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Close to 40,000 foreign-born child care workers have left the profession due to the Trump administration's aggressive deportation policies, according to a new study by the Better Life Lab at New America. This exodus represents about 12% of the foreign-born child care workforce, particularly affecting those with at least a two-year college degree and workers from Mexico. Chris Herbst, a professor at Arizona State University, said, "What's different now is the ferocity of the enforcement," highlighting the increased fear among workers. The report also notes that the child care industry, which supports over $152bn in economic activity, is facing a severe staffing crisis, exacerbated by a climate of fear that has led to a drop in both immigrant and U.S.-born workers. Many are shifting to private caregiving roles to avoid ICE encounters, further straining the already struggling child care sector.

 

The Modesto Bee

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West Contra Costa USD educators, including teachers, librarians, and healthcare staff, concluded a week-long strike with a new agreement after extensive negotiations. The United Teachers of Richmond reported that the deal, reached after a 12-hour bargaining session, includes an 8% pay increase over two years and full coverage of health premiums. Gabrielle Micheletti, union vice president, said: “By forcing WCCUSD to invest in improved wages and healthcare, we’ve made important progress in ending the district’s decades-long staffing crisis.” The strike marked the first in the district's history.

 

EdSource

Mercury News

According to a new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, students who returned to in-person school during the Covid-19 pandemic experienced significantly lower rates of mental health diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. The research analyzed data from 185,735 children aged 5 to 18 across California, where schools remained closed longer than in other states. “Our results provide solid evidence to parents, educators, and policymakers that in-person school plays a crucial role in kids’ well-being,” said Rita Hamad, a professor at Harvard University. The study found that by the ninth month after schools reopened, children were 43% less likely to be diagnosed with mental health conditions.

 

EdSource

Rural students were instrumental in securing the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which provides funding to rural school districts, including nearly $34m to California counties in 2024. After Congress allowed the program to lapse in 2023, FFA students from districts such as Fall River Joint USD lobbied representatives in Washington, D.C., an effort described by educators as a “game-changer.” The House passed the bill 399 to 5 following unanimous Senate approval, and it now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature. Supporters described the experience as a powerful lesson in civic engagement, showing students how their voices can influence national policy.

 

EdSource

Los Angeles Times

Rincon Valley USD is grappling with an $8.5m deficit, approximately 8% of its budget, prompting intervention from the Sonoma County Office of Education. This certification, announced during a board meeting, aims to prevent a cash shortfall that could disrupt basic operations. Interim Superintendent Mike Herfurth stated, “We've already made some changes to this fiscal year's budget. That is helping us out drastically for this year.” The district is exploring options, including potential school closures, to save $4.3m next year. Community forums revealed a preference for maintaining current grade configurations, but significant cuts are necessary to avoid state intervention. The district's financial issues reflect broader challenges faced by many in the region due to declining enrollment and rising costs.

 

Press Democrat

The Malibu City Council has unanimously approved three foundational agreements aimed at establishing an independent Malibu USD, separate from Santa Monica. The 5-0 vote marks a significant milestone in a struggle that began over a decade ago. Deputy City Attorney Christine Wood said, "We will have a district soon, and that's what this milestone represents." The agreements, previously approved by the Santa Monica-Malibu USD Board of Education, outline the financial and operational framework for the split. Key components include a Revenue Sharing Agreement ensuring Santa Monica 4% annual growth in unrestricted revenue, and an Operational Transfer Agreement that guarantees the new Malibu district starts with at least $7.5m in reserves.

 

Santa Monica Daily Press

The Redlands USD board has voted 3-2 to remove "Push" by Sapphire from high school libraries and unanimously decided to restrict "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison to students over 18 with parental consent. Both books have faced challenges nationwide due to their sexual content and are among the most banned in the U.S. Parent Katherine Appleby said, "They are raw and powerful narratives about trauma," emphasizing their importance in addressing issues like sexual assault. However, Lawrence Hebron, a former school board candidate, argued that the ban protects children from harmful content. Critics of the board's decision claim it violates a 2023 state law against censorship in school libraries.

 

EdSource

Daily Breeze

Santa brought holiday cheer to children at Gustine Elementary School by arriving via helicopter as part of Operation Santa Sleigh, an event organized by the Merced County Sheriff's Office with assistance from Merced County Probation and Cal Fire MMU. The Aviation Unit spread festive joy across schools in Merced County this week, making the holiday season even more special for the students.

 

Westsideconnect.com

China has launched new national guidelines aimed at transforming science education in primary and secondary schools by 2035, with a focus on fostering curiosity, hands-on learning, and real-world problem-solving. The Ministry of Education-led initiative calls for tiered, inquiry-driven teaching aligned with students' cognitive development, and promotes project-based learning, digital tracking of innovation, and collaboration with universities and tech firms. Schools are encouraged to integrate classroom and local resources, while teacher training and student evaluations will shift toward creativity and exploration over rote learning. "We often ask children during field visits, 'What is your favorite subject?' They used to say physical education. We hope in the future they will say science," commented Tian Zuyin, director of the ministry's department of basic education.

 

China Daily