Redwood City – Supervisors Jackie Speier and Lisa Gauthier will host the first of three town halls on the child care crisis in San Mateo County on Thursday, August 14 at 6 pm at the South San Francisco Library/Parks & Recreation Center. The purpose of the event is to collect first-hand experiences with child care 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,” Supervisor Speier said. “We are witnessing families leaving the county in record numbers and the birthrates plummeting. Making child care accessible to every parent in the county is a top priority for me. As the two grandmothers on the board, Supervisor Gauthier and I are inviting parents to make their voices heard.”

In San Mateo County, the cost for one infant can easily exceed $30,000 a year. The county has a severe shortage of infant and school-age care resulting in thousands of parents unable to find or afford spots.

“As a grandmother, I understand both the importance and the difficulties families face when it comes to child care,” Supervisor Gauthier said. “Too many parents in our county are navigating high costs, limited availability, and difficult trade-offs between work and caregiving. At the same time, some have been fortunate to find trusted providers. We want to hear from all families because your stories and perspectives are essential as we work toward solutions.”

The town hall will be child friendly with a kids’ corner for children 2 ½ and older, subject to capacity.

Who:               San Mateo County Supervisors Jackie Speier and Lisa Gauthier

What:             Child Care Town Hall

When:             Thursday, August 14

                        6:00-7:30 pm

Where:           South San Francisco Library/Parks & Recreation Center

                        901 Civic Campus Way

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