WHAT WE'RE SEEING
Across San Diego County, families are doing their best to find child care that works for their lives and their budgets. For many, it’s one of the largest monthly expenses, often second only to housing.
At the same time, providers are navigating a system where what families can afford does not match the true cost of providing quality care. This gap affects everyone.
As a result, there are fewer available spaces, especially for infants and toddlers, and many child care providers are feeling the strain. Rising costs and changes, like the expansion of Transitional Kindergarten, have made it harder to keep programs running.
Child care and after school programs are part of what keeps families and communities steady. When access is limited or costs are out of reach, families are left making difficult decisions about work, caregiving, and their future.
THE Y'S ROLE
As one of the largest child care and after school providers in the county, the Y also strengthens the broader child care landscape by supporting families, providers, and employers while advancing systems that work better for everyone.
We help families find and pay for care that meets their needs, support providers in strengthening quality and business sustainability, and partner with employers to expand family-friendly child care solutions.
Through collaboration, data, and advocacy alongside Children First Collective San Diego, we work to improve coordination, reduce barriers, and ensure child care systems reflect the true cost of quality care – so families can work, providers can sustain care, and children can thrive.
OUR ANNUAL IMPACT:
Data shown reflects FY 2024–2025
PROGRAMS & SERVICEs
- Child Care Navigation & Referrals
- Child Care Financial Assistance
- Child Care Provider Business & Operations Supports
- Child Care Provider Training & Quality Supports
- Employer-Supported Child Care Partnerships
- Respite Care for Families with Special Needs
- YMCA Preschools
- YMCA Expanded Learning Programs
- YMCA Character Builders After School Programs
- YMCA Day Camps & Overnight Camps
OUR VISION FOR change
FOR CHILDREN
Every child deserves access to high-quality, culturally responsive child care, early learning, and after school programs that foster safety, belonging, curiosity, and strong relationships.
FOR FAMILIES
Families should have clear information, flexible options, and financial support to secure care that meets their needs so they can balance work, caregiving, and their well-being.
FOR PROFESSIONALS
Early educators, after school staff, and child care providers deserve recognition, professional growth, and fair compensation supported by sustainable funding and career pathways.
FOR EMPLOYERS
Reliable child care is recognized as a workforce and economic priority, with employers advancing policies and partnerships that strengthen stability for working families.
FROM INSIGHTS TO IMPACT
We pair on-the-ground experience with meaningful data to share what’s working, elevate community voice, and inform policies that strengthen child care system for families, providers, and the workforce.
CRS IMPACT REPORT
(FY 2024-2025)
Learn about YMCA Childcare Resource Service’s approach, services, and impact in strengthening access to child care for families and supporting providers across San Diego County.
CHILD CARE DATA DASHBOARD
(JAN 2026)
Find the latest data and trends around affordability, accessibility, child care supply, and workforce impacts for families, providers, and businesses in San Diego County.
CRS CHILD CARE INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT BRIEF
Learn about the positive impact of a County of San Diego–funded child care infrastructure grant that delivered immediate relief and lasting improvements for hundreds of providers.
CRS BUSINESS SUPPORTS BRIEF
Learn how YMCA Childcare Resource Service is strengthening business supports for child care providers through tailored services, data-informed insights, and investments that support long-term sustainability.
A FRAMEWORK FOR UNIVERSAL TK
A decision-making model for school districts, policymakers, and community leaders to create innovative TK programs that benefit and uplift the entire school community
IMPACT OF UNIVERSAL TK ON CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
Review survey results and insights on how California’s Transitional Kindergarten expansion is impacting child care providers, facilities, and staffing.
BUILDING A HOPE-INSPIRED FUTURE
Learn about YMCA Childcare Resource Service’s journey to building a HOPE-inspired future through learning, embracing, and sharing the HOPE framework with others.
FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER WHITE PAPER
Examine the important role family child care providers play in child development and learn about the challenges and successes of these early care professionals in San Diego County.
FOSTER CARE BRIDGE IMPACT REPORT
Explore data and results from the YMCA’s state-funded Emergency Bridge program for foster youth caregivers in need of child care.
CHILD CARE BRIDGE MODEL FOR FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Learn more about how child care is critical in ending a family’s homelessness experience.
