Blanca Ventura climbed the ladder: Sequoia High grad, degree from San Francisco State, a successful career. But as a single mother, she found herself caught in a squeeze shared by thousands of San Mateo County residents looking for affordable, quality child care.
“I didn’t qualify for all these amazing free and reduced programs,” she said. “Then I’d go to these licensed child care providers and I couldn’t afford their prices. It was like, ‘I might as well just stay home and take care of my child.’ And obviously I couldn’t do that because I have a mortgage to pay.”
County leaders want to hear from parents and caregivers like Ventura as they work to better understand the problem and gather ideas for potential solutions. The first in a series of public town halls starts Thursday, Aug. 14, in South San Francisco.
Hosted by San Mateo County Supervisors Jackie Speier and Lisa Gauthier, the town halls are designed as listening sessions where providers are also encouraged to share the challenges they face.
Thursday’s event begins at 6 p.m. at the South San Francisco Library/Parks & Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way. A kids’ corner for potty-trained children age 2.5 or older will be available, subject to capacity.
Families bringing children are asked to RSVP in advance and include the child’s age.
What’s driving the town halls is the math behind child care — and it doesn’t add up for many families.
San Mateo County meets only 73 percent of the estimated need for licensed child care, leaving nearly 9,000 children without access. Child care providers are also in a pinch, faced with ever-rising costs and a shortage of qualified teachers.
It’s beyond an issue just affecting families — residents have considered leaving San Mateo County due to the high cost of living, a strain officials warn threatens the region’s long-term economic stability.
Ventura eventually found a local provider she could afford, a connection she made by chance at a library story time. Her 3-year-old son, Ezekiel, now attends a program close to home.
“I was so relieved that I didn’t have to lie,” she said. “I just gave her my pay stub and she told me how much I’d pay. Finally.”
The Aug. 14 meeting in South San Francisco is the first of three planned across the county. The next will be held Wednesday, Aug. 27, at EPACENTER in East Palo Alto.
For Ventura, one conversation at a library table changed everything.
County leaders hope the upcoming town halls will spark similar connections — and uncover solutions — for families still searching for affordable, quality care.
Child Care Town Hall
Thursday, Aug. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
901 Civic Center Way, South San Francisco
Learn more.
Supervisor Jackie Speier's Office
Katrina Rill, Chief of Staff
krill@smcgov.org
650-363-4571
Supervisor Lisa Gauthier
Vanessa Smith, Legislative Aide
vsmith1@smcgov.org
650-363-4570