Build Up SMC

The Challenge

San Mateo County has a child care shortage crisis affecting families’ economic opportunities, and children’s learning during critical development stages from birth to age 12. Recently, the county turned down $1 million in state support for subsidized child care due to lack of facilities to house programs.

Effect on Housing

Child care is valuable community infrastructure that interrelates with housing and transit. Child care sited near housing, jobs, and transit reduces car trips. Currently, families may drive an extra 45+ mins to get to quality care.

Effect on Employment

Available child care is a quality of life and workforce issue for residents and employers. The child care shortage causes working parents to choose between less-than-ideal arrangements or turning down employment opportunities.

Development Hurdles

Early learning programs looking to open new sites or expand face challenges such as lack of usable, affordable space and extreme development expenses and timelines. Many give up on their expansion dreams.