BUILD UP
SAN MATEO COUNTY
Preserving, expanding and improving the supply of high-quality child care facilities in San Mateo County
Child Care is Essential Infrastructure
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.
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.
Health & Safety
Child care facilities play a vital role in protecting young children’s health, safety, and development. Climate-resilient designs—such as shade, nature access, and safeguards against extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and flooding—help create nurturing, high-quality spaces for early learning.
Child Care in San Mateo County
Gap
San Mateo County is short 1,403 infant/toddler spaces and 7,501 school-age spaces. Fewer than 45% of eligible children have access to subsidized care.
Cost
Families with a toddler and preschooler pay an average of $48,000 per year for care—making child care one of the biggest household expenses.
ROI
Every $1 invested in early care yields $2 in short-term returns and $13 to $16 over the long term—outperforming the S&P 500 over the last 30 years.
Climate and Early Childhood: Building a Resilient Future
Thank You To Our Funders and Partners
