South San Francisco — The cost of child care in San Mateo County keeps climbing and climbing. And finding a spot? Harder and harder.
For many families, it’s reached a crisis point that leaves working parents in an impossible bind: can’t afford to stay home and raise their children, can’t afford reliable, quality child care to return to work.
Given the scope of the crisis, San Mateo County Supervisors Jackie Speier and Lisa Gauthier will host the first of three town halls on Thursday, Aug. 14, to hear directly from parents, guardians and child care providers.
“I am deeply concerned about the child care unaffordability in San Mateo County. We have a workforce crisis that starts in the crib.” Speier said. “The cost for one infant can easily be over $30,000 a year. Many parents are forced to cut spending, dip into their savings, accrue debt, leave the workforce or move.”
Families and providers are encouraged to share their stories and experiences to help shape potential solutions that make child care more affordable and accessible for all.
The Aug. 14 town hall will take place 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.
RSVPs are required for those planning to bring a child. Please include the child's age.
“Too many families are being left behind simply because they can’t afford child care,” Gauthier said. “And for the providers, the high cost of living makes it nearly impossible to keep their doors open. We have to find a way to support both sides, the families who need care and the workers who provide it.”
The cost of child care is so acute that in Silicon Valley, annual care for one infant and one toddler can total $59,900, more than the median cost of rent for a two-bedroom apartment in San Mateo County. Infant care alone averages $31,200 annually, exceeding tuition at many private universities.
What’s fueling the sky-high costs? A mismatch between supply and demand. San Mateo County meets only 73 percent of the estimated need for licensed care, leaving nearly 9,000 children without access and thousands of families stuck on waitlists.
“We are witnessing families leaving the county in record numbers and birthrates plummeting,” Speier said. “When families can’t afford to stay, or can’t imagine raising children here, we lose not just residents — we lose the future of our communities.”
A 2022 survey by San Mateo County Health found that 46.5 percent of residents in mid-county communities had considered relocating due to the high cost of living — a strain that affects not only families, but the region’s overall economic stability.
Town halls a chance for real change
County leaders say understanding the day-to-day experiences of parents and providers is essential to crafting policies that actually work.
“As a grandmother, I’ve witnessed just how important and challenging child care can be for families in our county,” Gauthier said. “Many parents face high costs, long waitlists, or the tough decision to stay home because affordable care isn’t available. Others have been fortunate to find providers they trust. We want to hear from all families, your experiences and voices matter.”
“Child care is a crisis, and we need real stories to drive real solutions. Join us on August 14,” she said. “Your voice matters, and your experience can help shape change for families across San Mateo County.”
Child Care Town Hall
Thursday, Aug. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
901 Civic Center Way, South San Francisco
Learn more.
Light dinner will be provided for attendees.
A second Child Care Town Hall will be held Wednesday, Aug. 27, in East Palo Alto.
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