On Dec. 2, the City of San Diego’s Office of Child and Youth Success launched a new website that lays out resources – from childcare to educational opportunities and more – for San Diego’s youngest residents and visitors. The website provides a central location for San Diegans to find information about supportive services and programming for youth ages 24 and younger.
“Investing in the success of our children and youth is important to build a better future for San Diego,” said Andrea O’Hara, executive director of the Office of Child and Youth Success. “The new website offers easier access to information and programs that can help our young residents reach their full potential.”
The City currently provides a variety of events and activities – from reading challenges, STEM education, music and dance and more – and learning opportunities at libraries and recreation centers. Now, the Office of Child and Youth Success will serve as the connection point between these programs and future services established in partnership with local education agencies.
The website highlights upcoming high-quality programs to improve social, health and educational outcomes. This includes the City’s first Child and Youth Master Plan, an intentional roadmap that creates a citywide shared vision to uplift the voices of children, youth and families in San Diego.
Additionally, the website includes a guide aimed at entrepreneurs seeking to open a childcare center or family childcare home. With the scarcity of safe and affordable childcare, it is a priority for the Office of Child and Youth Success to dedicate specific resources and assist business owners through the process of providing childcare services for families in the region.
To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/child-youth-success. For the first time, the Office of Child and Youth Success will co-sponsor the Family Zone this weekend at December Nights. In line with its mission to support San Diego’s youth, the area will include safe activities for young kids including hula hoop contests, bean bag toss, ornament making and more fun options. A private space is also available for nursing mothers.
As part of the City’s fiscal year 2022 budget adoption process, Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council approved funding to establish the Office of Child and Youth Success. In April 2022, O’Hara was hired to lead this new office. The office is dedicated to prioritizing San Diego’s children and youth by safeguarding current and future policies.
