California’s Care Workforce: an overview of needs, opportunities, and challenges

California’s care sector is at a critical juncture. The state recently developed master plans to address the needs of its aging population and provide more comprehensive early childhood learning and care. Successful implementation of these plans will involve meeting growing demand for care services, which in turn relies on the workers and businesses who provide essential, hands-on services to young children, older adults, and people with disabilities. This report offers an overview of the current realities and future challenges in the care sector workforce.