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