March 10, 2026
San José City Council
200 East Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
Re: Item 3.4 Childcare Policy Opportunities Status Report Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council members,
As the co-chairs of the Local Early Education Planning Council of Santa Clara County (LPC), we are writing to thank you for your discussion of promoting childcare as a goal within the city’s Growing Our Economy Focus Area.
Expanding access to childcare in San José directly supports the city’s economic strategy to grow jobs, strengthen workforce participation, and connect residents to high-growth industries 1 .
Over 60% of working parents report lateness, missed days, or distractions due to childcare issues, reducing productivity and earnings 2 . Greater access to childcare increases workforce participation rates, especially for women 3 , and generates significant return on investment. A recent study in Washington DC estimated that a $139M annual increase in childcare subsidies would lead to “$1.7 billion in economic growth in the first year alone” 4 . Statements from the Bay Area Council and Silicon Valley Leadership Group 5 and research 6 from the Silicon Valley Institute for Regional Studies provide local evidence for the business case that “childcare is work that supports all other work” 7 .
We are mindful that the City of San José faces significant budget constraints. Below we respectfully suggest three low-cost, feasible, and meaningful actions for the Council to consider.
1. Educate landlords and tenants about family childcare homes (FCCH) as a by right use of residential property.
The City of San José Housing department provides landlord and tenant resources and education 8 . This channel could be used to provide landlords and tenants with information about state law (SB 234, Skinner) that requires home-based childcare be a by right use of rental housing and prevents discrimination against tenants operating licensed FCCH. Links could be added to the site that explain the law 9 or to existing fact sheets in eight languages from the 9 https://www.childcarelaw.org/content/frequently-asked-questions-sb-234-the-keeping-kids-close-to-home- act/
8 https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/housing/tenants 7 https://www.americanprogress.org/article/playbook-for-the-advancement-of-women-in-the-economy/provi ding-affordable-accessible-and-high-quality-child-care/ 6 https://jointventure.org/images/stories/pdf/universal-preschool-study-2022-09.pdf 5 https://sanjosespotlight.com/op-ed-building-back-our-economy-requires-child-care-for-all/ 4 https://www.dcfpi.org/all/expanding-child-care-subsidies-would-boost-the-districts-economy/ 3 https://www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Childcare-Report_Final.pdf and 2 https://www.ffyf.org/2026/02/11/readynation-report/
1 https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/office-of-the-city-manager/city-council-fo cus-areas/growing-our-economy
California Department of Fair Education and Housing 10 . The Council could also consider passing an ordinance requiring this information to be included in rental agreements, as was done by the City of San Diego in 2023 11 , to ensure all parties were aware of this change in state law.
2. Include childcare in the City of San José General Plan The City is required to regularly review and update its General Plan. Including childcare in the General Plan would leverage this existing process to support the integration of childcare into its long-term land use, housing, transportation, safety, and environmental planning. This would also ensure that childcare is considered in zoning, specific plans, and development moving forward.
This action is aligned with the Child Care Policy Opportunities Status Report consideration of addressing childcare in zoning code (Item 2.4) 12 . Should the Council wish to demonstrate leadership on this topic, it could also consider actively supporting recently introduced state legislation (AB 1914, Schiavo 13 ) through its Intergovernmental Relations department under the “Advocate for Educational and Employment Opportunities that Foster Equitable Outcomes for San José Families” state legislative advocacy priority.
3. Continue funding for the FFN Support Network.
The Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Support Network Program is an invaluable component of the city’s childcare landscape, as demonstrated in the Status Report presented to the Neighborhood Services and Education subcommittee 14 . It has supported 641 caregivers, in 34 ZIP codes and 19 languages, increasing the quality of care for over 2,000 children through 15,000 hours of professional development. It is a unique, existing asset aligned with the goal of promoting childcare within the city’s Growing Our Economy Focus Area. Continuing to fund this program would allow the city and its residents to continue to benefit from its demonstrated effects on workforce development, program quality, and economic equity.
Thank you for your consideration of promoting childcare as a goal within the city’s Growing Our Economy Focus Area, and for your thoughtful review of our suggested actions. We look to implementing expanded access to quality childcare in partnership with the City of San José.
Sincerely,
Cathy Boettcher and Melissa Roth, Co-Chairs
Local Early Education Planning Council of Santa Clara County 14 https://sanjose.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15172250&GUID=DB112E07-D15E-4D32-B1E6-D9125 EEF38EB
13 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1914 12 https://sanjose.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15172145&GUID=14097A52-4399-4B55-9A80-29A2D1 75F4C1
11 https://docs.sandiego.gov/council_reso_ordinance/rao2023/O-21708.pdf 10 https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2022/01/ChildCareFactsheetPR2022-01-10.pdf
supportive community where we learn together, grow together, and help children thrive.
Because of the support I received, I have been able to take better care of my own child and sometimes help friends, neighbors, or former colleagues care for their children when they need help. The program gave me the knowledge and confidence to contribute positively to my community.
My gratitude for this program is truly beyond words. It transformed me from an isolated individual into part of a supportive network where caregivers work together to support children and families.
This program is essential to children, families, and caregivers in our community.
Children are our future, and they deserve strong foundations and caring relationships. Programs like FFN empower caregivers with the knowledge and support needed to nurture the next generation.
I respectfully ask the City of San José to continue funding and supporting child care programs, especially the FFN program. It provides valuable training, community connection, and support to caregivers who are helping children and families every day.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Tracy
FFN Support Team
| Early Education
City of San José | San José Public Library
150 E. San Fernando St., San José, CA 95112
Learn more about the FFN Caregiver Support Network here Learn more about SJPL's Early Education Services here
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. to increase childcare services .
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Preetha
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This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. programas del cuidado infantil, especialmente FFN, porqué las familias tendrán la oportunidad de dejar a sus niños bajo el cuidado de un familiar, amigo o vecino, en donde el niño sentirá que está con alguien conocido que le dará un mejor cuidado, ya que el niños crecerá más sano emocionalmente al ver que siempre será la misma persona la que lo estará cuidando, además las familias tendrá, la oportunidad de enseñarles a socializar y a salir a conocer la sociedad en donde ellos se están desarrollando, ya que el programa ofrece diferentes eventos y actividades recreacionales. Otro aspecto muy importante para mi es que si quitan el programa FFN o retiran fondos, ya no tendré la oportunidad de terminar mis cursos que estoy tomando actualmente en la Universidad. Les pido de la manera más atenta que consideren mi petición.
Muchas gracias por todo su apoyo, consideración y atención! A t e n t a m e n t e
Liliana Mireles
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. caregivers like me feel supported and prepared so that children receive the care, attention, and learning they deserve.
I respectfully ask the City of San Jose to continue funding and supporting childcare programs, especially FFN, because these programs make a real difference in the lives of families and caregivers like me. They help us support children during the most important years of their lives and strengthen our whole community.
Thank you for your time and consideration and for supporting families and children in San José.
Sincerely,
Kelin Sierra
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I respectfully ask the City of San Jose to continue funding and supporting childcare programs, especially FFN, because these programs strengthen families, support working parents, and help ensure that all children, no matter their childcare setting, have the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Antonia Harris
Subject: Public Letter for City Council Agenda Item
3.4 Dear City Council Members,
My name is Antonia Harris, and I am a parent and childcare provider in San José. As a mother of two young boys and someone with a background in early childhood development, I see firsthand how programs like the Family, Friends, and Neighbors program support caregivers and help children thrive.
The Family, Friends, and Neighbors program has helped me by providing resources, guidance, and support that allow caregivers like me to create safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate environments for children. It also helps caregivers feel connected to a larger community and gives families access to support they might not otherwise receive.
Because of this support, I have been able to better care for children in my community, access helpful information and training, and feel more confident supporting children’s learning and development during their early years.
This program is essential to children, families, and caregivers in our community because many families rely on trusted caregivers such as parents, relatives, and neighbors for childcare. FFN programs recognize and support the caregivers who are already doing this important work and help ensure children receive safe, stable, and enriching care.
I respectfully ask the City of San Jose to continue funding and supporting childcare programs, especially FFN, because these programs strengthen families, support working parents, and help ensure that all children, no matter their childcare setting, have the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Antonia Harris
Asunto: Carta pública para el punto 3.4 de la agenda del Concejo Municipal
Estimados miembros del Concejo Municipal:
Mi nombre es María Lozano y soy abuela cuidadora FFN de la comunidad en San José.
El programa de Familia, Amigos y Vecinos (FFN) me ha ayudado al proporcionarme Apoyo educativo, así como materiales para el desarrollo físico, mental, emocional y de lenguaje. Para darles una atención y cuidado de calidad a mis nietos.
Gracias a este apoyo, he podido superarme con el idioma la tecnología y aprender sobre los cambios de las diferentes etapas del desarrollo de los niños y como ayudarlos a comer alimentos saludables desde sus primeros años de vida.
Este programa es esencial para los niños, las familias y los cuidadores de nuestra comunidad porque nos proporciona programas y recursos para estar preparados y apoyar a los padres para que tengan la confianza de que sus hijos además de estar en un ámbito familiar están recibiendo cuidado de calidad. También nos preparan para recibir un certificado de primeros auxilios lo cual me parece importantísimo para todos los cuidadores de niños en casa, de nuestra comunidad.
Respetuosamente le pido a la Ciudad de San José que continúe financiando y apoyando los programas de cuidado infantil, especialmente FFN, porque nos proporciona mucho apoyo en todos los aspectos.
Gracias por su tiempo y consideración.
Atentamente,
María Lozano
Asunto: Carta pública para el punto 3.4 de la agenda del Concejo Municipal.
Estimados miembros del Concejo Municipal:
Mi nombre es Yasmin Mata y soy cuidadora de niños y miembro de la comunidad en San José.
El programa de Familia, Amigos y Vecinos (FFN) me ha ayudado a aprender nuevas herramientas y recursos para brindar un mejor cuidado a los niños y apoyar a las familias que confían en mí.
Gracias a este apoyo, he podido ofrecer un ambiente más seguro, educativo y lleno de cariño para los niños. También, gracias al programa FFN, he tenido la oportunidad de estudiar y actualmente estoy tomando clases para obtener mi título de Maestra Asociada en la universidad.
Este programa es esencial para los niños, las familias y los cuidadores de nuestra comunidad porque muchas familias dependen del cuidado proporcionado por familiares, amigos y vecinos. FFN ayuda a que los cuidadores tengamos capacitación, recursos y apoyo para cuidar mejor a los niños y seguir creciendo profesionalmente.
Respetuosamente le pido a la Ciudad de San José que continúe financiando y apoyando los programas de cuidado infantil, especialmente FFN, porque este programa fortalece a nuestras familias, apoya a los cuidadores y asegura que los niños tengan un cuidado seguro y de calidad.
Gracias por su tiempo y consideración.
Atentamente,
Yasmin Mata
Dear City Council Members,
My name is Annie Vuong and I am a FFN caregiver. The Family, Friends, and Neighbors (FFN) program has helped me by building my confidence and knowledge in caring for the children in my life by providing me with education courses, meetings, and support from the community around me.
Because of this support, I have been able to be more patient and understanding when caring for the children in my life because I have a better understanding of how the children are processing the world around them.
This program is essential to children, families, and caregivers in our community because the program shows how much the FFN community cares and wants to grow and do better! Having a program like the FFN program shows the community that the local government wants to help the community grow and do better. The staƯ of the FFN program have been amazing, patient, and knowledgeable.
I respectfully ask the City of San Jose to continue funding and supporting childcare programs, especially FFN because there is not a program like this! It is unique and shows the community that childcare matters. If the caregivers are more knowledgeable and understanding, the children in their care will become more knowledge, patient, and understanding. This program is not just for the FFN caregivers, it is for the children who are being cared for by this community! Please continue funding for this program and allow the community to continue to grow and expand their knowledge!
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Annie Vuong