Facilities Planning
Planning a child care facility?
Build Up SMC offers basic information, technical assistance and community partners to get you started and guide you along the way to opening an early care and learning facility in San Mateo County. These resources are organized into four key stages of development.
Not sure what stage you’re in? Reach out to 4Cs of San Mateo County or Build Up San Mateo County for guidance.
Stage 1: Planning
Get grounded in the basics—research your community, think through your program model, and build your team.
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Making Space Matter (LISC) - Report
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San Mateo County Child Care Needs Assessment – Local child care demand
California Child Care Portfolio (by County) – Statewide supply snapshots
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Creating Your Program Budget – Child Care Aware – Budget planning template
Annual Child Care Cost Info (KidsData) – Local cost data
Cost Estimator – CostofChildCare.org – Custom cost calculator
Children’s Investment Fund – Capital Planning – Facility design funding (NOTE: Example in Massachusetts)
Opportunity Finance Network – CDFIs – Community lender network
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Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center – Local small business support
Starting a Business in San Mateo County – County start-up guide
City of San Mateo Child Care Start-Up Guide – Local licensing resource
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How to Choose an Architect – Spaces for Children – Selection tips
Architect Interview Questions – Sample questions
What to Consider Before Hiring (LIIF) – Key architect hiring tips
Architect List – Build Up CA – CA architect directory
Stage 2: Pre-Development
Understand your site and community context. This stage covers approvals, licensing requirements, and inclusive, sustainable design.
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Inclusive Spaces for Children with Disabilities – Build Up SMC Brief – Designing inclusive facilities
ADA & Child Care Centers – FAQ – Accessibility guidance
ECTA Inclusion Hub – Inclusion best practices
Innovative Inclusive Settings - Design Resources
Greening Early Childhood – Green design resources
Community Design Collaborative – Sample project ideas
Checklist for Designing Healthy Learning Spaces – Health-based checklist
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Inclusive Spaces for Children with Disabilities – Build Up SMC Brief – Designing inclusive facilities
ADA & Child Care Centers – FAQ – Accessibility guidance
ECTA Inclusion Hub – Inclusion best practices
Innovative Inclusive Settings - Design Resources
Greening Early Childhood – Green design resources
Community Design Collaborative – Sample project ideas
Checklist for Designing Healthy Learning Spaces – Health-based checklist
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Bridge Housing – Child Care Handbook – Case study examples
ECE in Affordable Housing Guide – Riverside County – Planning guide
Housing-Related Resources for FCC Providers – Build Up SMC Brief – Facility tips for FCCs
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Transit-Oriented Child Care – LINCC Guide – Co-location strategies
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Site Visit Prep Checklist (Build Up SMC) – Visit planning checklist
Readiness Tools – LIIF Facility assessment tools
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American Planning Association – Child Care Policy Guide – Land use recommendations
Child Care Law Center – Legal guidance for providers
City of South San Francisco Child Care Master Plan – Local planning framework
San Mateo County Child Care Facilities Ordinance – Local zoning ordinance
San Mateo County General Plan – Planning framework
Community Care Licensing – CA DSS – Licensing rules & support
CA Health & Safety Code (Child Care Sections) – Legal definitions & FCC protections
Regulations – Title 22, Division 12 – Licensing regulations
Stage 3: Development
This stage covers construction, renovations, and furnishings—everything you need to turn plans into physical space.
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Development guide - facility construction info
LISC Guide – Equipment & Furnishing – Design + materials
Table & Chair Size Chart – Discount School Supply – Classroom sizing guide
Stage 4: Start-Up
The final steps before opening! Licensing, staffing, family engagement, and operational readiness.
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How to Become Licensed – CDSS – Application process
Mandated Reporter Training – Online training course
How to Become Licensed - CA Dept of Social Services
Licensing and Business Resources - 4Cs of San Mateo County
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Early Childhood Educators - San Mateo Office of Education info and training resources
CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing – Credentialing info
Early Childhood Education Career Pathways – Career advancement tools
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Lead Safe Toolkit – San Mateo County Health – Lead safety steps
Facilities Resources – SMCOE – Local facilities support
Facility Maintenance Checklist (Kristen Anderson) – Routine maintenance guide
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Center for Inclusive Child Care – Inclusive practices
SIP Project – Systems improvement tools
Quality Rating & Improvement System – CDE – Quality rating info
California Preschool Instructional Network – CPIN – Curriculum support
SMCOE Early Ed Training – Local PD trainings
Moments Together – Family Engagement – Family connection tips
HUG Your Baby – Infant bonding strategies
First 5 California – Parent & provider tools
Additional Resources
San Mateo County Family Child Care Organization – FCC provider support
LISC - Making Space Matter Report
National Children’s Facilities Network (NCFN) – National tech assistance
Child Care Partnership Council of San Mateo County – Local ECE policy body
First 5 San Mateo County – Funding and support
Fund the Future Report – San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women – Child care & women’s economic health
Need help navigating these resources?
We’re here to help. Contact Build Up SMC or one of our local partners for personalized support with facilities planning, site evaluation, or licensing.