When Child Care Disappears: What's Happening at Orange Coast College - and Why It Matters
- Community Member
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
Something heartbreaking is unfolding in Costa Mesa, California. After more than 40 years of serving local families, the Harry & Grace Steele Children's Center at Orange Coast College (OCC) is being dramatically downsized. Over half of its child care services are set to be cut. More than 60 families will lose care. And the educators who've devoted their careers to this community are facing layoffs.
In February 2025, families and staff were given the news of the closure - and that most teachers would be laid off within four months.
One member of our Moms First community, Desiree DeLattre, and other parents, staff, and students sprang into action. Together, they built a detailed, financially sound business plan that would keep the center running, save jobs, and even turn a profit within a year. College leaders acknowledged it made sense - and then rejected it.
What's happening at OCC is part of a larger trend - where community child care is being sacrificed and public child care programs are being quietly dismantled. We can't afford to look away. OCC parents are organizing. And they need us to stand with them. Learn more about what the parents in the OCC community are doing to help save their center and find ways to get involved (and tips to help you if your community is facing a similar situation).
As published in the Moms First newsletter on 4/3/2025
About Moms First
Moms First is a 501(c)3 organization that aims to create sweeping changes in three critical arenas: workplaces, community, and culture. They are fighting for structural changes that moms need and deserve, like affordable childcare, paid family leave, and equal pay for moms.
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