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THE LANDSCAPE IN SAN MATEO COUNTY <br />Prior to establishing Build Up, multiple initiatives were in motion to <br />try and support the early childhood education community across <br />California. The Big Lift was seeking to expand preschool in targeted <br />neighborhoods and the California Department of Education was also <br />offering expanded contracts for state preschool. However, because <br />preschool programs could not find the space to open new classrooms, <br />San Mateo County was not able to take advantage of these new <br />funding opportunities and had to return approximately $1 million in state <br />preschool funding. <br />Due to this lack of space and inability to expand early childhood <br />education offerings, in 2016 First 5 San Mateo County funded the <br />Center for Early Learning at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to <br />convene a Childcare and Preschool Facilities Taskforce to come up with <br />recommendations for tackling this pervasive issue. At the same time, <br />San Mateo County's Human Services Agency funded Brion Economics <br />to conduct an early learning facilities needs assessment. <br />With a lack of facilities being one <br />of the most difficult obstacles, cities <br />and counties need to prioritize <br />developments that include childcare. <br />Childcare availability doesn't just <br />impact families, it's a critical piece <br />of community infrastructure with <br />massive economic implications. <br />— AMY BUCKMASTER <br />President and CEO <br />Redwood City -San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce <br />The study concluded that San Mateo County would need 13,981 new spaces for children ages 0-4 by 2025, requiring <br />$428.4 million in capital funding. The study also found that the number one barrier for early childhood education programs <br />looking to expand was finding a facility. <br />FROM IDEA TO DELIVERY <br />In 2017, based on recommendations from the Childcare and <br />Preschool Facilities Taskforce, a planning committee designed <br />what would become Build Up SMC. The planning partners <br />outlined an organizational structure, sought startup funding, <br />developed a communications plan, and drafted organizational <br />goals for the organization. <br />A multi -sector Advisory Body comprised of city planners, <br />elected officials, developers, employers, school districts, and <br />faith -based organizations plays a critical role in ensuring that <br />childcare remains a part of conversations in the community. <br />KEY GOALS <br />1. Work across sectors to reuse/re-designate existing <br />space to increase the number of early learning <br />spaces. <br />2. Work with cities and county on policies and <br />incentives to prioritize childcare in future <br />developments. <br />3. Engage large employers to create childcare facilities <br />for their employees and/or become an advocate. <br />4. Increase general revenue for facility development <br />and assist providers in drawing down existing funds. <br />UA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION Early Childhood Education Case Study • Build Up SMC <br />