Page 2 - Perspectives 2014 Summer - Final - print.pdf

Message from thePresident & CEO
Child Care Providers,
Over the past six years, we have experienced the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression with reduced income and loss of jobs. These losses have hit the child care field hard and 110,000 children have lost financial support over the last few years. Many child care providers have been forced to close their business. But, during the last year or so, the economy has started to rebound and unemployment has been reduced significantly.
With the increase of available funds at the state level, we have been working very hard to get rates increased, to get spaces returned, and to encourage the legislature and the governor to invest in the early childhood field. I know that many of you continue to accept CCRC funded children into your programs even though the rates that we are allowed to reimburse you have not risen in the last nine years. In this budget cycle, we were successful in getting a small increase ($20 million statewide) to provider rates. Rate changes will occur January 1, 2015.
Inside This Edition
• Message from the President & CEO • Working with Children with Disabilities • Matter of Minutes
• Gateways for Early Education
• Laps4Literacy
• Community Care Licensing Update
• On the Move
• Dental Grant
• Choose Health LA - Child Care
• Adventure Time
There was a substantial investment in preschool for low income children of
$100 million and also a small increase in state funding for spaces for children but this really just makes permanent spaces that were funded last year with one time funds.
At the Federal level, $500 million for Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships was approved in January. The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) was released last month and proposals are due in late August. The purpose of this program is to increase the availability of quality child care for low income children who are connected to the state subsidy system. Children will be provided comprehensive services through licensed providers who are willing to acquire 12 units of child development or a child development associate credential within 18 months.
CCRC has decided to apply for this grant for the San Fernando and Antelope Valleys and we will partner with the San Bernardino Preschool Services Division in San Bernardino County. If we are approved, the maximum rate paid per child will increase for participating providers and, if approved, we will connect each provider to a coach to navigate training and ensure that best practices are being provided. We probably won’t know if we are successful until November.
One of our major priorities will continue to be getting rates for all providers raised to adequately cover the costs of taking care of children.
Thank you,
Dr. Michael Olenick
President & CEO
Our Mission:
Executive Team: Board Members:
The Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) promotes optimal child development and family well-being through access to quality child care, family support, economic development, and community education.
Michael Olenick President &
Chief Executive Officer
Edward Hill - Chair Michelle Torres - Vice Chair Anthony Peña - Treasurer
Ellen Cervantes
Vice President
& Chief Operating Officer
Rick Roberts Shirley Cameron
Vice President Vice President of Human Resources & Chief Operating Officer
Denise Trinh
Chief Financial Officer
Jeriel Smith Adrian Stern
Judith Hirshberg - Secretary Jessica Shofler - Member-at-Large Alyce Akers
Joannie Busillo-Aguayo Charles “C.J.” Allen Athena Boulgarides
Aaron Rafelle Rita García Scott Phillips
Production Team
San Fernando Valley Office
20001 Prairie Street • Chatsworth, CA 91311 t: 818.717.1000
San Bernardino Office
1111 East Mill Street, Suite 100 • San Bernardino, CA 92408 t: 909.384.8000
Antelope Valley Office
250 Grand Cypress Avenue • Palmdale, CA 93551 t: 661.789.1200
Victorville Office
14397 Amargosa Road • Victorville, CA 92392 t: 760.245.0770
Cristen Sayegh
Felix Bada
Josué Guaján Orellana
printed by
Susan Montalvo Bibiana Salas Evelyn Juarez
Monday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm / Tuesday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
www.ccrcca.org