From Local to Statewide

Build Up's Journey from Local to Statewide Impact

Children playing in a sandbox in a backyard, with a colorful mural on the fence and various toys scattered around.

Our Ongoing Commitment

Sharing information on early learning and care facilities and offering technical assistance.

Recommending legislative changes to improve access to quality ECE facilities.

Developing financing strategies and initiatives.

How a Shortage of Space Launched a Movement.

In 2017, San Mateo County identified a significant shortage of nearly 11,000 early childhood education spaces. It became clear that financial incentives alone were inadequate; the county had rejected $1 million in state support for subsidized childcare due to a lack of facilities to accommodate these programs. 

To address the shortage of childcare facilities, Build Up San Mateo County (SMC) was established. The organization recognizes early childhood education and care as essential infrastructure challenges. Its mission is to serve as a hub for multi-sector collaboration focused on advocacy, policy development, technical assistance, financing, and support for development.

Young girl in pink jacket and dress playing on wooden stumps in a park with other children and adults in the background.

Build Up SMC has formed a coalition that includes city officials, developers, employers, school districts, and other stakeholders. Together, they work towards creating innovative solutions for childcare and early learning facilities while ensuring that all members have a voice in broader city planning discussions.

High real estate prices and the costs associated with physical infrastructure pose significant barriers to expanding childcare services and meeting the community’s needs. One of Build Up SMC’s key objectives is to address these major obstacles. 

Since its inception, Build Up SMC has helped add physical infrastructure to accommodate 2,000 new early childhood education spaces and has preserved over 8,700 spaces held by providers at risk of closure.

A young child playing with wooden blocks and toys in a backyard play area with a tree and wood chips on the ground, surrounded by a wooden fence.
Heising-Simons Foundation logo with overlapping blue, green, and yellow shapes and text.
Low-Income Investment Fund logo with green, blue, and white shapes and rounded elements.

An Initiative By:

Funded By:

Close-up of a young boy with his hands on his cheeks, looking upwards and smiling thoughtfully.