Approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Certification Statement for the State Department of Education which appoints and reappoints members to the Shasta County Local Child Care Planning Council for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. (Page 36)

N/A

The Shasta County Local Child Care and Development Planning Council (Council) has been in existence for many years; however, the reporting requirements were mandated commencing January 2000. The State Department of Education, Child Development Division, requires annual certification of the Council's membership. The "Certification Statement Regarding Composition of LPC Membership" certifies that the membership criteria as established under the State Education Code,section 8499.3 are met. The requirements are included in the Certification form for reference.The Council makes every effort to consider geographic and ethnic representation of membership as suggested in the Education Code. It is the goal of the Council to continue recruitment efforts that expand on its existing geographic and ethnic representation of Shasta County. The Council is a collaboration of consumers, service providers, public agencies,and other community representatives which works to assess and coordinate the delivery of quality child care services and programs. Shasta County alone, approximately 18,000 children may need child care, and approximately 59 percent of families with children in subsidized child care choose unlicensed child care. In response to these circumstances, members and partner agencies have developed a comprehensive, countywide strategic plan to address child care needs in Shasta County.

The Board may decline Certification approval; however, this is not recommended as the State Department of Education requires annual submission as a condition of contract compliance.

The requested Board action was prepared in collaboration with the Local Child Care Planning Council Coordinator.

This certification is required to qualify for contract funding from the State Department of Education.  There is no General Fund impact with the recommended action.