Families are their child’s primary caregivers and first teachers. At Smart Start San José, we empower families to make informed choices about quality child care, to actively engage in early care and education programs, and to participate in community early learning activities.
Navigating Quality Child Care
Selecting a child care program is one of the most important decisions a family will make in the life of their child. Smart Start encourages families to learn as much as possible about the different early care and education options available in our community in order to make the right choice for their child. View a tip sheet to help inform your child care decisions.
Locate Smart Start San José Sites Near You
Smart Start certifies early care and education sites through the Smart Start San José Affiliation Process. In order to receive Smart Start Affiliate status, programs must have an active child care license, meet Smart Start Basic Quality Guideline strategies, carry current liability insurance, be in good standing with Community Care Licensing, and sign a memorandum of understanding with the City of San José. View a map of Smart Start Affiliates and find more information on specific sites.
We urge parents to carefully interview and check references before leaving their child in any child care arrangement. As a parent, you have the right to information about any substantiated or inconclusive complaints received by any licensed childcare site. That information is public and is available by calling the local childcare licensing office: Community Care Licensing (408) 324-2148
Early Care and Education Commission
The San José Early Care and Education Commission is a citizen advisory group that advocates on behalf of young children, their families, early childhood educators and family child care providers on issues related to children and families. The Commission also oversees the implementation of the San José Early Care and Education Strategic Work Plan, the City’s early care and education framework for the future. Members of the public are welcome to attend Commission meetings.
Interested in becoming a commissioner? To apply to serve on the San José Early Care and Education Commission, candidates must have a strong interest in early care and education issues, be a resident of San José, complete an application form from the Office of the City Clerk, and return a completed original application by mail or in person to: Office of the Clerk, 200 East Santa Clara Street, San José, California 95113. Applications can be downloaded from the Office of the City Clerk, City Board and Commissions.
For more information about the Commission or for meeting minutes, agendas and meeting schedule with locations, please click here.
Month of the Young Child
Each April, the Month of the Young Child is celebrated in San José through the Children’s Faire, a free, one-day event for children, aged 2-12, and their families, that seeks to increase public awareness about early care and education programs. Over 5,000 children and families attend the Children’s Faire each year. In addition to early learning and food vendors, there are age appropriate activities for children, and Children’s Art Displays are exhibited to provide insight into the imagination and development of young children.
For more information about the Month of the Young Child, please click here.
