Upwards is the nation's largest network of family child care providers. We are grateful for the City to fund the Boost program as a direct investment in Chula Vista's child care infrastructure, small business community, and working families.
Boost equips low-to-moderate income, in-home child care providers with one-on-one business coaching and digital tools to strengthen their operations and grow their revenue. Providers work individually with experienced Care Specialists to build a customized Business Action Plan — covering marketing, enrollment, finances, programming, staffing, and more. They also receive free access to our Child Care Management System, which streamlines day-to-day operations and improves programming quality.
The Result: Providers grow their small businesses, create local jobs, and expand access to affordable, quality care for working families in the community.
The Need in Chula Vista:
The child care shortage in Chula Vista is both a family crisis and an economic one:
● Access gap: 60% of children under six in Chula Vista lack access to a licensed child care slot, leaving thousands of families— especially mothers and single parents— unable to fully participate in the workforce.
● Low Wages: Child care workers in Chula Vista earn an average of $17.61 per hour, far below the wages of elementary educators. This wage gap drives high turnover and deepens the shortage.
● An Urgent Need: Nationally, two-thirds of child care providers report difficulty meeting basic needs including food and housing — a pressure Chula Vista providers know firsthand.
A Proven Model:
Boost has a strong track record. Across 30 cities and counties, Upwards has mentored over 500 family child care providers, created 180 new jobs, helped providers increase revenue by an average of 25%, and expanded child care slots by 30–50% — all within the first year of implementation.
Upwards is already operating in the region and could launch in Chula Vista immediately upon receiving funding.
Learn More:
We encourage the Council to support staff’s recommendation to fund the Boost program. We welcome the opportunity to meet with any Council Member to answer questions and discuss how Boost can serve Chula Vista better. For providers or organizations who are interested in learning more about the Boost program, please reach out to the email below for more information.
Kat Fuentes, Director of Government Partnerships| [email protected] Written Communications - Fuentes
Received 4/14/2026
Kat Fuentes, Director of Government Partnerships| [email protected]