San Diego County is expanding its investment in local childcare infrastructure through the Upwards Boost program. This initiative will support 109 licensed home-based childcare providers across the county.
The year-long program offers comprehensive support, including business coaching, assistance with hiring, and access to technology tools. These services are designed to improve daily operations and increase the availability of childcare.
The program is expanding into several new areas, including unincorporated parts of the county, as well as Coronado, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Poway, and Solana Beach. It builds on existing successes in Chula Vista and Escondido, where the program has shown positive results.
Nasim Khamooshian of Candlelight Daycare in Escondido praised the program’s impact on her business, citing support with curriculum planning, marketing, and enrollment.
David Estrella, Director of Housing and Community Development Services for San Diego County, emphasized the importance of supporting childcare providers. He noted that the program utilizes Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to achieve this goal.
San Diego County is one of twelve California local governments to implement the Upwards Boost program. Previous results in Chula Vista and Escondido indicate significant positive impacts on provider revenue and staffing. In Chula Vista, participating providers saw an average 40% revenue increase and hired 17 additional employees. Escondido providers saw a 23% expansion in childcare slots and hired 16 additional employees.
Jessa Santangelo, Vice President of Business Development and Community Impact at Upwards, highlighted the program’s effectiveness as a cost-efficient way to strengthen local infrastructure and support the childcare workforce. She suggested it as a model for other municipalities.
Childcare providers interested in participating in the Upwards Boost program can apply online or contact Upwards directly.
Upwards, formerly known as WeeCare, is a technology company focused on improving access to childcare. The company works with families, providers, employers, and governments to expand childcare options and utilizes data to enhance the overall childcare system.
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