In an effort to support law enforcement officers and address workforce challenges, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is opening the nation’s inaugural childcare center tailored to the unique needs of police officers’ families. 

The initiative, led by the San Diego Police Officers Association (SDPOA) with support from Mayor Todd Gloria and Police Chief David Nisleit, marks a significant stride in providing accessible and affordable childcare for officers, a critical step in retaining and recruiting employees.

Slated to open its doors in January, the childcare center has been years in the making. The plan was unanimously approved by the City Council in July 2022, and work on the facility officially got underway in May 2023, with upgrades being made to an existing City-owned property to turn underutilized classroom spaces into a dedicated early childhood learning center. Operated by KinderCare, a nationally known childcare provider, it will offer its services at 50% of the market rate. Notably, KinderCare will pay its staff 20% above the market rate to address the longstanding issue of low pay in the industry, which has contributed to childcare shortages nationwide.

The childcare center is equ-ipped with features tailored to meet the needs of police officers and their families. To accommodate demanding, nontraditional schedules, it will offer extended hours from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., as well as allowing for emergency callout services to the employee’s home. With security concerns top of mind for law enforcement families, the facility is adjacent to a police administration building but has its own entrance, and its exact location is not being promoted in the press. 

Serving children ages 5 and under, the center will include an infant section with cribs and changing tables, an outdoor play area, and an indoor play and learning space with toys and equipment to ensure a nurturing and educational environment. KinderCare is actively working with a waitlist of parents to tailor services according to their needs, maximizing available spots and providing flexibility for officer schedules.

The initiative is funded for three years with $5.7 million in grants, including a substantial $3 million contribution from the state secured by Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins. Additional support comes from KinderCare and the Cushman Foundation’s Making a Difference for San Diego grant program. Officials have stated that taxpayers will not shoulder the burden of paying for the center.

When the SDPD and SDPOA held a ribbon-cutting event for the center in mid-November, Nisleit hailed the project’s innovative approach. “The San Diego Police Department is proud to be leading the nation in efforts to create pathways for working parents to have quality childcare while pursuing a career in law enforcement,” he said in a statement. “This childcare center has been years in the making and is a great example of innovative, police-led solutions that benefit our officers and our communities who depend on them.”

As workers in the San Diego area continue to struggle with a lack of affordable care and housing, this support will hopefully help the department attract and keep qualified officers. In addition to reducing financial barriers, it will also address the strain of juggling work and family. According to the facility’s organizers, more than half of officers reported leaving or missing work because of childcare concerns, and one in five considered leaving their jobs altogether due to childcare stresses.

“Establishing a childcare center that caters to the unique needs of our members is vital, especially for parents who dedicate their lives to protecting the City while on duty,” SDPOA President Jared Wilson said.

Gloria also commended the collaborative effort: “Thanks to our Police Officers Association and funding secured by Sen. Toni Atkins, we are leading the way when it comes to supporting our law enforcement community. This first-in-the-nation childcare center is another way we are showing our commitment to recruit and retain our police officers.”

The SDPD’s pioneering step serves as a beacon of inspiration for public agencies grappling with workforce shortages and employees desperately in need of affordable childcare. According to KinderCare, data shows that more than half of parents would stay in their current jobs if they had a childcare benefit. Addressing this issue is especially key for attracting more women to the profession and paving the way for them to be able to have long, successful careers. 

Since the project’s announcement in 2022, law enforcement agencies nationwide have reached out to San Diego for guidance, expressing interest in replicating this childcare model. The innovation has also captured the attention of federal lawmakers. In April, U.S. Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) introduced the Providing Childcare for Police Officers Act, bipartisan legislation that would authorize funding for local governments to partner with law enforcement agencies to open childcare centers for their employees. Hopefully, other municipalities and departments will soon be able to follow San Diego’s example to address this critical need and ensure that the officers who dedicate so much to their communities are supported in return.