HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08131991 - H.1 P7
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Contra
FROM: Phil Batchelor, County Administrator
Costa
o s
August 13 , 1991 County
DATE:
SUBJECT: PROPOSED PLAN FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FEDERAL CHILD CARE AND
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
SPECIFIC REOUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Open the public hearing on the proposed priorities for
expenditure of the Federal Child Care and Development Block
Grant funds , receive all testimony members of the public
wish to provide to the Board of Supervisors.
2 . Following the receipt of all testimony, close the public
hearing and adopt the following proposed allocation for the
$824,000 in federal funds which the State of California is
allocating to Contra Costa County for the 1991-92 fiscal
year:
*
32% for infant/toddler care in West Contra Costa
County.
*
28% for infant/toddler care in East Contra Costa
County.
*
10% for schoolage care in North Central Contra Costa
County.
*
10% for children with special needs for any age group
in any region of the County.
*
10% for children at risk of abuse or neglect in any age
group in any region of the County.
,I
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENIYeS YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
r� APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON August 13 , 1991 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
X UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
CC: County Administrator ATTESTED
Social Services PHIL BATCH EL R,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
Supervisor MCPeak. SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
BY DEPUTY
M382 (10/88)
* 10o to children of any age group of teen parents in any
region of the County.
3 . Concur with the program improvement recommendations
contained in the attached draft plan in the areas of quality
assurance, training, reimbursement rates, and salaries and
benefits.
4. Authorize the Child Care Task Force to make any needed minor
corrections to the plan before it is submitted to the State
of California.
5. Authorize the Chairman and request the Superintendent of
Schools to execute the "Certification of Local Priorities"
and direct the County Administrator to insure that the Plan
and Priorities are submitted to the State of California
within the deadline of August 2-9, 1991.
BACKGROUND:
The Board of Supervisors and County Board of Education jointly
sponsored the formation of a Child Care Task Force meeting the
requirements of State and Federal regulations for the purpose of
recommending priorities for the use of Federal Child Care and
Development Block Grant funds in the amount -of $824,000 for the
1991-92 fiscal year.
The Task Force met on seven occasions between May and August. As
the attached Executive Summary indicates, a survey of subsidized
child care providers indicated that infant/toddlers and schoolage
children were most seriously underserved in terms of available
subsidized care. In addition, data revealed that the most
serious shortage of such care was in East County and West County
in terms of the number of available slots in relation to the
number of eligible children who were in need of those slots.
The Task Force conducted a hearing on August 5, 1991 and the
above recommendations came out of that hearing.
At the Board' s public hearing, Kate Ertz-Berger, Executive
Director of the Contra Costa Child Care Council, will be prepared
to make a brief report on the work of the Task Force.
The., Board of Supervisors Contra krk fthoBoar
Clerk of the Board
��� and
County Administration Building '. cou^ty AdmintQuacvr
351 Pine St., Rohm 106 (415)616-3371
Martinez,California 94553 . County
Tom Powers,tat District
Nancy G Fafiden.2nd District
Robert I.Schroder,3rd District
Sunne Wright McPeak 4t6 District
Tom TortaMOR 51h District
CHILD CARE TASK FORCE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: FINDINGS, PROCESS FOR
DETERMINING PRIORITIES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FINDINGS
The forty-two member Contra Costa County Child Care Task Force, a
public/private partnership committed to parent choice and
responsibility in meeting child care needs, convened for the
purpose of setting local priorities for direct services under the
Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant determined that
13,549 children, ages 0-13, are eligible for subsidized -child
care services. Currently, 3,231 full and part-time center-based
subsidized child care slots and 599 parent choice subsidy child
care slots including GAIN and TCC exist in the County. Factors
used to determine eligibility for services included total child
population, AFDC recipience, and school lunch program partici-
pation. The Task Force divided the County into four regions and
eligibility was further broken down by region and by the
following age groups: infants/ toddlers, preschool children, and
schoolage children.
Of the 13,549 children, ages 0-13, eligible for services under
the Block Grant, 3,171 are infant/toddlers, 3,549 are of
preschool age, and 6,829 are schoolage children. A survey of
subsidized child care providers in the County revealed that
infants/toddlers and schoolage children were most seriously
underserved in terms of available subsidized care.
The number of children in each age group eligible for services by
region was calculated and compared to the number of children in
each age group by region currently receiving subsidized child
care services. Data was also collected regarding the current
leve of subsidized service to children with special needs and
children at risk of abuse or neglect.
CHILD CARE TASK FORCE - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2
PROCESS FOR DETERMINING PRIORITIES
With the aid of an outside facilitator, the Child Care Task Force
conducted a "nominal group process" to determine local child care
priorities. With this process, small groups were formed and five
service priorities per small group were identified based upon the
available data and professional and personal knowledge. The full
Task Force then reconvened to continue the nominal group process
by combining small group priorities in a rank-order to establish
five priority areas: infant/toddler care, schoolage care, and
care for special-needs children, at-risk children, and children
of teen parents.
The Task Force then turned to the percentage allocation and
geographic distribution of the funds. One proposal was made and.
approved (with one negative vote) that allocated 80% to infant
care and 20% to schoolage care while placing special-needs care,
at-risk care, and care for children of teen parents into
specialized subset categories of infant . and schoolage
populations.
The Task Force further decided that the eligibility formula
derived from collected data would be used to determine a
distribution ratio for moving toward geographic equity. It"was,
therefore, determined that Block Grant funds should be directed
throughout county regions based on a 2:1:1:0 ratio with West
County having twice the level of need for child care than North
Central and East county regions, and South Central county having
less than 1% of need based on eligibility.
With the process for determining priorities initiated, the Task
Force proceeded by holding a public hearing on August 5, 1991, to
hear testimony. Testimony was given by two citizens, Ronda
Garcia of 2450 Stanwell Drive, Concord, and Martha Coleman of
2820 Commerce Street, Concord.
At the public hearing/Task Force meeting, an alternative proposal
was offered for consideration. This proposal allocated 60% to
infant/toddlers, 10% to schoolage, and 30% to spread equally
among children of teen parents, special needs children, and
children at-risk for all age groups. The calculated geographic
distribution ratio was used in determining geographic allocation.
Ms. Garcia gave public comment in support of this alternative
proposal stating that it: (1) provides the preschoolage group
with funding; and (2) does not divide funds into such small
CHILD CARE TASK FORCE - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3
categories that the County . is unable to impact actual need. Ms.
Garcia felt the initial proposal did not adequately address these
two issues which were of concern to her.
Ms. Coleman testified to the need for Respite Care for infants in
foster care and drug-exposed infants, - both of which Ms. Coleman
identifies as placing unusual strain on parents, making respite
care support essential.
The testimony was heard by the Task Force and it was determined
that the alternative proposal would more adequately address the
concerns of both individuals making public comment. Discussion
pursued regarding this alternative proposal and with a consensus
of support, a motion was made to adopt the alternative proposal.
The alternative proposal was then unanimously approved and the
concurrent priority recommendations were drafted for submission.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Contra Costa County Child Care Task Force recommends that the
Federal Block Grant Funds totalling $824,000 for, the County be
allocated as follows:
♦ 32% for infant/toddler care in West Contra Costa County.
♦ 28% for infant/toddler care in East Contra Costa County.
♦ 10% for schoolage care in North Central Contra Costa
County.
♦ 10% for children with special needs for any age group in
any region of the County.
♦ 10% for children at risk of abuse or neglect in any age
group in any region of the County.
♦ l0% to children (any age group) of teen parents in any
region of the County.
Program improvement recommendations were offered by the Task
Force specifically in the areas of quality assurance, training,
reimbursement rates, and salaries and benefits.
Attachment B2
California Department of Education Submit ten copies to:
Child Development Division
Certification of Local Priorities (CD-2001) California Department of Education
Local Coordination for Federal Block Grant Child Development Division
ATTENTION: Federal Block Grant
560 J Street, Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
CERTIFICATION OF LOCAL PRIORITIES
CONTACT FACE SFIEI✓T
Check the box which identifies the
local government entities responsible
for the local planning effort:
1. {_{ County Office of Education
2. �!{ County Board of Supervisors
3. 1 )q Both of the Above
Please complete the following information:
Name of County Submitting List of Priorities, _
(or subdivision of County, if applicable-see Attachment C)
Contra Costa County `
Contact Person for this Submittal Telephone Number
Claude Van Marter, Asst. County Admin
. 615) 646-1602
Chairperson, County Board of Address Telephone
Supervisors 651 Pine Rt-- lith
City Zip
Tom Powers District Martinez. CA 94553
Superintendent, County Office Address Telephone
of Education 77 Santa Barbara Rd
City Zip
Ron Stewart PlAncout U413 CA 94923
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the information contained in this submittal of priorities
is correct and complete, to the best of my (our) knowledge.
If box 1 or 2 above is checked, please sign bekvw:
Signature of Authorized Agent Title Date
If box 3 above is checked, please sign below:
Signature of Authorized Agent Title Date
i
Signature of Authorized Agent Title Date
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Findings
The forty-two member Contra Costa County Child Care Task Force ,
a public/private partnership committed to parent choice and
responsibility in meeting child care needs , convened for the
purpose of setting local priorities for direct services under the
Federal Child Care and Develovment Block Grant determined that
13 , 549 children ages 0-13 are eligible for subsidized child care
services . Currently, 3 , 231 full and part-time center-based
subsidized child care slots and 599 parent choice subsidy child
care slots including GAIN and TCC exist in the County. Factors
used to determine eligibility for services included total child
population, AFDC recipience, and school lunch program
participation. The Task Force divided the County into four regions
and eligibility was further broken down by region and by the
following age groups : infants/toddlers, preschool children, and
schoolage children.
Of the 13 , 549 children ages 0-13 eligible for services under the
Block Grant , 3 ,171 are infants/toddlers , 3,549 . are of preschool
age, and 6, 829 are schoolage children. A survey of subsidized
child care providers in the County revealed that infants/toddlers
and schoolage children were most seriously underserved in terms of
available subsidized care.
The number of children in each age group eligible for services by
region was calculated and compared to the number of children in
each age group by region currently receiving subsidized child care
services . Data was also collected regarding the current level of
subsidized service to children with special needs and children at
risk of abuse or neglect .
Recommendations
The Contra Costa County Child Care Task Force recommends that
32% of the Federal Block Grant funds be allocated to meeting
infant/toddler care needs in West Contra Costa County; 28% for
infant/toddler care in East Contra Costa County; and 10% for
schoolage care in North Central Contra Costa County. The remaining
30% of the funds should be allocated in the following manner: 10%
to children of teen parents of any age group in any region in the
County; 10% to children with special needs of any age group in any
region of the County; and 10% to children at risk of abuse or
neglect of any age . group in any region of the County. These
recommendations are based upon the current child care needs of
Contra Costa County. It is the intent of this Task Force to review
.service priorities annually to evaluate local needs in order to
revise priorities as appropriate .
Program improvement recommendations were offered by the Task Force
specifically in the areas of quality assurance, training,
reimbursement rates , and salaries and benefits .
COUNCIL FORMATION AND MEMBERSHIP
On April 23 , 1991 the Board of Supervisors created the Child Care
Task Force (which has served as the Child Care and Development
Planning Council ) and designated seats for a variety of groups .
Additional seats were added as groups indicated their interest in
serving on the Task Force. While seats were designated for the
Mayor's Conference (City Selection Committee) no appointments have
been received from them to date.
Letters were sent to most major child care providers in the County,
soliciting nominations to the Task Force. Letters were also sent
to the YMCA and YWCA, both of whom are major providers of child
care. Every Chamber of Commerce and every service club was
contacted and given an opportunity to nominate an individual .
Through an advertisement in the newspaper, parents were recruited.
The County's Head Start Program also nominated some parents of Head
Start children. Family Day Care Operators associations were asked
to nominate members, as was the Central Labor Council , the Council
of Churches and a wide variety of other community organisations.
The current composition of the Task Force, includes representatives
from the following:
City of Antioch Child Care Coordinator
Manager of Child Development Programs for the County's Community
Services Department
Mt. -Diablo Region YMCA
Contra Costa Housing Authority
Contra Costa Child Care Directors' Association
County Head Start Program Manager
East Bay Association for the Education of Young Children
Contra Costa Council (a local business association)
West Contra Costa YMCA
United Way of the Bay Area
Central Labor Council
County Social Services Department
Contra Costa Child Care Council (the local resource and referral
agency)
Diablo Valley Day Care Providers Association
East County Day Care Providers Network
The County Board of Supervisors
The County Board of Education
The Chambers of Commerce (two representatives)
Delta 2000 (a community organization in East County which is
involved in helping the community to define and solve its own
local problems)
Parents - (there are six parents sitting on the Task Force, all
of whom attend regularly and are active in the Task Force's work)
For Profit Child Care Centers
Child Development Specialist (who teaches child development at a
local community college)
Provider of care for special needs children
League of Women Voters
San Ramon Rotary Club
United Council of Spanish-Speaking Organizations
Opportunity West (a community organization in West County which is
involved in helping the community to define and solve its own
local problems)
YWCA of Contra Costa County
Foster Parents Association
Representative of non-profit subsidized child care providers
Child Care Workers
Representative of non-profit unsubsidized child care providers
Parent Teachers Association
County Juvenile Justice Commission-Delinquency Prevention
Commission
A public hearing was held on August 5, 1991 by the Child Care Task
Force in order to . hear public testimony on child care needs and
priorities in the County. Over 200 notices of public hearing were
sent to individuals interested in the child care needs of Contra
Costa County as identified through the collective mailing list used
to recruit Task Force representatives. A press release was also
sent to the locally distributed newspapers.
Attachment 84
rl N M ct %.0
LjE >1 Mo
cc
I
•' Z -u 0 0 0 0
C O t... M M M M O w .0 O
M Vcc 0 L-
1
LG
C D "' CTM C71 0 M o Co T °
E c 071 O In o In In In o Co 3
'G v
Cw � U Ln rM >,r �rnlriln ?. O ss 4�' 0
Cl) O d' %D .-I N J-+ -4 N C' t0 rn O S ''--I S
a� M Ln M Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln O 34 3 U
Eoa -1 41 �r � dv � a' d 04 c c0,> C
GG. r/J Corn Ln rnrn 0a) MMMrn o
O .-i +� r I CO v to CTM M M v -- L• v
M l0 I~ N M C cc
•-i N t0 CO O ,O v .� 0 v
V Q N fn .-I Ln rn Ln O Ln Ln � Ln Ln 0 Ln Ln Co 4JU O I p
C Oft' OC' 0 * "% "0' '14V � IIZT d' -
O COM LO Urnrn s~ MM MMM
Cl.IC: \ Ln N \M fo M M I~ rn M r .--I Ln .-I N
LC U 7y N r >4 moi' I•i 0 0 N C' %.O r 0 Oz z
4J Ln Ln -P Ln. 4.1. O 0 -,i Ln U) Ln Ln Ln CO H V
" v' d a Sa � CtTV 41Ln
0Q rnrn rn v C rOrnrnrnrnrnrn ro v u � U �
O O U +-I -0 t) a� o
L`6 U Co W U r1 -r_ r Ln r "I.-I%o N Co �
-I Ol0 4-JM 41 -4M O NMLnrOI u N
dO
CO Ln
U11*1 ICT ) >1
Ln f 4 Ln Ln >r Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln � CL >' 0'
s (7 30101 (t] 01 Zrnrn � rnrnrnrnrnrn N. �C N
1r 4) ea
U
b •--..o
O ti m v
.c
yc Q
0 .
_
:. ca d ev
V
w CC
R 0 O s
•p •� � A" s v� � `o
O U ' o
_ cc
O d
Q - 3 o
«•� z c E cc
.. o ti
s A
mom° Q a bocc
°'
eo 2 2 Z Ei Cn c ai Q
U i3. •� EO
H U N
4J N N O _ {�
U vin N -v - `°
L'(S Ln $4 Ln $4 MI'll �, N S A N 8 rt E v U Ln S �
s� 4 v0) � vrn +s C ,� � � -- E .— Z ,cr-+
Mro M G u o u Z C; u 0
' O CSD O RS `C7 N (� ''(3 N S '-I lO fn S � fA S �
J c O w 4+ t 4+ Cl:, I w v O 4 I v r ea 'n v 0
v`. ► I Ei hi E-1 �' U1 �- H a cA ►-I Pa U] v v' > ��i a
L
E
v
Low o o 0
L° da da da da dP o p da
to N Co O O O • _ O
G^ °
M d Ln Q LD
5 U U
Attachment B5
Submit tcn copies to:
California Department of Education California Department of Education
Child Development Division Child Development Division
CD-3011A (5/91) Attention: Federal Block Grant
560 J St., Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
Justification for Direct Services Priority # 1
for West Contra Costa County
(Specify Service Delivery Area)
Child care for infants/toddlers in West Contra Costa County
constituted the most serious need identified by the Child Care Task
Force. Thus , 32% of Block Grant funds should bedirected toward
West County serving infants/toddlers .
It was on the basis of the process outlined below that the Task
Force identified this priority and all subsequent priorities.
The Task Force divided the County into four regions, generally
described as West County, North Central County, South Central
County, and East County because region differs in population
density, economic levels , and racial and ethnic composition. The
Data Collection Subcommittee then developed an estimate of
eligibility formula for Block Grant funds which included total
child population, AFDC recipience, and school lunch program
participation by region. The school lunch population was given
double weight because it was considered to. be the most important
and accurate predictor of eligibility for subsidized care. An
eligibility factor in the form of a percentage was derived from the
estimate of eligibility and applied to current child care need by
age group by region. The number of children eligible for Block
Grant funds by age group ,by region was then calculated. Current
level of service by age group by region and current child care
eligibility for services under the Block Grant was then presented
to the Task Force for the priority setting process .
A nominal group process with the aid of an outside consultant was
conducted with the Task Force. Small groups were formed and five
service priorities based upon available data and personal and
professional knowledge. The full Task Force reconvened to continue
the nominal group process by combining small group priorities in
a rank order to establish five priority areas: infant/toddler
care, schoolage care, and care for special needs children, at-risk
children, and children of teen parents .
The Task Force then turned to the percentage allocation based on
a geographic distribution ratio determined by the eligibility
formula described above. The ratio of regional need to move toward
geographic equity was found to be 2 :1: 1 :0 , with West County
representing twice the level of need over North Central and East
County. South Central County was determined to have less than 1%
need based upon the eligibility formula, thus resulting in a 0
ratio.
DIRECT SERVICES PRIORITY #l, WEST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY PAGE 2
Approximately 1 ,492 infants/toddlers are eligible for services
under Block Grant funding in West County according to the process
outlined above. Currently, 25 subsidized child care slots for
infants/toddlers exist in West County; to address the 2 : 1 : 1 :0
ratio, the Task Force unanimously concluded that 32% of Block Grant
funds be directed toward West County serving infants/toddlers .
• Attachment B5
Submit ten copies to:
California Department of Education California Department of Education
Child Development Division (fid Development Division
CD-3011A (6/91) Attention: Federal Block Grant
560 J Sty Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
Justification for Direct Services Priority # 2
for East Contra Costa County
(Specify Service Delivery Area)
Child care for infants/toddlers in East . Contra Costa County
constituted a serious need identified by the Child Care Task Force.
Thus , 28% of Block Grant funds should be directed toward East
County serving infants/toddlers .
The priority setting process outlined in Priority Justification #1
was applied to all priority determinations .
Based on the nominal group process, the determined eligibility
formula and the geographic distribution ratio, approximately 745
infants/toddlers are eligible for services under Block Grant
funding in East County. Currently, 0 subsidized child care slots
for infants/toddlers exist in East County, thus the Task Force
unanimously concluded that 28% of Block Grant funds be directed
toward East County serving infants/toddlers.
Attachment B5
Submit ten copies to.
California Department of Education California Department of Education
Child Development Division C hUd Development Division
CD-3011A (6/91) Attention: Federal Block Grant
560 J St, Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
Justification for Direct Secvicca Priority # 3
for North Central Conta Costa County
(Specify Service Delivery Area)
Child care for schoolage childen in North Central Contra Costa
County constituted a serious need identified by the Child Care Task
Force.
Based on the nominal group process, the determined eligibility
formula and the geographic distribution ratio, approximately
1,704 schoolage children are eligible for services under Block
Grant funding in North Central County. Currently, 130 subsidized
child care slots for schoolage children exist in North Central
County, thus the Task Force unanimously concluded that 10% of Block .
Grant funds be directed toward North Central County serving
schoolage children.
Attachment B5
Submit ten copies to:
Califomia Department of Education California Department of Education
Child Development Division Chad Development Division
6-3011A (6/91) Attention: Federal Block Grant
560 J St., Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
iwffication for Direct Services Priority # 4
for Any location in Contra Costa County
(Specify Service Delivery Arca)
According to the Information and Child Development Planning
Population and Social Services Data Summary for Contra Costa
County, 1 ,110 children were born to mothers under the age of 19 in
1989. To address child care needs of teen parents, the Child Care
Task Force unanimously designated that 10% of Block Grant funds
should be directed toward serving children of any age of teen
parents in any location in the County.
Currently, no School Age Parenting and Infant Development (SAPID)
programs exist in Contra Costa County rendering this population
underserved. The Task Force ' felt that prevention/early
intervention was important and thus earmarked teen parents as a
service priority based upon the nominal group process used in
priority setting.
Attachment B5
. Submit ten copies to:
California Department of Education California Department of Education
Child Development Division (fund Development Division
CD-3011A (6/91) Attention: Federal Block Grant
560 J St, Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
Justification for Direct Servicrs Priority # 5
Any location in Contra Costa County
for
(Specify Service Delivery Area)
Using the Head Start model which assumes that approximately 10% of
the child population are in need of specialized care due to
physical/mental handicap, emotional disturbance, drug exposure,
developmental delay, or other conditions requiring special
attention, the Child Care Task Force unanimously designated that
10% of Block Grant funds should be directed toward serving children
with special needs in any location in the County in all age groups.
Currently, 449 children with special needs are receiving subsidized
child care in Contra Costa County which represents 3% of the
children eligible to receive Block Grant funding. Based upon the
nominal group process used in priority setting, the Task Force -felt
that special needs children are dramatically underserved and thus
designated this population as a priority for direct service
dollars.
Attachment B5
Submit ten copies to:
California Department of Education California Department of Education
Child Development Division (fid Development Division
CD-3011A (6/91) Atumfiona Federal Block Grant
560 J St, Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
Jnsti6catlon for Direct Services Priority # 6
for Any location in Contra Costa County
(Specify Service Delivery Area)
According to the Information for Child Development Planning
Population and Social Services Data Summary for Contra Costa
County, Child Protective Services in Contra Costa County made
14,560 referrals for abuse or neglect in 1989.
Currently, 565 children at risk of abuse or neglect. are receiving
subsidized child care services in the County which represents
approximately 4% of the CPS referrals made in 1989. To. address the
child care needs of children at risk of abuse or neglect, the Child
Care Task Force unanimously designated through the nominal group
priority setting process that 10% of Block Grant funds should be
directed toward serving this population for any age group for any
location in the County.
Attachment B6
California Department of Education Submit ten copies to:
Child Development Division California Department of Education
CD-3012 (6/91) Child Development Division
Instructions:
The local child care and development council may complete this form to transmit recommendations to the State
on ways to improve child care and development programs in their county. These recommendations may include,
but are not limited to, improvements to the following: quality of services, provider compensation, (i.e. recruitment,
retention and training), coordination of services for children and their families, and improvement and augmentation
of child care resource and referral programs. This form is optional, for informational purposes only, and does not
imply the availability of funds to address these recommendations. Additional sheets of paper may be used, if
needed.
Optional Program Improvement Recommendations
Agency Name: Contra Costa Count
Agency Address: 651 Pine St. , 11th Floor-
Contact Person: Claude Van Marter Telephone No. (415 646-2602
Service Delivery Area: Contra Costa Count. - All Regi-ons
Four areas were identified by .the Contra Costa County Child Care
Task Force which impact program improvement and thus should be
addressed:
1 . Quality Assurance: The Child Care Task Force affirms that in
order to assure quality, all forms of child care should be subject
to some form of evaluation. In the case of licensed care,
evaluation should exceed that which is presently done by Community
Care Licensing. Licensing will be more effective in promoting
quality when it is able to operate more supportively toward
providers than when it is in a policing role. It is not necessary
for providers to be evaluated by a variety of agencies that are ,
either duplicative or contradictory in their requirements . The
local resource and referral agency would be one possible
organization able to provide evaluation for child care services
which are presently exempt from licensure and for those not being
evaluated beyond Community Care Licensing regulations .
2 . Training: To assure quality and improve programs , child care
workers _and administrators must have access to training that
promotes good child development practices . While this is important
in all areas of child care, it is an especially crucial need in the
areas of infant/toddler care and for those caring for children with
special needs . In order to provide training for a wide range of
caregivers , there will have to be a number of ways that training
can be accessed; for example, Community College courses on and off-
campus; weekend classes and workshops; other academic institutions .
PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDTIONS Page 2
3. Reimbursement Rates: The present adjustment rates for
infants/toddlers and for children with special needs are grossly
inadequate to finance quality programming for these groups . Unless
action is taken to adjust the rates upward, infants/toddlers and
children with special needs will continue to be dramatically
underserved or be in care developmentally inappropriate to their
needs . In addition, the reimbursement rates for schoolage children
have had the effect of forcing many State subsidized slots to be
transformed into preschool slots . Increases in reimbursement rates
are clearly indicated.
4. Salaries and Benefits : Remuneration rates for caregivers must
also be addressed. Unless salaries and benefits are commensurate
with professionals of equivalent education and experience in other
fields , issues such as staff turnover and continuity of care for
children will prevail . Caregiver salaries and benefits are clear
and substantiated indicators of quality and low remuneration and
benefits will continue to negatively impact the quality of care we
offer our children.
En
y bb yy.
D , M�prt, 1 pOrt
(D o r) M�
o ( N y ( � n o
Ln N Nl P N N CO A A%D J W W
N 111 J
r-� A JO� O C� JQ� N A JJO � J OJ%D
W Nm W() O ONO J ONL7 (7 J %D Ch to
� P
Ln to dP OP
rLn � b C p
W W H r
A N yH
�D J
K O
P IUTH}1 5
Ln Nrr W Jm J W Jm J N rrn..9. C) �-+ o
m J A W r r Ln A lD O m ,D m N m,D ►+ 3
N ,Dm Vi V t m Nk.P r A m l D r m r N W y O
O
Sv
r-• r� fp
" PIQ
!"
A A V7.
M r ID
r A r CJ
dP
dP dP op
Ln ti
Oe
dPr
0
W rN N rr O NJ '*7n
m .P A m W N N Ch %D Ln N G C Q
O 000 J VnNO W C) Lnm %D NNll� 8 En
N N �+ ►
dP dP
� dP v
m m
O O O O w 0LiCD N O N O w O W O d H �
r r m m W W
_ r " 0 G�
N
A r A
dP dP � N V
5c
r r
to En
lJt W N ,D •y
\
C N N v1 ro
cn N dp dD dP N
C
a v
� N
r
PP
d'
to
r O� O .y 0
c m
r W O •�2+7{
dP lP m ►W+ �! ((��
dP do dP 0