ESCONDIDO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#childcare–The County of San Diego is expanding its investment in local childcare infrastructure with the new Boost program. This 12-month initiative, led by Upwards, a nationwide childcare network, will support a total of 109 licensed home-based providers throughout the County, with business coaching, hiring assistance, and technology tools that improve day-to-day operations and childcare availability. New efforts are launching in the unincorporated County, as well as Coronado, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Poway, and Solana Beach, joining Chula Vista and Escondido, where the program is entering its second and third year with demonstrated increases in provider capacity and financial stability.
Through the Boost program, local licensed daycares are offered one-on-one business coaching and mentoring led by professionals with experience running childcare facilities, curriculum resources, and hiring assistance. Together, these services offer 360-degree operational support to increase provider capacity, business growth, and childcare availability in the community.
Additionally, Boost provides free access to Upwards’ business and technology platform designed specifically for small childcare businesses. These tools simplify daily tasks, reduce administrative work, connect with families and fill open spots quickly. Using the Upwards app, providers can schedule virtual or in-person tours, manage payments and enrollments, and share real-time photos and videos with families, giving parents peace of mind about their child’s day. Together, these services offer 360-degree operational support to increase provider capacity, business growth, and childcare availability in the community.
Nasim Khamooshian of Candlelight Daycare in Escondido describes the Boost program as “a game-changer for my home daycare business.” She adds, “From day one, I felt supported in every area—curriculum planning, marketing, and enrollment.”
“We are deeply grateful for our local community of childcare providers who play such a vital role in educating and nurturing our children,” said David Estrella, Director at Housing and Community Development Services, County of San Diego. “It is imperative that we equip them with the support they need to thrive – not only as small business owners, but as caregivers shaping future generations. Through its use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, the County is able to invest in programs like Boost that support these very important providers.”
The County of San Diego is now the twelfth local government in the state of California to add the Boost program to their community, joining larger cities like Chula Vista, Escondido and San Jose. During Chula Vista’s Boost pilot year, the program supported 30 daycare providers who saw an average revenue increase of 40% and hired 17 new staff members. Meanwhile, in Escondido, the program supported 39 providers with 23% of them expanding their childcare slots and hiring 16 additional employees.
“With Boost, cities and counties are showing how targeted local investments in childcare can serve caregivers and families today while building stronger communities for tomorrow,” said Jessa Santangelo, Vice President of Business Development and Community Impact at Upwards. “It’s a high-impact, cost-effective use of public dollars—one that strengthens local infrastructure, supports our most essential workforce, and offers a model other municipalities can build on.”
Childcare providers interested in participating in the Boost program sign up at https://upwards.com/provide-care/boost or contact Upwards at (323) 431-9223.
About Upwards:
Upwards (formerly WeeCare) is a technology-driven care solutions company with a mission to make care accessible to all families and empower the caregivers who provide it. Upwards brings together families, care providers, employers, and governments to create new care avenues in real-time and utilizes a data-driven approach to enhance the supply and capacity of the care system. Upwards matches families with caregivers equipped to meet their unique needs and connects families with the resources they need to afford care, whether through government subsidies or workplace benefits. To learn more, visit upwards.com.
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