March 25, 2024

KPBS on San Diego’s child care crisis

Finding affordable and reliable child care in San Diego County is a critical issue affecting families and the local economy. The high cost and lack of available spaces force many parents out of the workforce.

The challenges facing families in San Diego County have prompted KPBS to create the “Where’s My Village?” video series. The six-part series explores the child care crisis and its effect on families both here in San Diego and on a national level. Each of its six episodes focuses on a different aspect of the crisis, including infant care, accessing subsidies, challenges specific to child care providers, the reality of transitional kindergarten, and the unique needs of families with developmentally disabled children.

Despite the challenges in San Diego’s child care system, there is hope for change. The final episode of the “Where’s My Village?” series explores potential solutions, drawing inspiration from places like Portland, Oregon, where voters passed a ballot measure for free preschool paid for by a tax on high earners. Plans for a similar measure are being explored in San Diego.

The child care series helps to understand the experiences parents face with having to find child care that fits their needs. Child Development Associates (CDA) respects and understands the importance of early child care. We understand that child care is expensive. Families need affordable, high-quality child care so that children can get a strong start and parents can build for their future. Subsidized child care assistance programs, such as those offered by CDA, play a vital role in bridging the gap and supporting low-income families.

By working together, we can create a brighter future where affordable and reliable child care is accessible to all families in San Diego.

CDA is a proud partner of the San Diego County Centralized Eligibility List (CEL). If you or someone you know is in need of subsidized child care assistance, apply today at childcaresandiego.com

“Where’s my Village?” can be watched at kpbs.org/projects/2024/wheres-my-village-landing

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CDA Reimbursement Schedule
Family is authorized with a variable schedule

Variable schedules are reimbursed for the actual care hours provided that are within the hours authorized. The reimbursement will not exceed the amount billed by the provider or the full-time (FT) or part-time (PT) RMRC listed on the certificate for child care services. CDA will not reimburse for child absences, provider holiday or closure days on a variable schedule. If the full billed/invoiced amount is not paid, the parent is responsible for the difference directly to the provider.

Reimbursement of provider non-operation days/holidays

The number of reimbursable provider holidays and/or non-operation days is limited to a maximum of 10 days per fiscal year. Once these allowable limits are exceeded, reimbursement will be prorated for future closure days.

Reimbursement of registration fees, material fees, insurance fees

Fees for registration, material and/or insurance may be reimbursed if the current reimbursement amount does not exceed the Regional Market Rate Ceiling (RMRC). Reimbursement of these fees is limited to one (1) per child, per fiscal year and will be made in a single payment when requested on the child’s attendance record.

Note: For providers with programs that have multiple fees in one year or where it has been determined that the reimbursement amount exceeds the RMRC, the excess fees will be the responsibility of the parent.

License-Exempt Providers

When child care is authorized for a total of 25 or more hours per week the Full Time Weekly RMRC will be used. When child care is authorized for a total of less than 25 hours per week the Part Time RMRC will be used.

View the State’s RMRC by County See the full Program Guidelines

Congratulations! You may be eligible for CDA’s program.

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We’re sorry, you may not be eligible for CDA’s program.

If you would like to receive a personal eligibility screening, please complete the form below:

We’re sorry, it appears you may have different need for child care services than those listed.

To receive a personal eligibility screening, please call us at: (619) 427-4411 ext. 1400