Costa Mesa Early Childhood Coalition

In 2019, the Costa Mesa Early Childhood Coalition (CMECC) was created by a group of committed residents and organizations to prioritize funding, policies and programs that support the youngest citizens of Costa Mesa. Recognizing that a strong start for all kids can lead to better outcomes, the group focused on early childhood as a vehicle for the creation of a healthier, more prosperous and equitable community. 

In addition to stakeholders from the Newport Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD), the City of Costa Mesa, the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living, United Way and Ersoylu Consulting, parents and community stakeholders were invited to participate in the monthly meetings hosted by Early Childhood OC.  Recently, a strategic planning process led to the creation of this document.

All Costa Mesa children and families thrive. We understand that this is only possible when the systems involving young children and their families are highly functioning. Therefore, the mission of CMECC is to ensure quality early learning, promote comprehensive early childhood health and development and cultivate resilient families through collaboration across Costa Mesa. 

All Costa Mesa children and families thrive.  We understand that this is only possible when the systems involving young children and their families are highly functioning. Therefore, the mission of CMECC is to ensure quality early learning, promote comprehensive early childhood health and development and cultivate resilient families through collaboration across Costa Mesa. 

With a population of 115,081, Costa Mesa is one of 34 cities in Orange County, California. The median income is $84,311 ($101,721 for married families). Conversely, the poverty rate of Costa Mesa is approximately 13%. Approximately 11% of the population is below the age of five. 

Based on the 2019 Early Development Index (EDI) data, only 55.1% of Costa Mesa children are kindergarten-ready. Further data tells us that in order to increase their readiness, we must increase communication skills, improve gross and fine motor skills, practice pro-social and helping behavior, and improve overall social competence. These skills are the requisite skills for overall success in school. Furthermore, pro-social and helping behavior are the base for social and emotional development which is foundational to building and sustaining positive and responsive relationships.

Through a detailed strategic plan, the CMECC is working to build a true Early Childhood Community. With the implementation of the following strategic plan goals, we will ensure all of Costa Mesa’s children and families thrive: 

• Increase community awareness and commitment to prioritizing early childhood 

• Create public spaces that are safe and rich learning environments

• Ensure families with young children have increased access to community resources that increase resilience 

• Promote policies to support optimal early childhood development

• Increase funding and collaborative partnerships to ensure sustainability