Spring is in the air in Del Norte County and change is on the wind. This quarter's newsletter brings a lot of important news for providers, parents and community partners.

First, we are all watching for the results of legislative bargaining and budget revisions being negotiated with regards to the upcoming State budget for the child care business and services. Maggie Nunneley, Char Blackburn and I have been attending regional meetings to learn about the proposed changes. The items on the table right now include increasing licensing fees, eliminating eligibility for 11 and 12 year olds, limiting Stage 3 subsidies to one year, raising family fees and implementing a several tiered structure to adjust the Regional Market Rate. Alone, all of these items have serious ramifications but combined they cause concern for the future of the business of child care in our community. We will continue to keep providers and parents posted with flyers in payment mailings and at the front desk.

There is good news locally. The First 5 Del Norte (Children & Families Commission) has been granted State F5 matching funds and WILL BE OFFERING CASH INCENTIVES for child care providers who are continuing to participate in ECE classes or DNCCC child care trainings. This will be the third year of this opportunity and the funding will also cover next fiscal year. Please contact Melodee Waggener, CARES Coordinator, for more information - the clock is ticking!! Also, don't forget to thank the Commissioners for providing the local match! They receive mail at the Family Resource Center, 207 Price Mall.

Our Child Care Centers have news: We are expanding our program at Hansell Child Development Center by dropping the current enrollment age to 2 year olds. The change request is pending the approval of the Community Care Licensing and interested parents should contact the Center at 464-4174 to check if the change has been approved. There are still vacancies at the Pine Grove Center, which offers after school care for school age children including Kindergartners. Our curriculum covers all of the developmental areas including arts/crafts, recreational/social and staff sets aside time to assist with homework so parents can pick up a happy, prepared child at the end of the day. Also, check with Kim (Pine Grove) & Kristy (Mary Peacock) regarding Summer Child Care services. See Page 7 for more details.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the CAPIT Coordinator Sandy Velasquez, has secured a wonderful Key Note. Jerry Tello is a Hispanic father, counselor, and writer and speaks to the parent and care giver in us all. His presentation on April 26th is free and co-sponsored by the Local Planning Council and the Elk Valley Rancheria. Please join us for a free breakfast and lunch. Call Sandy at 464-5500 for more information.