Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, District 4
Supervisor Jackie Speier, District 1
Michael P. Callagy, County Executive Officer
Subject: Grant to Support AbilityPath's Learning Links Inclusive Preschool at Elco Yards
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing and directing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute a grant agreement with AbilityPath in an amount not to exceed $200,000 to support the development of the Learning Links Inclusive Preschool at Elco Yards Program for the term of September 15, 2026, through October 31, 2027.
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BACKGROUND:
AbilityPath is a San Mateo County nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing inclusion and expanding opportunities for children with developmental disabilities and their families. Through its Learning Links Preschool program, AbilityPath provides high-quality, inclusive early childhood education where children of all abilities learn together in the same classrooms.
AbilityPath has been selected by the City of Redwood City to operate the new Learning Links Inclusive Preschool at Elco Yards, a purpose-built childcare facility located within the City’s mixed-use Elco Yards development (“Project”).
The Project’s approximately 8,200-square-foot facility, including indoor learning space and outdoor amenities, is expected to open in Fall 2026 and, once open, will serve up to 74 children, from infants through transitional kindergarten. The preschool uses a play-based curriculum that includes circle time, music and movement, language and literacy, math and STEM, social-emotional learning, sensory exploration, creative expression and outdoor learning. The Project will also integrate on-site speech, occupational, and physical therapies, reducing barriers for working families while supporting children’s developmental needs.
AbilityPath offers a mixed-income model that combines market-rate tuition, California State Preschool Program (CSPP) subsidies, and 4Cs childcare vouchers to ensure children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds receive the same high-quality, inclusive early learning experience. The Project is expected to have about 16 subsidized California State Preschool Program slots, including 10 full-time and six part-time slots.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed grant of up to $200,000 will be offered to AbilityPath for a term of September 15, 2026, through October 31, 2027, providing a one-time capital investment in furniture, fixtures, equipment and materials to help launch the Project (“Grant”).
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the Grant agreement and accompanying resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The County’s Grant will help AbilityPath expand access to high-quality childcare, inclusive early education, and developmental services for families throughout San Mateo County, thereby strengthening the local early childhood education system, expanding childcare capacity, supporting workforce participation for parents, creating early childhood education jobs, and establishing a financially sustainable, mixed-income preschool model that can serve San Mateo County families.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Grant, in an amount not to exceed $200,000, would be funded through a General Fund appropriation in Non-Departmental Services or other available funds, which funds are included in the FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget.