Change is in the air. The weather, the presence of flowers and children’s laughter around the office reminds me that it is time to shake off some of the heaviness of dark days and look forward to new things. The Council is very busy these days getting for the next quarter. We have lots to share with you!

Services to our child care providers include spring workshops and trainings. The highlight will be the annual Provider Conference to be held on May 21st. The delightful Ooey Gooey Lady will be back to energize and entertains us. The event is co-sponsored by the Local Child Care Planning Council and we are grateful for their support.

The Del Norte F5 CARES training incentives program will be winding down in May. Providers will need to contact Melodee to assure timelines, submissions and the last few required Network meetings. Melodee recently attended a State F5 meeting to learn about the new version of CARES. More information is forthcoming and renewal of the program will be discussed with the local Commission. By the way, it would be very good to let the Del Norte F5 Commission know how much you appreciate their participation in the project. Their acknowledgement of the value of early child care and continuing support of our local providers is essential to the continuance of the project. Letters can be sent to the Commission at 207 Price Mall, CC.

Along with local changes there are potentially big ones ahead at the State level. Our staff continues to watch the Governor’s proposed budget evolve with an eye for how it affects the local scene. Perhaps the most critical is the potential requirement that family child care providers may have their subsidized care reimbursements connected to the number of Early Childcare Education (ECE) units they have. This is definitely going to be a part of the new CARES program discussed above. Staff has been in discussions with the CR Del Norte Administration regarding the classes. It is reassuring that there will be classes and that some of them will be televised so providers can participate from home.

More to come on this topic as things spin out in Sacramento.

Also, Child Abuse Prevention Month will be in April. The DNCCC will be overseeing a variety of events & activities that recognize and support local efforts to educate the public and support our colleagues in this challenging field. Please feel free to stop by the main office for a schedule of events.

Best Wishes for a Happy Spring and heartfelt thanks for the wonderful job you all do on behalf of our children!