Preserving, expanding and improving the supply of high-quality child care facilities in San Mateo County
BUILD UP
SAN MATEO COUNTY
Child Care is Essential Infrastructure
Housing
Child care is essential community infrastructure that interrelates with housing and transit. Child care near housing, jobs, and transit increases access for families.
Employment
Child care access is a quality of life and workforce issue. Limited options often cause working parents to choose less-than-ideal arrangements or pass up employment opportunities.
Health & Safety
Child care facilities support children’s health, safety, and development. Climate-resilient features like shade and flood protection create high-quality early learning environments.
Child Care in San Mateo County
Gap
8,904 spaces
San Mateo County is short 1,403 infant/toddler and 7,501 school-age spaces. Fewer than 45% of eligible children have access to subsidized care.
Cost
$48K per year
Families with a toddler or preschooler pay an average of $48,000 per year for care—making child care one of the biggest household expenses.
ROI
2 to 1
Every $1 invested in early care yields $2 in short-term returns in the local economy and $13 to $16 over the long term.
Thank You, Funders and Partners
