Like a butterfly bursting out of its cocoon with a new fresh shape, the Council is starting this next quarter with changes giving us a new shape for summer. Staff changes include a new Supervised Visitation Coordinator, Crystal Salyer and a new Child Care Network Coordinator, Kathleen Smith. Both have been part of the Council in other roles and we welcome them to their new jobs! Our Board has reviewed the Goals & Objectives and there are new activities and ideas ahead for the staff to implement & the community to enjoy! Some highlights include a new Centralized Eligibility List, more family oriented activities and a Chamber Mixer this fall. Check our monthly calendar to stay updated!

Our Food Program has most recently changed. Nicole has accepted an opportunity with another employer in our community and we wish her well. We are transitioning this contract from a single staff position to a model other counties have adopted: spreading the tasks across existing staff. For the next several months vouchers will be managed by Alternative Payment, home visits and menus by Resource & Referral and reimbursements and reporting by the Fiscal Division. The contact number will continue to be 464-8311 X 27. Providers can call us and, depending on the question, the call will be routed to the appropriate person. Christina will still be available for Spanish translations and assistance.

The Family Child Care Network is being launched within days. Please contact Maggie @ extension 19 to find out more. Kathleen will be making home visits to interested providers and we are very excited about this new early child development and care option for providers and families.

I recently attended a meeting of local law enforcement and health/safety representatives. One of the items discussed was local water safety conditions. This is especially important with regards to children. We have almost all the elements of water locally and the risk of drowning for children is great. Sunny placid river waters can be deceiving - there are strong currents below the surface that can knock a child down and sweep them away. The coastal areas are vulnerable to rogue waves with similar results. The DNSO has started a free floatation device loan program for families. It is really great! Designated businesses around the county have agreed to be part of the program. Families can pick up & return the life jackets at the end of their day. Please contact Deputy Wiley at 464-9521 to find out more about this program. Of course, one of the best ways to protect your child is to enroll them in swimming lessons at the Fred Endert Pool and that contact number is 464-9503. More Summer Fun Safety items are in this newsletter.

Please remember to vote on June 6th and consider the Library’s Measure A. One of the best tools we can give our children is a library and the children’s section in the DN Library has been renovated with new furniture, books, puppets and an interactive computer thanks to First 5 Del Norte and the Library Foundation. We need to continue to support such an important community resource!

Have a great summer! See you at Sandcastles By the Sea during the Independence Day festivities and the Business Improvement District Street Fair on June 21st!