Licensed Capacity and Hours
Palcare’s licensed capacity is 161 children at 945 California Dr. and 32 children at 1001 California Dr. at any one time, Monday – Saturday 6:00 am – 11:00 p.m.
Our Organization
Palcare was born of a unique public/private collaboration of individuals representing labor, employers, government and the community, who struggled for 12 years to raise the funds and community goodwill to create a unique early care and education program. Palcare was incorporated as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization in 1987 and opened its doors to children on April 28, 1993. Today Palcare is governed by a volunteer Board of Directions comprised of 19 concerned citizens and parents. A Parent Advisory Council of active parents advises the Board and staff, guides family involvement, and raises funds. Palcare’s federal tax identification number is 94-3048383
Our Families
We serve over 250 families annually with early care and education for their young children aged 3 months to 5 years. Families are attracted to Palcare’s flexible and extended hours as well as its high quality and affordability. Family incomes range from very low to high income. In 2004-2005, 25 – 30% of families receive scholarships or some other form tuition assistance. Families employed by Palcare’s partners have priority enrollment.
The Building Blocks for the Future Campaign
Palcare’s Board, families and staff have been working since 2000 to raise the funds necessary to expand Palcare to serve more young children, enhance preschool education for 4 year olds, double the number of scholarships we offer annually, and ensure Palcare will continue to provide the benefits of quality early care and education to families well into the future. We are in the final stages of our campaign to raise $2.4 million. Recently Palcare received a challenge grant for $300,000 from First 5 San Mateo County, which if met, will take us near the top!
Budget and Funding
Palcare’s operating budget for 2007/2008 is $2,697,706. Tuition pays for only about 75% of the full cost of high quality flexible child care. Palcare provides subsidized child care services with the support of a contract from the California Department of Education Child Development Division. Additional funding from the San Francisco Airport Commission, community foundations and individuals helps us to achieve our goals to serve a broad community of families.
Staff
The Center is staffed by 51 regular full and part-time staff and 5 substitutes, or on-call staff. Our faculty exceeds educational requirements as recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Our teaching faculty is represented by the Communication Workers of America Local #9410.
