Approved funding will support expanded early learning access for South San Francisco families
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 1, 2026 – The City of South San Francisco is celebrating a major milestone for local families following the President’s signing of the Transportation–Housing and Urban Development (Transportation-HUD) Appropriations bill into law. The approved legislation includes $850,000 in federal funding to support the Westborough Early Childhood Education Center, formally securing the funding for the project.
The investment directly advances priorities outlined in the City’s Child Care Master Plan, which identifies Westborough and surrounding neighborhoods as areas with a significant shortage of licensed early childhood education options, particularly for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. The plan emphasizes the importance of expanding childcare access west of El Camino Real to focus on improving and expanding the reach, quality, and impact of early childhood education programs, childcare, and youth services for South San Francisco residents.
For decades, the City of South San Francisco’s Parks and Recreation Department has been a leader in the provision of high-quality early childhood education and child care programs, thanks to dedicated and experienced staff and ongoing support from City leadership and the City Council. The City is also one of the first cities in the state to have a Child Care Impact Fee and to adopt a Child Care Master Plan to guide the City’s child care priorities.
“Partnering with local communities here at home and delivering for our district is my top priority as a Member of Congress. As a parent of two, I know firsthand how critical childcare and early education programs are to families. That’s why I was honored to bring home $850,000 for South San Francisco’s Westborough Early Childhood Education Center, which will help double the capacity of this vital service,” said Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15).
“This funding represents years of planning, advocacy, and partnership,” said City Manager Laura Snideman. “We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Kevin Mullin for championing this project and recognizing how critical early childhood education is to the well-being of our families and the long-term strength of our community. His leadership helped turn a local priority into federal law.”
“As a parent raising a family here in South San Francisco, I know how important it is to have access to safe, high-quality childcare close to home,” said Vice Mayor Mark Nagales. “I’m grateful to Congressman Kevin Mullin for helping move this long-awaited investment forward. Expanding the Westborough Early Childhood Education Center means more than just a new facility; It’s peace of mind for working parents, and a strong start for our youngest residents. I’m proud to support efforts like this that help families thrive, and make our community an even better place to grow up.”
The Child Care Master Plan highlights that access to early care and education is essential not only for children’s development, but also for workforce participation, economic stability, and equity for families across South San Francisco. Investments like the Westborough Early Childhood Education Center are a key step toward meeting current and future childcare needs as the city continues to grow.
Additional details on project timelines and next steps will be shared as the City moves forward with implementation.
###
About the City of South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with nearly 250 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents with a daytime population of 90,000 workers and visitors, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming, and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.