1 Child Care Policy Opportunities Status Report
City Council
March 17, 2026
Item 3.4
Presenters:
Emily Lam, Director, City Manager’s Office of Administration, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Peter Hamilton, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager’s Office of Administration, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations
22 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 33
California Cities
3 City Childcare Program Highlights
Los Angeles In 2021, Los Angeles set a goal of opening 10 City-operated, licensed childcare centers with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The ARPA funds are close to being spent and the city is attempting to transition these centers to private operators.
San Diego In 2022, established the Office of Child and Youth Success, which is charged with implementing the San Diego Child and Youth Strategic Plan. This plan sets a number of goals around increasing access to childcare, including developing a funding model for childcare subsidies.
Sacramento Operates a number of workforce development and small business support programs focused on childcare. Set aside $1.5 million in ARPA funding to establish a childcare apprenticeship program and provide stipends to childcare providers.
Long Beach In 2017, collaborated with other local agencies to establish the Long Beach Early Learning Hub which provides resources to families seeking childcare and to childcare providers.
44 Local Government Across the Country
4 Jurisdiction Type Childcare Program Highlights
Seattle City In 2018 Seattle voters approved the Family, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy, a property tax devoted to funding early learning initiatives, including Seattle’s Child Care Access Program, which provides subsidized childcare to families based on income.
Multnomah County County In 2020, Multnomah County voters passed a personal income tax that funds subsidized preschool for 3-4 year olds, with a goal of providing universal free preschool to all interested families by 2030.
Denver City and
County
In 2006, Denver voters passed a sales tax to fund childcare programs. In 2024, the tax generated $31.4 million. This revenue funds a variety of programs, including family childcare subsidies that vary by income.
New York City, County,
and School
System
New York currently provides universal preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds and is currently pursuing universal childcare for 2 year-olds.
Philadelphia City, County,
and School
System
In 2016, the Philadelphia City Council approved a Sugar Sweetened Beverage tax that funds fully subsidized preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds with no income thresholds. 55 Provision at City Facilities
San José Recreation Preschool
R.O.C.K. Afterschool Program
Camp San José
Camp San José Jr.
Break Camps
5 66
Subsidies
6 77
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.
7 88
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.
8 99
Training and Business Development
Friends, Families, and Neighbors
Network Program
Boost Program
9 1010
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.
1 0
1111
Efforts by Other Agencies
Office of Children and Families Policy
Santa Clara County Office of
Education
First 5
1 1
12 Child Care Policy Opportunities Status Report
City Council
March 17, 2026
Item 3.4
Presenters:
Emily Lam, Director, City Manager’s Office of Administration, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Peter Hamilton, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager’s Office of Administration, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations