Childcare advocates urge supervisors to restore operational grants and subsidies

Childcare providers, teachers and parent advocates told the Board of Supervisors— Budget & Finance Committee on June 19 that San Francisco must restore operating grants and expand subsidies to prevent closures of centers that serve low-income children.

Erica Maybaum, coordinator of the San Francisco Childcare Planning & Advisory Council (CPAC), asked the board to support CPAC—s $5.7 million citywide request and specifically to restore $2,000,000 for operating grants that offset high local costs and to fund $2,500,000 in infant and toddler subsidies to reduce a wait list she said exceeds 1,900 children. "Please consider supporting the $2,500,000 request for infant and toddler subsidies in order to reduce the over 1,900 infants and toddlers on that list," Maybaum said.

Multiple early-childhood educators described low wages and unsustainable operating costs. Judith Baker, a board member and teacher, read a staff letter describing household precarity and urged a salary adjustment so teachers can stay in the classroom: "We respectfully request our need importance ... I—ve been working for 13 years and 11 months ... I cannot rent an apartment or even a room on my own because my salary is not really enough to pay." Several presenters warned that without city support, centers could close and thousands of children would lose access to care.

Speakers cited specific drivers: Title 5 state reimbursement rates that do not reflect San Francisco operating costs (one presenter said local costs are ~50% higher than state reimbursements), rising minimum wages, and higher fundraising burdens. Advocates asked the board to combine operating grants, wage supports and expanded subsidies where possible.

The committee did not vote on the budget during this meeting; the items were continued to the next committee meeting for further deliberation.