1 Child Care Policy Opportunities Status Report
Neighborhood Services and Education Committee
February 12, 2026
Item (d)3
Presenter: Peter Hamilton, Assistant to the City Manager 2 Policy Context
California
• Implementing
universal
transitional
kindergarten in
2025-2026 school
year.
San
Francisco
• Passed a dedicated
tax in 2018.
• Subsidizes
childcare up to
150% of AMI.
New Mexico
• As of November
2025, implementing
universal, fully
subsidized child
care.
Michigan
• Trishare program
shares the cost of
childcare three
ways between
individuals, the
state and
participating
employers.
2 3
Provision at City Facilities
San José Recreation Preschool
R.O.C.K. Afterschool Program
Camp San José
Camp San José Jr.
Break Camps
3 4
Subsidies
4 5
Funding for Co-Location with Affordable Housing
• As part of approval of the 2022-2023 Operating
Budget, the City Council allocated $900,000 to
support the development of childcare facilities
in the ground floor retail spaces of new Cityfunded affordable housing developments. • To date, one project has been completed.
5 6
Zoning Code
• Day care centers are an allowed use in most
zoning districts with the approval of a Special
Use Permit (SUP).
• Exemptions from SUP for centers co-located
with schools and religious assembly and for
family day care homes.
• Staff pursuing AB 752 implementation.
6 7
Training and Business Development
Friends, Families, and Neighbors
Network Program
Boost Program
7 8
Children and Youth Services Master Plan
• Childcare services are a component of the no wrong door approach to building an integrated system of care. When implemented at the two demonstration sites, the no wrong door approach will help to connect residents to childcare assistance opportunities that they may not otherwise have been aware of. • Implementation of the Children and Youth Services Master Plan is also an opportunity to increase coordination. In 2026, PRNS staff has convened an internal working group composed of City staff to align and coordinate internal resources. As an example, staff is pursuing training for City staff on the no wrong door approach.
8 9
Efforts by Other Agencies
Office of Children and Families Policy
Santa Clara County Office of
Education
First 5
9 10
Child Care Policy Opportunities Status Report
Neighborhood Services and Education Committee
February 12, 2026
Item (d)3
Presenter: Peter Hamilton, Assistant to the City Manager