Fairfield, CA – Solano Community College proudly announces that faculty member Anthony Ayala has co-authored Assembly Bill 1123 (AB 1123), newly signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill restructures the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to include voting members representing the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Profession for the first time in state history.
Since its creation in 1971, the CTC has set standards for teacher preparation, permits, and credentials—but until now, lacked voting representation from early childhood professionals or higher education faculty who train them.
Superintendent President Dr. Kellie Butler remarked, “We are incredibly proud of Professor Ayala and his remarkable leadership in shaping AB 1123. His work demonstrates the impact that Solano Community College faculty have far beyond our classrooms—helping to shape policy, strengthen our profession, and uplift the communities we serve.”
“Early childhood education is the only sector where teachers’ racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds often reflect those of the children and families they serve,” said Ayala, who also serves as Co-Lead of PEACH, one of the bill’s sponsors. “While this is something we take pride in, early childhood professionals have too often been excluded from decision-making at the highest levels. AB 1123 seeks to change that.”
AB 1123 was authored by Assembly Education Committee Chair Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) and sponsored by PEACH, Child Care Resource Center, and Head Start California. The law allows the Governor to appoint an ECE teacher and a higher education faculty member to the CTC, ensuring the field’s expertise is represented in statewide policy decisions.
“This is a huge win for the children and families of California,” Ayala added. “When those working in early childhood education have a seat at the table, the entire system becomes stronger and more equitable.”
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