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...
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