Child Care and Development Planning Council

Napa County Child Care and Development Planning Council

The primary purpose of the Council is to assess the child care needs of all families in Napa County and to develop a long term plan at least once every five years to address those needs. The Council coordinates with the Napa County community to establish priorities for the distribution of federal, state and local child development funds as well as to advocate funding for child care services and programs.

The Napa County Child Care and Development Planning Council is composed of 20 members equally representing one of five categories: child care consumer, child care provider, public agency, community representative and at-large. Ten of the members are appointed by the Napa County Board of Supervisors and ten by the County Superintendent of Schools. The Napa County Office of Education has the responsibility as fiscal agent for funds received on behalf of the local planning council.

Meetings are typically held the first Wednesday of each month at 9:00 am at the Napa County Office of Education. Public participation is encouraged.

Mission  Statement

The Napa County Child Care and Development Planning Council is committed to meeting the child care and development needs of children and families, through education, coordinated planning and advocacy efforts. In carrying out this mission, the Council shall collaborate to foster public and private partnerships.

Vision Statement

All children in Napa County have the right to experience a safe, healthy and nurturing childhood with equal access to community services and support.

History

In 1991, the United States Congress established a Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) through which each state was allocated funds to assist low income families in obtaining child care and development services. In the same year, California Assembly Bill 2141 requested each county establish a Local Child Care Planning Council to identify priorities for the use of the CCDBG funds and to prepare a countywide child care plan.

In 1997, the role of Local Planning Councils (LPC’s) was strengthened and further formalized with the passage of California Assembly Bill 1542, which created the welfare reform program called California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs).  Because child care is a key component of the CalWORKs Program, LPC’s were mandated to work with a variety of local agencies in addition to those connected with the welfare system to build a comprehensive child care approach for all families.

Current Goals

Ø      Advocate for increased availability, affordability and accessibility of quality child care

Ø      Increase opportunities to educate the community about child development and child care issues

Ø      Foster public/private partnerships designed to meet local child care needs