DATE: September 11, 2001
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: EXPANDING CHILD CARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SAN DIEGO COUNTY'S PARENTS AND CHILDREN

Summary:
The County of San Diego has a workforce of 18,000. It is likely that many of these employees have children in child care.

With County employees located in buildings scattered throughout the region, the time has come to investigate child care needs. By investigating the interest level and assessing the amount of available space, today's action takes one step toward expanding child care options for County employees.

Recommendations:
CHAIRMAN BILL HORN AND SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB
1) Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to conduct a child care needs assessment of County employees.

2) Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to conduct a site availability assessment at or near County facilities which are able to accommodate a child care center. Report back to the Board of Supervisors in 90 days with a status report which partners with the private sector to provide child care services.

Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this request. If implemented, all child care costs will be paid by the employee.

BACKGROUND:
The County of San Diego has a workforce of 18,000. It is likely that many of these employees have children in child care.

County of San Diego employees currently have priority enrollment at two child care centers; Learnin' Tots Child Development Center in Old Town, and San Diego County Employees' Child Care Center in Kearny Mesa. The
Old Town site accepts children ages 18 months through 5 years 10 months and has approximately 30 slots. The Kearny Mesa site accepts children ages 8 weeks through 5 years 10 months and has approximately 72 slots. County employees also receive discounts to several other child care locations, however, none service only County employees or are operated out of County facilities.

The County of San Diego currently has hundreds of buildings; including 3 regional centers, the County Administration Center and the County Operations Center. These buildings are located over much of the region's 4,200 square miles.

With County employees located in buildings scattered throughout the region, the time has come to investigate child care needs. This could also help to retain the high quality employees that we currently have while also attracting employees to the County workforce.

By investigating the interest level and assessing available space, today's action takes one step toward expanding child care options for County employees. Further, by partnering with the private sector to
provide the services, children will receive quality care from knowledgeable caregivers at well-run centers, additional child care slots will be added to the existing limited supply and parents will have the opportunity to spend more time with their children.

According to a 1997 Child Care Resource and Referral Network report, "San Diegans are dependent on the freeway; some residents drive an hour or more to and from work, increasing the demand for long hours of child
care. Those who rely on public transportation often face commutes that are three or four times longer."

Long commutes equate to time away from children.

By providing employees the opportunity to have child care services at or near their place of work, employees will be able to spend more time with their kids - both while commuting to and from work as well as having the option of spending breaks or lunches with their children. This will make for happier and more productive employees as well as to help support the family structure.

This Board of Supervisors has repeatedly taken action that values children. If approved, today's action could help children, employees and the overall family structure. We urge your support.

Respectfully Submitted,

BILL HORN
Chairman, Fifth District

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District