HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09092014 - C.153RECOMMENDATION(S):
ACCEPT an update from the Local Planning Council's Countywide Child Care Plan as recommended by the Family
and Human Services Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
The Local Planning Council periodically submits an updated Countywide Child Care Plan for the Board of
Supervisors consideration.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The Board of Supervisors will not accept the Local Planning Council's Countywide Child Care Plan.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The plan outlines the coordinated efforts of public and private child care provides in Contra Costa County. This
describes the current efforts to ensure Contra Costa's preschool child are receiving high quality child care services.
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 09/09/2014 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II
Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: Kevin Corrigan 925
335-1022
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: September 9, 2014
David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: Stacey M. Boyd, Deputy
cc:
C.153
To:Board of Supervisors
From:FAMILY & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Date:September 9, 2014
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Update on Local Planning Council's Countywide Child Care Plan
ATTACHMENTS
LPC Updates
Page 1 of 1
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August 4, 2014
TO: Supervisor Federal D. Glover, District V, Chair
Supervisor Candace Andersen, District II, Vice Chair
FROM: Ruth Fernández, LPC Coordinator/Manager, Educational Services
SUBJECT: Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education
Council Activities-Referral #81
CC: Contra Costa County Office of Education
Dr. Joseph A. Ovick, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Pamela Comfort, Associate Superintendent, Educational Services
LPC Officers
RECOMMENDATION(S):
1) ACCEPT the Contra Costa County Comprehensive Countywide Plan for Early Care and Education 2014
through 2017 developed by the Contra Costa Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and
Education (LPC) and completed in June 2014 (See attached publication).
REASON/S FOR RECOMMENDATION:
California Education Code (EC) Section 8231 requires that Local Planning Councils prepare a comprehensive
countywide child care plan designed to mobilize public and private resources to address identified needs.
Projects and activities of the Contra Costa LPC align with legislative intent for Local Planning Councils to
serve as a forum to address the child care needs of all families and all child care programs, both subsidized and non-subsidized
in Contra Costa County (Ed code Sections 8499.3 and 8499.5).
Last year, the LPC completed the Countywide Child Care Needs Assessment and the Contra Costa County
Economic Impact Report of Child Care. The data compiled in both reports informed the development of
the Comprehensive Countywide Plan. Additionally, the LPC hosted a Community Input Session to inform
the development of the plan on October 30, 2013. Over 40 stakeholders representing private, public, non-
profit, and governmental institutions attended the input session.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Local Planning Council for Child Care and Development (LPC) was established in
April 1998. Required by AB 1542, which was passed in 1993, thirty members of the LPC were appointed by
the County Board of Supervisors and the County Superintendent of Schools. Childcare consumers and
providers, public agency representatives, and community representatives each comprise 20% of the LPC. The
remaining 20% are discretionary appointees. Membership is for a three year term.
C ONTRA C OSTA C OUNTY
Comprehensive Countywide
Early Care and Education Plan
2014 through 2017
Prepared by
Contra Costa County Office of Education
and
The Contra Costa Local Planning and Advisory Council
for Early Care and Education (LPC)
Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Purpose .........................................................................................................2
A. Vision ..................................................................................................................................2
B. Mission ................................................................................................................................2
C. Members ..............................................................................................................................3
II. Background and Mandates ........................................................................................................3
A. Legislative Background ........................................................................................................3
B. Scope of Work .....................................................................................................................4
C. Mandates ............................................................................................................................4
D. Role in Local Infrastructure ................................................................................................5
III. Reports: Data as Basis for Decision-Making .............................................................................6
A. Needs Assessment Key Findings ..........................................................................................7
B. Economic Impact Report Key Findings ..............................................................................8
IV. Comprehensive Early Care and Education Plan .......................................................................9
A. Prioritizing Issues and Goal Development ..........................................................................9
B. Establishing a Guiding Framework of Key Principles .........................................................9
C. Collaboration ......................................................................................................................9
D. Goals and Strategies ..........................................................................................................10
V. Local Funding Zip Code Priorities ..........................................................................................12
VI. Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................13
1Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan 2014–2017
Dear Contra Costa Community,
It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you the 2014–2017
Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan developed
by the Contra Costa Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early
Care and Education (LPC).The LPC is housed within the Contra Costa
County Office of Education (CCCOE) as one of our key early learning
programs. CCCOE coordinates the projects and activities of the LPC
under the leadership of the LPC Coordinator.
The CCCOE recognizes the importance of developing stronger connections between K–12 and
the early care and education field. Our agency’s vision is that “Education empowers tomorrow’s
global citizens.” The CCCOE strives to make this vision a reality by acknowledging that
tomorrow’s global citizens will face an uncharted territory of change and innovation that requires
a diverse set of skills, a skill set that is dependent upon a strong foundation of early childhood
experiences that promote social-emotional development as the means for optimal cognitive
achievement. We believe the CCCOE plays an essential role in developing bridges for a stronger
alignment and articulation of expectations of learning connecting the early years with the entire
educational continuum for all children in Contra Costa County.
The LPC’s Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan embodies the CCCOE’s
commitment towards ongoing and sustained quality improvement efforts for early care and
education programs in Contra Costa County.
I invite you to join us in our efforts to promote collective awareness and preparedness to address
the needs of our young children, especially dual-language learners and children from low-income
families. This plan provides important data about Contra Costa’s early care and education
system such as the LPC’s Countywide Child Care Needs Assessment and the Economic Impact
Report of Child Care. The goals and strategies identified in the plan are grounded in strong
partnerships and collaboration with key community stakeholders in order to promote a common
understanding of early human development milestones and developmentally appropriate
instructional practices that support student learning throughout the preschool to third grade
learning continuum.
We look forward to working collaboratively with all of you in the implementation of this plan
over the next three years. Thanks to all LPC members, community partners, and staff members
who made this document possible!
Dr. Pamela Comfort
Associate Superintendent, Educational Services
Contra Costa County Office of Education
Statement
re:
Appointment
of
LPC
Member
I
have
reviewed
the
memorandum
and
member
application
submitted
by
the
Contra
Costa
Local
Planning
Council
for
Child
Care
and
Development
recommending
approval
to
appoint
Luis
Arenas
to
vacant
seat
of
Child
Care
Provider
3-‐Central/South
County.
Based
on
the
applicant’s
education,
background
and
current
employment,
I’ve
determined
that
Mr.
Arenas
meets
the
eligibility
definition
for
Child
Care
Provider
in
Contra
Costa
County
as
defined
by
the
LPC
Membership
Structure.
Mr.
Arenas
is
Deputy
Director
of
the
Unity
Council
and
provides
child
care
services
to
families
in
the
Monument
Corridor
area
in
Central
Contra
Costa
County.
Services
are
provided
in
the
designated
geographic
area
for
children
ages
3-‐5
for
the
considered
seat
category.
The
applicant
possesses
relevant
experience
and
knowledge
about
the
early
care
and
education
system
and
understands
the
diverse
needs
of
children
and
families
through
his
work
experience
providing
direct
child
care
services
to
the
community.
I
vote
to
approve
the
recommendation
submitted
by
the
LPC.
I
extend
my
welcome
to
Luis
Arenas
and
thank
him
for
his
interest
in
contributing
his
knowledge
and
expertise
for
the
improvement
of
early
care
and
education
in
Contra
Costa
County
through
community
service
on
the
LPC.
Pamela
Comfort,
Ed.D.,
Associate
Superintendent,
Educational
Services
acting
on
behalf
of
Dr.
Joseph
A.
Ovick,
Contra
Costa
County
Superintendent
of
Schools
2 Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education
Contra Costa Local Planning and
Advisory Council for Early Care
and Education (LPC)
I. Introduction and Purpose
The Contra Costa Local Planning and Advisory Council for
Early Care and Education (LPC) is pleased to present the 2014–
2017 Contra Costa County Comprehensive Countywide Early
Care and Education Plan. This plan serves as the blueprint for
LPC projects and activities. Our intent is to share a plan that
can serve as a guide and resource that will drive the agenda of
early care and education services that will meet the needs of
Contra Costa County’s children and families.
The plan also presents the LPC’s guiding principles which
provide a framework for the implementation of our goals and that connect our work to our
collective vision. The goals and objectives identified in this plan will be accomplished through
collaboration among public, private and community agencies and coordination of new and
existing services and resources in the county.
Organizations and agency leaders are constantly faced with the difficult task of making decisions
that impact the welfare of families and children in our community. In order to make effective
decisions, policy makers and leaders must have readily accessible data that can inform them
on the needs of children in the county. Their ability to access relevant research, data and
community input plays a crucial factor in creating a positive impact for our families. Our intent
is for this plan to support policy makers and community leaders in their complex and difficult
job of developing sound public policies that promote rich early childhood experiences, that
ensure optimal development for all children, to prepare them for success in school and in life.
A. Vision
All children in Contra Costa County have access to quality and affordable early care and
education services that support development and that nurture social-emotional, cognitive,
physical, communication, and life skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
B. Mission
To promote quality early care and education through community assessment, advocacy, resource
development, and collaboration with community partners.
3Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan 2014–2017
C. Members
The LPC consists of 20 volunteers appointed jointly by the Contra Costa
County Board of Supervisors and the Contra Costa Superintendent of
Schools.
Council members represent all areas of the county in the following
categories:
• Child Care Providers
• Child Care Consumers
• Public Agency Representatives
• Community Representatives
• Discretionary Appointments
Our Members:
Estela Alvarez
Professional Association for
Childhood Education (PACE)
Luis Arenas
Unity Council, Inc.
Jessica Beno
Contra Costa County
Employment and Human
Services Department
Sharon Bernhus
Shelter, Inc.
Cynthia Castain
My Space to Grow
Daryl Hanson
YMCA of the East Bay
Carolyn Johnson
Contra Costa Employment &
Human Services/Community
Services Bureau
Kathy Lafferty
Cambridge Child
Development Center
Crystal McClendon-Gourdine
First 5 CA/Pacific Oaks
College
Joan Means
Diablo Valley College
Silvana Mosca-Carreon
El Nuevo Mundo Children’s
Center, ICRI
Deborah Penry
Care Parent Network
Janeen Rockwell-Owens
Family Child Care of Contra
Costa County
Cathy Roof
Martinez Early Childhood
Center
Daniel Safran
Discretionary Appointee
Margaret Wiegert-Jacobs
Contra Costa Child Care
Council
II. Background and Mandates
A. Legislative Background
The Contra Costa Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and
Education (LPC) is an advisory body established by state legislation to plan
for child care and development services based on the needs of families in
local communities.
In 1991, Congress established federal Child Care and Development Block
Grants (CCDBG) through which each state was allocated funds to assist
low-income families in obtaining child care and development services. As
a result, a plan was developed to ensure that California would have a local
voice to establish priorities in the allocation of CCDBG funds in each
community.
During this same year, Assembly Bill 2141 passed establishing the creation
of LPCs in local communities. LPC’s membership and responsibilities
were revised in 1997 as mandated by AB 1542 which passed that year,
establishing welfare reform legislation (CalWORKS). There are currently
58 individual planning councils representing each county in California.
As the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and the Contra Costa
County Superintendent of Schools appoint council members, the councils
are required to conduct business in accordance with The Brown Act. Both
appointing public bodies oversee the work of the LPC and utilize the data
gathered through a comprehensive child care needs assessment of families
in the county to inform local decisions that affect county policies related to
early care and education services.
4 Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education
B. Scope of Work
The goal of the LPCs is to support the existing early care and education infrastructure by
coordinating services that are locally available through collaboration with individuals, public
and private agencies, and organizations interested in the welfare of children and all families in
the county.
In order to ensure effectiveness, councils are highly encouraged to strengthen partnerships with
both public and private organizations in each county. Furthermore, LPCs are intended to serve
as a forum to address the early care and education needs of all families in the community and all
early care and education programs – including both subsidized and non-subsidized child care.
C. Mandates
The mandates and responsibilities of Local Planning Councils are defined in welfare reform
legislation and are included as part of the Education Code. Per California Education Code,
Section 8499.3-8499.7, Local Planning Councils are mandated to:
• SUPPORT training and professional
development of early care and
education professionals
• DEVELOP priorities for
allocation of state and
federal child care funds
• COLLABORATE
with community
organizations and
government agencies
to provide families
the best possible
early learning and
care services
• PROMOTE access
to high-quality
early care and
education services
• ASSESS the
County’s overall
child care needs
• PREPARE a countywide
child care plan to mobilize
public and private resources
Collabora
tePrepare Pl
anAs
s
ess NeedsDevelop Prioritie s Promo t e S e rvicesSupport Provid e r s
Local
Planning
Council
Training and
professional development
of child care providers
Prepare Countywide
Child Care Plan to
mobilize public & private
resources
Assess the County’s
overall child care needs
once every ve years
Develop local priorities
for allocation of
state & federal
child care funds
Collaborate with
community organizations
& government agencies to
provide families with the
best possible child care
options
Promote access to
quality child care &
development services
5Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan 2014–2017
D. Role in Local Infrastructure
According to Education Code Section 8499.3a, Local Planning Councils are intended to serve
as a forum for the identification of local priorities for early care and education services and the
development of policies to meet the needs identified within those priorities.
The LPC is composed of a diverse group of stakeholders representing parents, child care
professionals (home-based, center-based, private, state-funded and non-profit), public agency
representatives, community agencies and other discretionary community experts representing
special populations. LPC membership may include: resource and referral agencies, state-funded
contractors, Head Start, City and County Coordinators, First 5, community foundations, tribal
agencies, K–12 educators, and higher education institutions. Such diverse membership structure
makes Local Planning Councils a microcosm of the Early Care and Education (ECE) system.
Local Planning Councils are responsible for supporting all types of early care and education
programs representing the diverse ECE delivery system in the State of California. In requiring
LPCs, the federal government saw the need to establish independent, diversified groups which
could quantify the need for child care and development services and determine which areas
(within each county) had the greatest need for subsidized care. Specifically, LPCs have been
charged with collaborating with subsidized and non-subsidized child care providers, county
welfare departments and human service agencies,
regional centers, job training programs, employers,
integrated child and family service councils, tribal
councils, local and state children and families
commissions, parent organizations, early start family
resource centers, local resource and referral programs
and other interested groups that make-up the local early
care and education infrastructure (Education Code,
Section 8231(6)). Local Planning Councils are strong
agents in the community that promote connection,
collaboration, and coordination among historically
isolated programs, services, and stakeholders.
The graphic above is a conceptualization of the roles and responsibilities of the LPC in the
community.
Concern
themselves
with
all children
Concern
themselves
with
all early care
and education
programs
Identify needs
in all
geographic
areas
Engage in
systems
change: policy
development,
countywide
plan
Promote the
development of
comprehensive
data banks that
inform decision
making
6 Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education
III. Reports: Data as a Basis for
Decision-Making
A. Needs Assessment Key Findings
One of the primary responsibilities of the LPC is to assess the county’s
overall child care needs for families with children 0 to 12 years of age at
least once every five years.
In 2013, the LPC completed a needs assessment of child care for Contra
Costa at the county level. To access the complete Needs Assessment
Report visit: http://www.plan4kids.org.
Status of Children in 2010
u Total Children 0 to 12: 183,500 or 17.5% of total population in 2010
38,823 children 0 to 2 years old or 21% of total 0 to 12 children
42,470 children 3 to 5 years old or 23% of total 0 to 12 children
102,209 children 6 to 12 years old or 56% of total 0 to 12 children
u Ethnicity: 35.2% Hispanic/Latino, 34.7% Caucasian, 13.2% Asian American/Pacific Islander,
9.1% African American, 7.6% multi-racial
u Non-English Language Spoken: 22% Spanish, 1.5% Filipino, and seven other languages
spoken with less than 1% each
u Labor Force Participation Rate of Working Parents: Children under 6 years old: 63%; and
children over 6 years old: 69%; significantly up from 2006 figures (54% and 65%, respectively)
Child Care Facilities / Supply and Demand for Licensed Care and
Subsidized Care in 2012
u Child Care Facilities or Providers: 1,554 total
648 small family child care homes
437 large family child care homes
361 child care centers
108 licensed exempt programs
u Estimated Supply: 52,942 total child care spaces
5,448 infant spaces (10% of supply)
23,403 preschool spaces (44% of supply)
24,091 school age spaces (46% of supply)
u Estimated Demand: 60,384 total child care spaces
8,992 infant spaces needed (16% of demand)
23,928 preschool spaces needed (34% of demand)
27,465 school age spaces needed (50% of demand)
u Child Care Gap: Shortfall of 7,442 spaces
Infant: 3,544 spaces shortfall
Preschool: 525 spaces shortfall
School Age: 3,373 spaces shortfall
u Preschool care shows that 98% of
demand is being met overall, though
individual areas or cities may have a
shortfall.
u Infant care shows significant shortfalls,
with about 39% shortage and school age
care has a 12% shortfall.
7Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan 2014–2017 7Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan 2014–2017
Needs Assessment Key Findings
In 2006 the total number of 0 to 12 year olds was 178,716 and in 2012 it increased to 183,502
or by about 3%. Percentagewise, there was no increase or decrease in children as a percent of
population, just a slight increase in actual numbers as the overall County population increased.
• Ethnicity of children in Contra Costa County ages 0 to 12 years has changed significantly
since 2006. In 2006, Caucasians made up 65% of the population, followed by 18%
Hispanic, 11% Asian and 9% African-American. As of 2010 (latest year of available data),
Hispanic/Latino make up 35.2% and Caucasians make up 34.7%, followed by Asian
American/Pacific Islander at 13.2%; African-American remains at about 9%.
• In 2006, the Labor Force Participation Rates (LFPRs) for families of children ages 6
and under was 54% and for children over 6 it was 65%. They have increased to 63% for
children 6 and under and to 69% for children over 6 years, which is representative of the
economic downturn and more parents needing to return to work.
Currently, 39% of infant care demand is not met, 12% of preschool demand is not met,
and 12% of school age demand is not met. Many preschools enroll children at 2 years 9
months, so some of the infant demand is being accommodated by preschool programs.
• Child care supply increased overall. The number of small Family Child Care Homes
(FCCHs) declined from 889 in 2006 to 648 in 2012. Large FCCHs increased from 384
to 437, and the number of child care centers increased from 284 in 2006 to 361 in 2012.
In the 2012 study we are also counting more types of school age care, including some
unlicensed park and recreation programs provided by cities.
• In 2012, approximately 32% of children come from families earning less than $49,999.
There are about 38,000 children who live in families that make less than 70% of the state
median income.
• Currently, there is 52% unmet need for subsidized
care in Contra Costa County. There are 18,359
subsidized child care spaces, while about 38,600
children, 0 to 12, qualify for subsidies. Although the
ratio varies by age, in general about 1 out of every 2
children in need and that qualify for subsidized care
are not receiving the care they need.
• The percent of children with special needs (those
with IFSPs or IEPs) remained at about 7% of all
children ages 0 to 12 years old in both 2006 and
2012. The actual number increased by approximately
13% from 12,355 to 14,103.
• The number of children in migrant families
decreased from 267 children in 2006 to almost 100
children in 2012. Children from migrant families
are served in other programs not specific to migrant
families; numbers not available for this population.
• The number of children in Children and Family
Services declined from 2006, from 1,637 to 1,149
in 2011, the latest year of available data. About
7,100 children were referred to Children and Family
Services in 2012.
8 Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education
B. Economic Impact Report Key Findings
The Economic Impact Report published by the LPC analyzes the benefits and impacts of the
child care industry for Contra Costa County’s Economy. The analysis includes dollars spent
directly on child care, dollars spent by the child care workforce, and dollars spent by workers
who contribute to the economy because they are able to utilize child care. To access the
complete Economic Impact Report visit: http://www.plan4kids.org.
Key Findings
• For every $1 spent in the county on child care, an additional $0.68 is generated in spending.
• In 2012, $300 million was spent (annually) on child care in Contra Costa County. This
$300 million spent on child care generated an additional $203 million in economic
activity and supported 7,700 total jobs countywide.
• For every direct job in child care, an additional 0.23 jobs are created in the local economy.
These jobs, in turn, support employment in other sectors, principally financial sector and
related activities, and food and beverage services.
• The adjusted Gross Annual Child Care Parent Fees collected was $211 million in 2012.
Estimates of child care annual expenses were based on licensed spaces available, and an
average weekly cost by type of child care.
Monthly Average Cost of Child Care: The following table summarizes the average cost of child
care by age, and type, countywide.
Cost of Care by Age Group and Facility Type – December 2012
Contra Costa County Needs Assessment – 2012
Age
Infants
0–2 Years
Preschool
3–5 Years
School-Age
6–12 Years
Monthly Rates for Center–Based Care (1)
Center Full-Time Maximum $1,272 $863 $765
Center Full-Time Average $1,014 $726 $604
Center Part-Time Maximum $1,055 $682 $482
Center Part-Time Average $708 $495 $349
Monthly Rates for Family Child Care Homes (1)
FCCH Full-Time Maximum $871 $812 $657
FCCH Full-Time Average $690 $651 $545
FCCH Part-Time Maximum $800 $659 $549
FCCH Part-Time Average $562 $480 $394
Monthly Reimbursable Rates for Center-Based Care (2)
Center Full-Time Maximum $1,251 $830 $691
Center Full-Time Average $975 $677 $534
Center Part-Time Maximum $882 $622 $423
Center Part-Time Average $648 $442 $311
(1) Data on weekly child care rates provided by the Kathi Hamilton, Contra Costa Child Care Council.
(2) These rates are the Regional Market Rate ceilings at the 85th percentile of the 2005 Regional Market Rate Survey, and the Licensed-exempt
child care providers ceilings at 60% of the Family Child Care Home ceilings effective July 1, 2012, as provided by R. Fernandez, April 2013.
Sources: California Department of Education; Brion & Associates.
9Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan 2014–2017
IV. Comprehensive Early Care and
Education Plan
A. Prioritizing Issues and Goal Development
The LPC’s Executive Committee had the main task of updating
the Comprehensive Countywide Care Plan 2008–2011. The
plan’s update is based on the data findings from the LPC’s needs
assessment and are guided by the key issues and elements identified
in California’s Comprehensive Early Learning Plan (CCELP).
Following the completion of the Contra Costa Child Care Needs
Assessment, the LPC hosted a Community Input Session to share
key findings from the needs assessment and to gather input from
over 40 key stakeholders in Contra Costa County, representing
County government, health services, mental health, early childhood education, County Office
of Education, social services, higher education institutions, non-profits, public libraries, and
community foundations about key issues faced by children and families. The plan identifies key
goal areas and objectives that align with the LPC’s Vision and Mission.
In 2008, the LPC established guiding principles that serve as the philosophical foundation to
guide the development of the Countywide Child Care Plan for Contra Costa. These principles
also align with the key drivers identified in California’s Comprehensive Early Learning Plan
(CCELP) developed by the Early Education and Support Services Division of the California
Department of Education.
B. Establishing a Guiding Framework of Key Principles
• Quality early care and education for all children from birth to 12 years of age
• Child care capacity to fill the unmet need for licensed child care spaces
• Inclusion of children of all abilities in a diversity of programs
• Affordability of care for families of all income levels
• Development of a professional early childhood workforce for all children in care in Contra
Costa County
C. Collaboration
The Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan is developed under the premise
that COLLABORATION is fundamental to complete the goals and objectives identified.
The goal is to support the existing early care and education infrastructure in Contra Costa
by promoting dialogue, reflection, and partnerships amongst local stakeholders. Through
collaboration we can leverage funding, resources, and human capital.
10 Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education
D. Goals and Strategies
GOAL 1: Access to Quality Child Care
Objective 1.a
Insure that all subsidized spaces currently available in Contra Costa County are utilized. Ensure state
funds are utilized with maximum effectiveness within the County.
(e.g. support use of Voluntary Temporary Transfer of Funds)
Objective 1.b
Advocate for sufficient funding to support quality child development programs in identified priority
areas. (See Contra Costa Local Funding Zip Code Priorities)
Objective 1.c
Collaborate with the Contra Costa Child Care Council (the local child care resource and referral
agency) to promote expansion of quality child development programs.
Goal 1 Performance Measures
1. There is an increase in the number of slots available for full-day child care services provided for
infant/toddler and on site school services for school age children.
2. There is an increase in the amount of available subsidized or free child care services and facilities.
3. There is an increased number of qualified early childhood professionals caring for children with
special needs.
4. There is an increase in the number of high quality early care and education programs aligned with
accreditation standards and/or California’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
5. Quality indicators are promoted, exemplified, published and acknowledged by all early care and
education programs, parents and leaders in the county.
6. Increase in the number of quality and supervised after school programs for youth throughout the
county.
GOAL 2: Develop and Nurture a Trained ECE Workforce
Objective 2.a
Coordinate and collaborate with local quality improvement initiatives to retain and advance the Early
Care and Education workforce in Contra Costa County.
Objective 2.b
Encourage maximum utilization of professional development resources in Contra Costa County to meet
the needs of the ECE workforce by facilitating the use of multiple funding sources. (e.g. CARES Plus,
AB212, Race-to-the-Top Early Learning Challenge Grant, and Preschool Makes a Difference)
Objective 2.c
Promote ongoing relevant and quality professional development for the ECE workforce through
partnerships with other organizations that provide training opportunities such as: WestEd, California
Preschool Instructional Network (CPIN), Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), Contra
Costa Child Care Council, UC Davis UC Extension Program, First 5 Contra Costa, professional
associations, community colleges, and higher education institutions.
Goal 2 Performance Measures
1. There is an increase in the educational level and permit level of staff at state funded and private
child care programs.
2. There are more training opportunities offered in the areas of inclusion and cultural diversity.
3. There is an increased number of staff and program directors successfully and actively participating
in Professional Learning Communities focused on continuous and sustainable quality improvement
strategies that support children’s learning and development.
4. There is an increased number of higher education cohorts, courses and trainings available for English
Language Learners resulting in an increased recruitment of a prepared, diverse workforce reflective
of the families served.
5. There is a centralized master calendar of professional growth and development opportunities for all
early care and education professionals in the county.
6. There is increased and integrated effort to collaborate amongst local agencies to provide high
quality trainings and professional growth opportunities for all educators
11Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan 2014–2017
GOAL 3: Foster and Promote Coordination and Collaboration With the Community
Objective 3.a
Provide leadership and facilitate ongoing communication mechanisms to cross-pollinate information
and resources among key stakeholders in the ECE local system including but not limited to: CCCOE,
School Districts, LPC, Child Care Council, First 5 Contra Costa, Community Services Bureau, Department
of Health Services, Community Foundations, higher education, and others. (e.g. Contra Costa Early
Childhood Leadership Alliance-ECLA)
Objective 3.b
Plan and coordinate the Annual Young Children’s Issues Forum as a vehicle for ongoing community
engagement, advocacy development and education about relevant and comprehensive children’s
issues that relate to access and affordability of quality child care, an educated ECE workforce, parent
education, and systemic issues.
Objective 3.c
Insure that cities and county departments and state legislators are fully informed about local child care
needs and priorities and utilize the LPC as a local resource for providing information and advice on
planning and coordination of services that address county specific child care needs.
Goal 3 Performance Measures
1. Members of the community (parents, early care and education professionals, government, business,
and advocates) have access to information, data, current research, advocacy tools, and resources
on early care and education issues through a centralized source.
2. Linkages between community agencies, schools, government, and businesses are established and
used to improve coordination of services.
3. There is a strong commitment, investment, support, and participation from all members of the
community in the Annual Young Children’s Issues Forum as they await for this countywide annual
event that promotes awareness of key trends and issues in early care and education; and that
educates and advocates on behalf of young children.
GOAL 4: Advise Sponsoring Entities on Local Issues and Priorities Related to Early Education
and Care
Objective 4.a
Support and promote the development of educational campaigns on quality early education and
care services and the economic benefit of child care for the public and the local economy. (See LPC
Economic Impact Report of Child Care in Contra Costa County)
Goal 4 Performance Measures
1. Early care and education is recognized as the foundation of the education continuum.
2. Child care is considered an essential need for the community and it is prioritized in general plans and
policy platforms of city and county departments, housing agencies, and planners.
3. There is an increased awareness by employers about family-friendly options offered as a benefit to
their employees.
12 Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education
V. Local Funding Zip Code
Priorities
Excerpt from Management Bulletin 09-05,
California Department of Education:
California Education Code (EC) Section 8499.5
(a) through (d) requires the LPCs to review
local, State and Federal data and provide the
CDE with an updated listing of their local
child care and development funding priorities
by May 30 every year. In 1998, Assembly
Bill 1857 amended EC Section 8279.3 to
include specific expanded mandates for LPCs
to identify local funding priorities for the
distribution of new state general child care
and development and preschool funding to
promote equal access to child development services across the state, based on direct impact
indicators of need.
The EC language specifies how LPCs are to conduct their yearly review of child development
services to identify gaps in services and funding priorities in order to ensure that all the child
care and preschool needs of the county are met to the greatest extent possible given limited
resources.
The LPC priorities will be used by the CDE to determine future child care and development
funding decisions for State subsidized services.
Local Planning Councils develop priorities for funding using the following:
A. Census zip code data as a baseline to estimate the number of children eligible for State
funded child development services (including Head Start and Early Head Start). Other
pertinent local data, such as county growth factors, planning department data, or school
district growth data, is then applied to achieve the most accurate estimate.
B. CDE and other available zip code level data to determine the number and percent of
eligible children served or not served by State funded child development services, Head
Start or Early Head Start.
The data are then analyzed using the Priority 1, 2, and 3 number and percentage thresholds
and methodology, determined by the CDE, to assign county zip codes to Priority 1, 2, or 3
designations. These priorities are first reviewed and approved by the members of the LPC for
each county. Next, the priorities are made available for public review and finally reviewed and
approved by the County Office of Education and County Board of Supervisors at a public
hearing as prescribed in State regulations.
To access Contra Costa LPC funding Zip Code Priorities visit: http://www.plan4kids.org OR
the California Department of Education website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/re/lpc.asp
13Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and Education Plan 2014–2017
Acknowledgments:
The Contra Costa Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education would like to
thank all of the individuals who participated in the planning process and organizations that serve on the
council or otherwise contributed to the development of the Comprehensive Countywide Early Care and
Education Plan 2014–2017.
LPC Executive Committee Members:
Deborah Penry, Community Agency 2 – Central/South County
Crystal McClendon-Gourdine, Consumer 1 – West County
Cathy Roof, Discretionary 3, Central/South County
Daniel Safran, Discretionary 2 – Central/South County
Daryl Hanson, Discretionary 1 – West County
Carolyn Johnson, Public Agency 1 – West County
Margaret Wiegert Jacobs, Community Agency 1 – West County
Agency Representatives:
Dr. Pamela Comfort, Associate Superintendent, Educational Services – CCCOE
Ruth Fernández, M.A., Manager, Educational Services/LPC Coordinator – CCCOE
Design/Photography: Diane Morrell, Communications Specialist – CCCOE
Contact Information:
Ruth Fernández, LPC Coordinator • 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • (925) 942-3413
This plan was developed with funding from the Early Education and Support Services Division of the California Department of
Education. The contents do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the California Department of Education.
Contact Information:
Ruth Fernández, LPC Coordinator • 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • (925) 942-3413
www.plan4kids.org