key Issues Affecting Fresno Families
Poverty Runs Deep
More than 1 in 4 children in Fresno County live below the poverty line, limiting access to basic needs like housing, nutrition, and healthcare.
Too Many Babies Born Too Soon
Preterm birth rates in Fresno are among the highest in California (10% in 2023)—especially for Black mothers, who have experienced rates over 14%.
Child Care Is Expensive and Scarce
Childcare and early education costs can reach $24,000 a year, yet only 35% of families with children under 5 have access to licensed care and/or early education.
Systems Don’t Always Work Together
Health, education, and social services often operate in silos, creating confusion and delays for families who need coordinated care.
Gaps Disproportionately Affect Families of Color
Systemic racism and disinvestment mean families of color face greater barriers and worse outcomes—starting before birth.
Our Approach
The Early Matters Fresno coalition focuses on partnership building, leveraging, project piloting, and policy change in two areas—Maternal & Child Health and Quality Child Care/Early Education & School Readiness. All of our collective impact is evidence-based, equity-focused, and designed to to shift long-term trajectories for families and the region, ultimately improving Fresno’s family economic security.
Promoting healthy pregnancies, births, and early development—starting before day one.
Improving access to high-quality care and education from birth through kindergarten.
Family Economic Security
Supporting the Whole Family
When families are supported—financially, emotionally, and socially—children do better in every area of life. And when children thrive, the entire region benefits. That’s why family economic security isn’t just one of our priorities—it’s the foundation of everything we do. By removing barriers, increasing support, and empowering parents, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Fresno for generations to come.
Maternal & Child Health
Start Strong, Stay Strong
The earliest stages of life—from before birth to the first few years—shape everything that follows. We’re expanding access to services that support healthy pregnancies, safe births, and strong starts for all families.
Strategies for Impact
Expanding Home Visitation Services
More home visitors and community health workers serving families in high-need communities.
Strengthening the Doula Workforce
A growing, culturally responsive network of doulas focused on the needs of Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
Increasing Developmental Screenings
Support for earlier identification of developmental delays and referrals to timely interventions.
Advocating for Medicaid Reimbursement
Pushing for policy changes to support sustainable funding for doulas, home visitors, and community health workers.
Supporting Mental and Physical Wellness
Policies and programs that address maternal mental health, parent well-being, and safe, stable homes.
Building Cross-Sector Coordination
Increasing data sharing and communication between health systems, schools, and community organizations.
Quality Child Care/Early Education & School Readiness
Access That Works for Families
We’re working to make early learning more available, affordable, and aligned with what families actually need—so children can thrive, parents can work, and providers can grow their careers. Through things like place-based, two-generation models that support both children and caregivers, we are working together to improve outcomes starting with investing in people closest to the challenge.
Strategies for Impact
Increasing ECE Licensure and Capacity
Helping new and existing early care and education (ECE) providers meet licensing requirements and expand access countywide.
Investing in the Child Care Workforce
Advocating for better pay, career advancement, and professional development for early childhood educators.
Engaging FFN Caregivers
Offering support and training to Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers—especially those serving underserved areas.
Partnering with Employers
Encouraging family-friendly workplace policies like extended parental leave and on-site or subsidized child care.
Promoting Quality Through Professional Growth
Expanding access to higher education, credentialing, and ongoing learning for ECE professionals.