HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmail Public Input - UpwardsUpwards
Upwards is the nation's largest network off am ilychild care providers, founded not far from Tustin.
We respectfully urge the Council to support Tustin's family child care providers, the backbone of our
workforce, through the Boost program.
About Boost: The Boost program equips low -to -moderate income, in -home child care providers in
Tustin with one-on-one business coaching and digital tools to optimize their operations and
revenue. The program helps providers grow their small businesses, create localjobs, and expand
access to affordable, quality care forworking families.
The Need in Tustin - The child care shortage in Tustin is both a family crisis and an economic one:
• Over half of children under six in Tustin lack access to a licensed child care slot, leaving
thousands of families, especially mothers and single parents, unable to fully participate in
the workforce.
• Child care workers in Tustin earn an average of $18 per hour, far below the wages of
elementary educators, driving high turnover and deepening the shortage.
Data from Upwards' Orange County poll further illustrates the urgency:
• 45 % of families rank child care as their largest or second-largest household expense.
• 62 % of working parents have reduced hours or changedjobs due to child care challenges.
• Half of providers cite operational costs as their primary barrier to staying open.
Nationally, 2025 has been the most difficult year on record for child care providers, with two-thirds
reporting difficulty meeting basic needs including food and housing.
A Proven Model: Boost is a proven, scalable model. Across 30 cities and counties, Upwards has:
• Mentored over 500 family child care providers
• Created 180 newjobs
• Helped providers increase revenue by an average of 25
• Expanded child care slots by 30-50 % — all within the first year of implementation
Upwards is already operating in Orange County, including our longest -running partnership in Garden
Grove. If awarded funding, we would be able to launch in Tustin immediately.
Request: We encourage the Council to support the Boost program as a tangible investment in
Tustin's child care infrastructure, small business community, and working families. A full impact
report has been submitted to the Council via email for review. We welcome the opportunity to meet
with any Council member ahead of the April 21st meeting to answer questions and discuss how
Boost can serve Tustin's community.
Melanie Faure, Community Impact Manager, Upwards I melanienuowards.com