The Consortium for Early Learning Services (Consortium) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing leadership and assistance in the establishment of quality, affordable and accessible child care programs. Founded in 1982 and incorporated in 1987, the Consortium was initiated through funding made available by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, the City of Riverside, the Press-Enterprise, the Riverside Community Hospital, the City of Moreno Valley, and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. Consortium for Early Learning Services are made possible with community support at the city, county, state, and federal levels.
In 1992, the Consortium was appointed as the Local Planning Council to assist with priorities for Federal Block Grant Child Development funding in Riverside County. In that capacity, the Local Planning Council assesses count child care needs and makes recommendations.
In 2013, the Consortium for Early Learning Services was honored by being named the Riverside County Non- Profit of the Year for Organizational Excellence. The Consortium was commended by the Non-Profit Resource Center for “consistently demonstrating excellence in sustainability, partnership and services”.
Currently four local regions comprise the Consortium; Eastern Region, Southwestern Region, Mid Region, and Western Region. Click here for lineup of cities and communities in each Region.
Regional committees are comprised of members representing city/county government, business, education, community service agencies, child care organizations and community leaders. Regional committees assess Early Care and Education (ECE) needs at the local level and address those needs through collaborative partnerships. The Consortium does not own or operate child care programs. Instead, it provides leadership, advocacy and assistance to local communities to establish affordable, quality Early Care and Education programs.
The accomplishments of the Consortium include developing new centers and family child care homes; sponsoring community awareness events; assisting employers with employee child care issues; providing community ECE resources; assisting planning departments with zoning, ordinance and regulation issues; has provided scholarships to assist families with the cost of child care; and training ECE providers.
CELS ByLaws
The Consortium for Early Learning Services provides leadership, coordination and professional development opportunities to promote quality early care and education in Riverside County.
Partners with many local agencies to provide support services to the ECE programs throughout Riverside County. Present to past partners include Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Riverside University Health Systems, Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, Community Action Partnership of Riverside County, First 5 Riverside County, Riverside County office of Education, cities, school districts and higher learning institutions.
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If you’ve earned your Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education between May 1, 2024, and now, get ready for some exciting news!
