Child Care Crisis Plans To Be Focus Of Town Hall In This Bay Area County

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County supervisors announced they will hold the first of three town halls Thursday to hear directly from parents and child care providers about what officials are calling a child care crisis in the county.

“I am deeply concerned about the child care unaffordability in San Mateo County. We have a workforce crisis that starts in the crib,” said Jackie Speier, San Mateo County supervisor. “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.”

In Silicon Valley, the high cost of child care is a significant concern. Annual care for one infant and one toddler can reach $59,900, surpassing the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in San Mateo County. The average annual cost for infant care alone is $31,200, which is more expensive than tuition at many private universities, officials said.

San Mateo County supervisors Lisa Gauthier and Speier said this is why they want to hear directly from parents, guardians and child care providers Thursday at the South San Francisco Library/Parks and Recreation Center located at 901 Civic Campus Way.

“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.”

Thousands of San Mateo County families are on waitlists for licensed childcare, with an estimated 9,000 children lacking access. The county currently meets only 73 percent of the demand for licensed care, SMC officials said.

“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.”

The high cost of living has become a significant strain on mid-county communities, impacting both families and the region's economic stability. A 2022 survey by San Mateo County Health revealed that 46.5 percent of residents had considered relocating due to this issue.

“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.”

A kids’ corner for potty-trained children age 2.5 or older will be available at the town hall, subject to capacity. RSVPs are required for those planning to bring a child. Please include the child's age.

“Child care is a crisis, and we need real stories to drive real solutions,” Gauthier said. “Your voice matters, and your experience can help shape change for families across San Mateo County.”