We respectfully urge the San Mateo-Foster City School District to enhance the clarity of communication regarding the relocation of Fiesta Gardens International School to College Park Elementary School. It is imperative that the district provides viable options to better cater to the diverse needs of our families.

The communications on the changes in location and afternoon care arrangements have been both confusing and inconsistent. This has posed challenges for both new and existing families in effectively planning and explaining the transition to their children. For instance, FGIA families were initially informed in late 2024 that YMCA would be an option, only to be later notified in January 2025 that the only available option was Boys and Girls Club. Subsequently, in March, families received an invitation to register for the District Annex program without a clear explanation. Timely and transparent communication is essential to facilitate a seamless transition for families at Fiesta Gardens International School and College Park.

There is a pressing need for childcare options that offer flexibility to accommodate varying schedules. A program that provides childcare three times per week with optionality would greatly benefit families with varying schedules.  This flexibility would enable parents to access care as needed without committing to a full-time program. Moreover, affordability and competitive pricing are paramount considerations. The cost of childcare should be in line with existing options and market rates to ensure accessibility for all families. It is crucial to uphold affordability and flexibility while delivering quality care.

Presently, the District has limited the Annex program as a fee-based option for the 2025-2026 school year at Fiesta Gardens International School. As it stands, this program mandates full-time enrollment without offering discounts for membership or multiple student enrollments.

The YMCA program at Fiesta Gardens International School for the current school year offers the flexibility of part-time care. The YMCA is made affordable through grants, YMCA membership and/or sibling discounts. The pricing differences between the YMCA and Annex programs are significant for families choosing part-time care or those with multiple students.

In addition to all the changes that are required for a physical move of campuses and the mental stress it causes the parents and students to adapt to a big change, the District is requiring students that need afternoon care to transition to a new program. This change is challenging for existing students who are already enrolled and are familiar and comfortable with the YMCA teachers and staff.

While we understand the importance of providing assistance to families in need, we believe that any costs incurred by parents should be reasonable and aligned with the value of the services provided. The current situation leaves those who are required to pay with fewer benefits, as multi-child discounts and flexibility have been eliminated. It is important for the District to consider the impact of these changes on families and students. We strongly urge the District to consider implementing more flexible, cost-effective, and clearly communicated afternoon care solutions. It is crucial that minimizing disruptions for students remains a top priority throughout this transitional phase.