Title
Commissioners will be updated on the City of South San Francisco’s 2020-2030 Child Care Master Plan (Devin Stenhouse, DEI Officer)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended Commissioners will be updated on the City of South San Francisco’s 2020-2030 Child Care Master Plan
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In early 2024, commissioners voted to prioritize learning more about circumstances pertaining to families with young children who are in need of child care. In 2024, commissioners heard presentations from Youth Enrichment Services Supervisor, Kimberly Morrison, Preschool Supervisor, Diana Gonzalez, Parks and Recreation Director, Greg Mediati, and Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, Angela Duldulao. Each provided insight on the current offerings, challenges, and wait list status of the department’s childcare services.
To educate commissioners on the future child care-related goals of the City, a presentation on the City’s current, adopted Child Care Master Plan will be presented. The Child Care Master Plan was adopted in 2022 by City Council to understand the need to plan for the near, mid-term and long-term child care needs of residents and employers in South San Francisco. The purpose of the master plan is to improve and expand the reach, quality, and impact of early childhood education programs, child care, and youth services for South San Francisco residents. The Master Plan will be used as a resource for guiding future operations, priorities and the development and location of child care programs through 2030.
In May 2021, Parks and Recreation staff selected a consultant, Kathleen White, to assist staff in crafting a comprehensive Child Care Master Plan. Ms. White has spent decades studying and working in the education and child care field, most recently serving as a faculty member and department chair for the Child Development and Family Studies Department at City College of San Francisco. She has worked at both Skyline College and Cañada College, at the Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo County, and years prior, at the South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department in preschool services.
Project methodology included utilizing a mixed method of quantitative data analysis and qualitative findings to develop comprehensive recommendations. Assessing local needs by conducting two community constituent surveys, inventorying, mapping child care programs within the city, and reviewing population projections, child care utilization patterns, and current economic factors led to resource recommendations. Incorporating recent research, local and regional publications, and interviewing key child care community leaders allowed for qualitative findings that supported conclusions. Ensuring alignment with the SHAPE SSF General Plan and the aligned rollout were considered. A CCMP leadership team within the City met regularly to guide priorities and clarify current practices. Recommendations range from policies and practices for City departments, to the formation of workforce development pipelines, to facilities and community expansion guidelines.
The Child Care Master Plan expands on elements noted in the SHAPE SSF General Plan and the recommendations related to child care are cross-referenced and further described. The prioritization of child care has been elevated within San Mateo County. Ensuring that efforts are aligned and funding opportunities are maximized will result in improved outcomes for South San Francisco’s children and families.
CONCLUSION
Commissioners will be updated on the City of South San Francisco’s 2020-2030 Child Care Master Plan