Quality & Affordable
Child Care
RESEARCH SHAREOUT
”The only difference between someone who is homeless and me is that I got an education, and I could only do that because I had child care.” Monique Villagran, Single Mother of Two, Senior Program Officer, Low Income Investment Fund
“Quality care drives economic growth in communities— children become ready for school, parents to work, and employers to have reliable workers because their children’s needs are being taken care of.”
Jerry Cutts, President, First Children’s Finance
“Investment in early childhood programs [which starts at infancy] shows a
7% to 10% per year return
on investment based on increased school and career achievement as well as reduced costs in remedial education, health and criminal justice system expenditures.” James Heckman, Nobel Prize-Winning Economist
Returns to a Unit Dollar Invested
Returns to a Dollar Invested
Prenatal - 3 yrs
4-5 yrs
School
Post-School James Heckman
!5
“Child care should be viewed as part of the education spectrum, because it is.” Janet Zamudio, Director of Parent Services, Children’s Council of San Francisco
$1
billion in cut funding the last five years
$1
billion in cut funding the last five years
=
110,000 spaces
lost to kids who could have gotten a spot
”Every space lost lll has ripple effects.”
$1
billion in cut funding the last five years
=
110,000 spaces
lost to kids who could have gotten a spot
Criminal Justice
Public Health
Social Justice
Schools
Education Children
Employers
Housing
Child Care ts
Taxpayers
n re
Businesses
Pr ov id
Pa
er
s
Families
Welfare
Neighborhoods
Economy
Employment
Society
Criminal Justice
Public Health
Social Justice
Schools
Education Children
Employers
Housing
Child Care ts
Taxpayers
n re
Businesses
Pr ov id
Pa
er
s
Families
Welfare
Neighborhoods
Economy
Employment
Society
Criminal Justice
Public Health
Social Justice
Schools
Education Children
Employers
Housing
Child Care ts
Taxpayers
n re
Businesses
Pr ov id
Pa
er
s
Families
Welfare
Neighborhoods
Economy
Employment
Society
Criminal Justice
Public Health
Social Justice
Schools
Education Children
Employers
Housing
Child Care ts
Taxpayers
n re
Businesses
Pr ov id
Pa
er
s
Families
Welfare
Neighborhoods
Economy
Employment
Society
Criminal Justice
Public Health
Social Justice
Schools
Education Children
Employers
Housing
Child Care ts
Taxpayers
n re
Businesses
Pr ov id
Pa
er
s
Families
Welfare
Neighborhoods
Economy
Employment
Society
49% of a California single mom’s salary is spent on infant care
49%
8%
of a California single mom’s salary is spent on infant care
of kids who qualify for subsidized care receive it
49% of a California single mom’s salary is spent on infant care
8% 4,000 of kids who qualify for subsidized care receive it
kids waiting for subsidized care in San Francisco
The Challenge
A lack of affordable, quality child care prevents low-income parents from pursuing a strong, sustainable future for themselves and their children.
The Challenge
A lack of affordable, quality child care prevents low-income parents from pursuing a strong, sustainable future for themselves and their children.
How might we make quality, affordable child care more accessible for low-income parents?
Defining Success
A successful opportunity would take into account these four areas:
SUPPLY
Pď ?
$
QUALITY
COST
ACCESS
Process
Agenda
TODAY !
• Present research findings • Discussion and feedback on initial insights • Generate ideas
Parents
Elena
Monica
Bini
Lupita
Dilsa
Meredith
Alicia
Vanessa
Carolyn
Sarah
Providers
Nina
Susan
Gwen
Beiling
Raj
Rebeca
Cheryl
Experts and Supports
Natalie Tercero
September Jarrett
Elise Crane
Martina Ayala
Candace Wong
Dr. Monica Barczak
Grace Meregillano
Dr. Marcy Whitebook
Jerry Cutts
Dan Trimble
Monique Villagran
Claudia Quinonez Phillip Warner Janet Zamudio Michael Williams
Research Totals
12
PARENT INTERVIEWS
11
PROVIDER INTERVIEWS
TON 1802 SECONDARY SOURCES
POST-ITS (Thankfully only less than 1% of a tree)
16
CHILDCARE SUPPORTERS
21
HUGS FROM ADORABLE BABIES
Process Terminology
INSIGHTS
ACTIONS
HOW MIGHT WE? Daylight Design
Framing
OPPORTUNITIES !
• Connect the Dots • Scale the Workarounds • Build Bridges
Connect
 the dots.
1
“What? I haven’t applied for anything yet!” Monica, Mother of a 4-Month Old, Upon hearing about waitlist lengths
“I wish I could find out if there is state assistance for child care. I don’t know if there is any.” Sarah, Mother of Two
”When parents reach out for resources, they’ve already had their child, and need child care immediately.”
Insight
New parents assume child care will be available when they need it and are left in a bind when they find out how difficult it is to secure affordable care.
New parents assume child care will be available when they need it and are left in a bind when they find out how difficult it is to secure affordable care. Action
Help parents strategize early on so they have affordable child care options when needed.
How might we make planning for child care more like college or retirement planning?
How might we
 make it easier for parents to find comprehensive resources anywhere (å la Children’s Council)?
2
“My favorite part of the day is in the classroom. What bogs me down is the paperwork. There is a lot of reporting. And it takes hours.”
Gwen, Site Director, 24 Hour Children’s Center
”We all care about kids, but, if ultimately you can’t run a business, you’re not serving the kids.” Monique Villagran, Former Site Director, Senior Program Officer, Low Income Investment Fund
Survival Mode
Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Survival Mode
Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Survival Mode
Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Survival Mode
Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Survival Mode
Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Survival Mode
Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Survival Mode
Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Survival Mode
PAPERWORK Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Burnout
Survival Mode
PAPERWORK Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Burnout
Survival Mode
PAPERWORK Start
Build
Overburdened
Overwhelmed
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Burnout No Control
Survival Mode
PAPERWORK Start
Build
Overburdened
Overwhelmed
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Burnout No Control
Survival Mode
PAPERWORK Start
Build
Overburdened
Overwhelmed
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
“Just Getting Through the Day”
Burnout No Control
Survival Mode
PAPERWORK Start
Build
Overburdened
Overwhelmed Fragmented
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
“Just Getting Through the Day”
Burnout No Control
Survival Mode
Fear
PAPERWORK Start
Build
Overburdened
Overwhelmed Fragmented
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
“Just Getting Through the Day”
Burnout
“Limping Along”
No Control
Survival Mode
Fear
PAPERWORK Start
Build
Overburdened
Overwhelmed Fragmented
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
“Just Getting Through the Day”
Survival Mode
Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
Survival Mode
Start
Build
Overburdened
Stay for the Kids
Growth Development Innovation
“I can say the paperwork is easier, because we have enrollment specialists and people who help.” Raj, Site Director, Kidango
Insight
Directors are stretched thin, balancing too many roles, and lacking consistent support to break beyond survival mode.
Directors are stretched thin, balancing too many roles, and lacking consistent support to break beyond survival mode. Action
Support directors in their roles as visionaries by providing continuous and relevant support—from starting, to scaling, to thriving.
How might we take away some of the logistical burdens from directors, so they can focus on moving their businesses forward?
How might we give directors the same support that visionary CEO’s receive?
Scale the
 workarounds.
3
“I coached Rebeca through balancing her living and working space. I love helping people like her.” Martina Ayala, Former Child Care Provider and Community Leader
“When one of us has an emergency or is at capacity, we work together.” Rebeca Leon, Single Mother and Home-Based Child Care Provider
”There used to be lots of centers. We used to lobby together for funding, but they’ve all closed down.” Nina, Founder, 24 Hour Children’s Center
Insight
When providers form organic networks with other providers to balance needs and resources, everyone benefits.
When providers form organic networks with other providers to balance needs and resources, everyone benefits.
Action
Enable and support collaborations between providers.
How might we encourage networks amongst isolated providers?
How might we
 develop ways for providers to share resources?
4
“We don’t have time to apply for funds. What we need, is a grant writer.” Nina, Founder, 24 Hour Children’s Center
“Our central meal center gives us $230,000 profit in cold, hard cash.” Dan Trimble, Director of Communications and Development, Kidango
“Our central meal center gives us $230,000 profit in cold, hard cash.” Dan Trimble, Director of Communications and Development, Kidango
“I ask full-paying parents to bring organic produce every week so I can provide good meals for everyone.” Rebeca Leon, Home-Based Child Care Provider
“We raise 2 million each year to subsidize the costs of the center and have two development staff to help us do that.”
Beiling, Admissions Director, Holy Family
Insight
With limited and fluctuating external funding, providers must find creative ways to become more self-sufficient.
With limited and fluctuating external funding, providers must find creative ways to become more self-sufficient. Action
Help providers find funding alternatives that are right for them, and equip them with the tools and support to make those alternatives a reality.
How might we creatively fundraise like nonprofits (รก la Save the Children or Kiva)?
How might weโ จ create mutually beneficial partnerships between corporations and local providers?
Build
 Bridges.
5
“When you are working, you make too much money for welfare, but it is still not enough.” Carolyn Sanchez, Mother of 3
“My mom is in Mexico. My whole family is there. Who can I get help from?” Monica Martinez, Mother of an Infant and La Cocina Entrepreneur
�Immigrant families are the most vulnerable, without access to CalWorks or family supports, but often still in need of assistance.�
“You have to help each other. When we work, our child is in play dates… When my son is swimming, I pick up my friend’s son.”
Dilsa, Mother and La Cocina Entrepreneur
Insight
Families who are left out of existing support systems rely on ad-hoc and unreliable solutions for child care.
Families who are left out of existing support systems rely on ad-hoc and unreliable solutions for child care. Action
Enable consistent and creative solutions for the families that are missing out on traditional supports.
How might we mimic the family supports that many people rely upon to help those without family support systems?
How might we turn existing ad-hoc solutions into reliable solutions for “left out” families?
6
“I want to be so close to my children, but I don’t see them until so late.” Alicia Villanueva, Mother of 3, La Cocina Entrepreneur
“The extra income of me working would be useful, but I don’t want her growing up without me.” Carolyn Sanchez, Stay-at-Home Mother of 3
“I want to be so close to my children, but I don’t see them until so late.” Alicia Villanueva, Mother of 3, La Cocina Entrepreneur
“Daycare is only during the daytime, and I work 2pm - 2am.”
Sarah, Single mother of 2, working at a restaurant
Insight
Parents want it all—a good future for their child and the chance to spend time with them, but rarely is it easy to have both.
Parents want it all—a good future for their child and the chance to spend time with them, but rarely is it easy to have both. Action
Make working and parenting complementary, and not in conflict.
How might we make existing
How might we get kids and parents
work more flexible
closer to each other
to accommodate
during the work day?
kids’ needs?
How might we help low-income parents access more flexible jobs (á la La Cocina)?
7
“Most parents prefer that a relative takes care of their children. So a high percentage use license exempt care...but that
 is unregulated.�
“If we could have child care at La Cocina, then the kids could socialize.” Bini Pradhan, Mother of One, who uses unlicensed babysitters
Insight
Many families prefer a family member or friend (unlicensed care) for child care, yet this means parents miss out on quality assurances and kids miss out on critical learning alongside other kids.
Many families prefer a family member or friend (unlicensed care) for child care, yet this means parents miss out on quality assurances and kids miss out on critical learning alongside other kids. Action
Bring the benefits of licensed care to unlicensed settings.
How might we inspire unlicensed care givers to provide educational opportunities?
How might we help parents monitor quality for unlicensed providers?
8
”If I get more, I need sprinklers, I need a check up from the fire department, more time, more hiring… It’s too much.” Rebeca Leon, Single Mother and Home-Base Child Care Provider
“The publicly funded sites are more expensive to run than the privately funded sites. We actually have to use funds raised in the private sites to fund the public sites.” Dan Trimble, Director of Communications and Development, Kidango
Insight
Quality standards are necessary, but their costs can disincentivize providers from scaling.
Quality standards are necessary, but their costs can disincentivize providers from scaling. Action
Facilitate quality and growth simultaneously.
How might we make quality pay off financially?
How might we
 make childcare more like public school, where there’s always a spot available?
Opportunity Areas
CONNECT THE DOTS !
• Help parents strategize early on so they have affordable child care options when needed. • Support directors in their roles as visionaries by providing continuous and relevant support—from starting, to scaling, to thriving.
Opportunity Areas
SCALE THE WORKAROUNDS !
• Enable and support collaborations between providers. • Help providers find funding alternatives that are right for them, and equip them with the tools and support to make those alternatives a reality.
Opportunity Areas
BUILD BRIDGES !
• Enable consistent and creative solutions for the families that are missing out on traditional supports. • Make working and parenting complementary, and not in conflict. • Bring the benefits of licensed care to unlicensed settings. • Facilitate quality and growth simultaneously.
Quality & Affordable
Child Care
THANKS!