Title
Clerk of the Board, on behalf of the El Dorado County Early Care and Education Planning Council, recommending the Board authorize the Chair to sign the Certification Statement regarding the composition of Local Childcare Planning Council Membership as mandated by Assembly Bill 1542.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Clerk's office received a request from the Early Care and Education Planning Council to have the Chair sign a Certification Statement regarding the composition of the Local Planning Council Membership as mandated by AB 1542.
Local decision-making for childcare and development programs began in 1991 with the passage of AB 2141 and the inception of the Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant. The original intent of local childcare planning councils had been to improve child care and delivery by encouraging local government involvement for joint planning and coordination among state and federal agencies. In 1997, AB 1542 mandated planning councils in each county, requiring the involvement of both the Board of Supervisors and the County Office of Education. Councils were given more responsibilities and mandates as part of the legislation creating California’s response to federal welfare reform. Since then, the El Dorado County Early Care and Education Planning Council has become an important part of the local infrastructure, developing comprehensive, community-based strategies to serve children and families.
AB 1542 encourages diverse representation on local Early Care and Education Planning Councils while maintaining a balance of different interests. Membership is grouped into the following categories:
-20% childcare consumers
-20% childcare providers
-20% community representatives
-20% public agency representatives
-20% discretionary appointments made by the County Board of Supervisors and the Superintendent of Schools
The composition of the Council would meet the required member composition if all 15 member seats were filled. However, there are vacancies of one member each from childcare consumers, childcare providers, and discretionary appointments.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decide not to authorize the Chair to sign the Certification Statement, however, would be out of compliance with state law.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
El Dorado County Office of Education
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact related to this item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk to have Certification Statement signed by the Chair and call Lori Blackburn at 530-295-2403 to arrange pick up of the document.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Kim Dawson, Clerk of the Board x5393