San Diego Begins Second Year of City Employee Child Care Benefit Program

Following a modest success in its first year, the city of San Diego is looking to expand its Municipal Child Care Benefit Pilot Program.

During the first year of the program, which allows city employees to be reimbursed for child care expenses, a total of 230 municipal employees applied and 173 were selected to receive benefits.

“Having received 230 applications in the first year, we are excited about the continued success of this child care pilot program,” said Andrea O’Hara, executive director of the Office of Child and Youth Success. “Even more encouraging is the overwhelmingly positive responses we have received from program participants.”

Funding for the program comes through a $2 million federal grant secured by Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-San Diego.

Employees interested in the program, including returning beneficiaries, have to submit an application by the end of the month. To be eligible, they must have an annual household gross income less than 200% of the state median income – based on family size – and be a permanent city employee. The city employs more than 12,000 people.

“This has really helped me so much. Being a single mom and working along with finishing my BA at SDSU, having the babysitter I can afford with the help of this grant has eased my heart and mind while at work/school,” said a program participant, whose identity was not revealed by the city. “It provided me with the professional person who is amazing with the kids. Thank you and I really hope this platform is still being provided in the future.”

Payments are made monthly directly to child care providers and can range from $200 to $1,200 per dependent, depending on family need. Children must be 12 or younger.

City News Service contributed to this article.