The 34th annual Irvine Junior Games is a fundraising track and field event with 1,200 4th - 8th grade athletes from 36 elementary and middle schools in Irvine, CA. on May 7, 2023.   The funds raised provide before and after school child care scholarships for low income, working families - families who work hard but are in low paying jobs.  The child care programs are locted on 29 elementary schools in Irvine, Ca.  Over 3,000 children can go safely to and from home and school both before and after school and during school holidays.  The low income, working families receive a scholarship on a sliding scale based on income.  Last year the funding provided over 10,000 child care days for low income, working families.  Child care remains a key component to homeless prevention for low income families.  This funding provides accessible, affordable licensed child care so families can go to work knowing that their children are safe.  No transportation after school is needed.  The children are escored from their school directly and the child care program.

The Covid Pandemic has made child care even more important to working families and to the economic recovery for families and for businesses.