LOCAL CHILD CARE PLANNING COUNCIL

Tuolumne County

Mission : On behalf of Tuolumne County 's Children, the Local Child Care Planning Council is dedicated to promoting and supporting a community-wide effort that results in a high quality childcare system focused on the diverse needs of all our children.

Vision: All of Tuolumne County 's families will have access to high quality childcare offered by well-trained, well-compensated and loving providers. Childcare will be provided in a nurturing atmosphere that contributes to the development of individual abilities and personalities. The care will be affordable, convenient, educational, and tailored to the family. This will result in Tuolumne County 's children being competent and successful in school, and in being good citizens in our community.

Purpose: The purpose of the Council is to assess Tuolumne County childcare needs and develop plans to address those needs. The Council establishes priorities for the distribution of federal, state, and local child development funds. It seeks and advocates funding for childcare services and programs. It works with community agencies, businesses, and organizations to support and enhance community childcare resources and services. It promotes and enhances the quality of childcare and development services through public education, provider education and provision of support services.

Current Goals:

1. Encourage close collaboration within the child development community

2. Increase child care capacity for underserved populations:

Infant care, school age care, care for children w/ special needs, children w/ varying linguistic needs, plan for Preschool for All

3. Attract and retain child care providers and staff

4. Increase the expertise of all child care providers and staff

5. Increase community awareness regarding child care

Community Representatives:

Diane Bennett, Consultant Erin Begley, Tuolumne County Rec. Dept.

Child Care Representatives:

Karen Griffin, Sr.Youth Partnership Kathy Sullivan, Columbia College

Parent Consumers:

Charity Stevens, Early Childhood Services Wendy Gast, Union Democrat Advertising

Discretionary Appointee:

Linda Botts, Early Childhood Services Evelyn Thompson, ICES

Public Agency Representatives:

Laura Long, T. Cty Dept of Social Services Julie Poole, First 5 Friendship School

Give us a call to receive a copy of our most recent Child Care Needs Assessment and Five Year Strategic Plan. We are available to speak to your group about child care in Tuolumne County . See calendar for our meeting dates and times.