REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Resolution in Support of Childcare for All
Report
BACKGROUND
Affordable childcare supports both working parents and early childhood development. Childcare costs affect working families throughout the region. The City of Santa Clara is in support of efforts to make childcare accessible for all. The subject matter of the resolution came to the City through Working Partnerships USA. Based in Silicon Valley, Working Partnerships USA tackles the root causes of inequality and poverty by leading collaborative campaigns. In this instance, Working Partnerships USA is advocating alongside Build the Future.
Build the Future is a movement to build a brighter future for Santa Clara County residents by advocating for affordable, quality childcare for all. A coalition of supporters, Build the Future, is a partnership of entities advocating for affordable childcare within Santa Clara County. Supporters include: First 5 Santa Clara County, the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Mission College, Franklin-McKinley School District, California Association for the Education of Young Children, Bay Area Council, San Jose Chamber of Commerce, Stanford University, and numerous other community organizations.
According to information provided by Working Partnerships USA, a family living in Silicon Valley needs to pay an average of $26,450 per child per year for infant care, and $21,900 per year for one preschooler’s childcare. Limited accessible childcare options can lead to difficulties securing and maintaining employment, thus affecting the welfare of both children and their parents. Childcare accessibility affects significant portions of the Santa Clara community. According to the U.S. Census, in the City of Santa Clara approximately 19 percent of residents are under 18 years of age, and almost 7 percent of residents are under the age of five.
According to research from Build the Future, almost 30 percent of households in Santa Clara are not earning enough money, without subsidies, to meet basic needs. Compounding the issue, Build the Future found that the lack of affordable childcare hurts the workforce, with almost 40 percent of women in STEM careers in Silicon Valley leaving or changing jobs after the birth of their first child.
Relatedly, Build the Future found that investing in affordable childcare has wide-ranging economic benefits: for every dollar invested in childcare for children facing barriers yields up to $7.30 for the economy. Additionally, children who receive high-quality childcare are more likely to graduate high school and college.
DISCUSSION
This resolution in Support of Childcare for All summarizes information on childcare costs in the United States and in the region. It also details how childcare accessibility can impact housing stability and economic productivity, as well as indicates the City’s support for the provision of universal childcare. Cities across Santa Clara County, including San Jose, Gilroy, Mountain View, and Los Altos have adopted similar resolutions in support of childcare for all.
At the August 27, 2024 City Council meeting, the City of Santa Clara will consider adopting a resolution in support of accessible and quality childcare for all. Jaria Jaug, Associate Director of Care Policy for Working Partnerships USA, will be present to speak to the item.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and City Manager’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution in Support of Childcare for All
Staff
Reviewed by: Fiona Kirby, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Resolution in Support of Childcare for All