Schaaf said the pre-K and First Steps programs, which provide financial assistance for low-income families for preschool and child care, respectively, have received 400 applications for the 2025-2026 school year — a record amount. The organization rejected 30 applications, Schaaf said, which is more than prior years. She said she has seen a trend of “slots” being open, or child care providers having room for more children. “I really think we’re going to see, kind of, this change and shift of (there) not being as dire (a) need for child care,” Schaaf said. Right Start helps fund professional development efforts for child care professionals, and Early Childhood Options has a Menu of Quality Services that provides teachers with those resources.