Laney College is joining a new regional effort designed to make it easier for students to build careers in early childhood education, teaching and related education fields.
The newly established East Bay Early Childhood Education and Education (ECE/EDU) Regional Network brings together community colleges and education and workforce partners throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties to strengthen pathways into the educator workforce.
Berkeley City College, in partnership with the Bay Area Community College Consortium (BACCC), has been selected to lead the two-year initiative. Laney is among the participating colleges, which also include College of Alameda, Merritt College and community colleges throughout the East Bay.
For students, the collaboration is designed to create clearer connections between college, transfer, apprenticeships and employment. The network will focus on improving student navigation and career advancement, expanding apprenticeship and other educator workforce pathways, strengthening educator preparation pathways, and building stronger connections with employers and regional partners.
Joya Chavarin, Ed.D., Faculty Coordinator of Berkeley City College’s Teacher Preparation Program, will serve as Project Lead for the Network.
“The East Bay ECE/EDU Regional Network represents an exciting opportunity to build upon outstanding work taking place across the region and strengthen educator pathways through shared leadership, regional collaboration, and a collective commitment to student success,” Chavarin said.
The initiative will bring colleges together with county offices of education, universities, workforce organizations, employers, First 5 agencies and community partners to address educator workforce needs throughout the East Bay.
Backed by Strong Workforce Program Regional funding, the network will work to create more seamless pathways for students attending multiple colleges, expand apprenticeships, and help students move more smoothly from enrollment to credentials and quality employment.
Implementation begins in Fall 2026 with the formation of a steering committee, regional partner engagement, governance development and planning for the inaugural East Bay ECE/EDU Regional Convening.
For Laney students interested in education and careers working with children and families, the new network represents an opportunity to connect their education with transfer, apprenticeship and career pathways across the East Bay.