San Jose City Council
March 17, 2026

1 Child Care Policy Opportunities Status ReportNeighborhood Services and Education CommitteeFebruary 12, 2026Item (d)3Presenter: Peter Hamilton, Assistant to the City Manager 22 Policy ContextCalifornia
• 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 33 Provision at City FacilitiesSan José Recreation PreschoolR.O.C.K. Afterschool ProgramCamp San JoséCamp San José Jr.Break Camps 3 44
Subsidies
4 55
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 City-funded affordable housing developments. •To date, one project has been completed.5 66 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 77 Training and Business DevelopmentFriends, Families, and Neighbors Network ProgramBoost Program 7 88
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 99 Efforts by Other AgenciesOffice of Children and Families PolicySanta Clara County Office of EducationFirst 5 9 10
Child Care Policy Opportunities Status ReportNeighborhood Services and Education CommitteeFebruary 12, 2026Item (d)3Presenter: Peter Hamilton, Assistant to the City Manager