San Mateo County has a shortfall of nearly 9,000 infant/toddler and school age spaces and fewer than 45% of eligible children have access to subsidized care—an ongoing crisis that continues to strain families, hinder children’s development, and limit the county's economic potential. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative, cross-sector effort that brings together public agencies, private partners, community organizations, and local leaders.

To support these collective efforts, Build Up SMC has developed a series of short briefs designed to guide and empower our partners in the expansion, preservation and improvement of child care facilities.