It’s time to wind up for school and wind down for Fall. It’s that time of year when families start thinking about after school child care. Some parents are remembering that little detail of school & others are not. Children are anxious about school. We have a parent resource library that can provide some tips on how to make the shift from summer inactivity to school routines. Lunch box and healthy snack ideas are available from our award-winning Food Lady! If you have parents who might be interested in subsidies or you want to update your child care listing, please contact us – we can help! Our office hours are M – F 9:00 to noon and 1:00 – 5:00. Appointments for referrals and subsidy enrollments should be arranged in advance. Parents and providers can call 464-8311.

Our agency survived the State Budget deliberations and did not lose too many dollars in the process. Good thing – providing subsidies enables parents to stay working. It also supports quality child care training and recruitment of providers. In January we will learn what the Governor’s approach to child care in our State will be. We do have concerns for subsidy reductions and parents’ ability to pay. New regulation regarding provider reimbursements based on education and training is something to watch for. Parents are becoming more vocal about the QUALITY of care and providers will have to respond. Our staff has arranged for several trainings over this fiscal year and can be contacted for dates, times and topics of trainings.

Don’t forget about the methamphetamines symposium at Del Norte High School on October 22nd. It is free and open to community participation. It is a very important issue and we all have a part in its solution.

Many of you know by now that we will not be conducting our annual end of summer event, "Jammin’ at Jed". The Board is taking a break and reconfiguring the event. However, we still have fun times ahead: our adult costume fundraiser in October and our Toy Room activities will all be happening.

The Council recently established an endowment account with the Wild Rivers Community Foundation. It is a way for folks to contribute to the agency in a long-range way. The initial contribution stays intact and builds interest that can be used to support agency activities. It’s a way to keep giving long after your initial donation. Since are a non-profit organization donors get a tax break. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about our endowment.

Have a wonderful Fall enjoying the season change and foliage colors. Take hikes with your children and look forward to the Holidays!