Childcare is a major cost for parents, especially in expensive cities like San Francisco. Recently, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced the Family Opportunity Agenda, which notably includes new childcare policies for San Francisco families. Under the new agenda, a family of four that makes less than $230,000 a year qualifies for free childcare, while families making less than 310,000 a year will get a 50% subsidy. The new agenda could help up to tens of thousands of families with children under five.
“Affordable, high-quality child care is essential for families to stay in San Francisco, but the cost can make it really challenging. With the Family Opportunity Agenda, Mayor Lurie is making it possible for every family with young children to access care, supporting over 500 providers, and helping parents save money each year,” said Ingrid X. Mezquita, San Francisco Department of Early Childhood Executive Director in a recent statement.“The initiative also puts resources into early educators, so kids are better prepared for kindergarten, and families have more stability to stay and grow here. This is a big step toward making San Francisco a place where families can thrive.”
Funding for the free childcare is leveraged from unspent money from the 2018 Proposition C, the Early Care and Education For All Initiative. Free or subsidized childcare is just one part of the broad agenda shared by the Mayor’s office, which also includes zoning changes to create more housing and access to benefits like CalFresh.
The agenda notes the city will continue to provide after-school and summer programs for children with various partner organizations. The after-school and summer activities are intended to help working parents who need childcare outside of regular school hours. You can read more about the Family Opportunity Agenda here.