CHILD CARE ADVOCATE NEWSLETTER
UPDATE TO SAN MATEO COUNTY EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION LAND USE STUDY
Build Up for San Mateo County’s Children and the San Mateo County Child Care Partnership Council (LPC) are working to update the 2007, Child Care and Land Use Study — San Mateo County Child Care Coordinating Council which has been used by child care providers and interested potential operators to aid in comprehension of the various sectors regulating the development of early care and education spaces.

To support this effort, Build Up has requested that every Planning Department in San Mateo County participate by providing information regarding their General Plan, Zoning Map, as well as an analysis and interpretation of their Municipal Code. The data collected will be used to develop resources for San Mateo County’s ECE community and recognize cities engaging in proactive work. 

We look forward to sharing the outcomes of this survey later this year.
IMAGE ABOVE: Sample of the 2007, Child Care Land Use Study
Federal Commitment to Early Care & Education
NCFN & Build Up SMC Endorse the Child Care is Infrastructure Act
Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA) reintroduced the Child Care is Infrastructure Act in March 2021. This bill would provide a $10 billion investment in our nation’s child care infrastructure over the next 5 years and provide dedicated technical assistance resources through experienced intermediaries like CDFIs.


Groundbreaking Investment in Child Care Infrastructure
Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) proudly endorsed the Child Care is Infrastructure Act, which presents a critical opportunity to build a sustainable child care infrastructure system that increases supply, promotes health and safety, and builds capacity among providers. This federal investment takes an important step towards addressing the estimated $14 billion it would take to upgrade existing child care facilities to professional quality standards. Examples of improving the quality of facilities may include new HVAC systems to improve ventilation, renovations to make playgrounds and classrooms safe for children and staff, or installing child-sized toilets and sinks that are developmentally and age appropriate.
March 16, 2021
Child Care is Infrastructure Act Introduced in House
In an effort to bolster funding for the child care industry to provide the highest quality care to our nation’s youngest learners, Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA) introduced the Child Care is Infrastructure Act, a comprehensive package that invests in child care infrastructure and workforce development and education opportunities for care providers.
As we prepare to rebuild our nation’s economy after this pandemic, there’s no question that addressing our nation’s child care crisis must be a core component. A robust child care market and a highly-skilled early education workforce will be essential to the economic recovery and our nation’s long-term well being, which makes the Child Care is Infrastructure Act a critical investment. -- First Five Years Fund (FFYF)
March 17, 2021
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Washington Post Op-Ed
Vice President Kamala Harris:
The Exodus of Women from the Workforce
is a National Emergency
“Job loss, small business closings and a lack of child care have created a perfect storm for women workers… This mass exodus of women from the workforce is a national emergency, and it demands a national solution.”
To read the full article CLICK HERE.
IN THE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
New America: Re-imagining Early Care and Education
The need for an early care and education system that works for all children and families has gained tremendous urgency. And yet the crises of 2020 have brought to light just how fragile and inadequate the existing policies and systems are in the U.S. With new federal leadership, the time is ripe for a bold post-pandemic agenda for a strong, functioning early care and education system that prioritizes equity, embraces whole child approaches, and connects smoothly with elementary education and systems that support family well being.  

New America invites you to join them for an event examining why re-imagining and investing in early care and education must be a national priority now and explore how to make it a reality for all children!

The event will take place on Tuesday, March 30 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm.
RESOURCES
BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER
Rethinking America's Child Care System
How child care businesses are funded in this country has created a broken business model, a challenge that was exacerbated by COVID-19. Now with many child care businesses forced to close, families are struggling to find high-quality care that helps their children learn and thrive while allowing them to stay in workforce. Policy solutions are needed to support a stable child care market and to ensure families have access to child care that works for them.

Watch BPC’s new video, Rethinking America’s Child Care System, to learn more and see a surprising solution for businesses and families alike.
As always, we hope you and your loved ones are safe and well.

Thank you for your continued support,

The Build Up Team