A Multi-Sector Approach: Childcare as an Infrastructure Priority [Video]

In 2015, California’s San Mateo County identified a tremendous shortage of 10,800 early childhood education spaces for high-quality childcare and early learning for children ages four and younger. Though multiple initiatives offered funding for program expansion, the county has had to turn down $1 million in state support for subsidized childcare due to lack of facilities to house the programs.

The average cost to build one childcare space is $40,711. In total, it would cost approximately $428 million to meet the projected 2025 demand for San Mateo County, which is 14,000 spaces. And for those early learning programs that are trying to expand their programs, their number one barrier is a lack of usable, affordable space in which to do it.

Build Up SMC was established to alleviate the childcare shortage in San Mateo County. This coalition relies on partnerships with city officials, developers, employers, school districts, and others to …