Support of city and county policies and programs with incentives for the private sector for programs which meet the need for accessible, affordable, and quality care of minors.
Position In Brief:
- Support local policy committed to the following principles: Quality childcare is a great benefit to the entire community; caring for children is society's as well as the family's responsibility; quality childcare should be responsive to the diverse needs of children and their families; childcare should be available to all socioeconomic and cultural groups.
- Support implementation of local childcare policies, programs, and services which meet the following criteria: Efficiently coordinate private and public programs; effect cooperation of responsible agencies; advocate for childcare; and are responsive to public concerns.
- Support diverse community efforts to meet identified local needs for childcare services. Support the following measures: explore the needs and services available; provide community wide development, coordination, and implementation of child care policies; designate a coordinator for child care services; provide incentives for private providers and employers through such means as fee waivers and simplification of the regulatory process; encourage the establishment of child care benefits and services for private and/or local government employees; include child care elements in all county planning, including the General Plan and the Economic Development Plan.
- Affordability--Promote and support the following: local, state, and federal assistance for childcare needs through reliable and diverse sources of funding; benefits (with a childcare component) by public and private employers; measures to provide childcare for all income levels, such as tax credits and grants; support fair, consistent, equitable, and simplified payment structures so parents and providers know what they can count on.
- Availability/Accessibility--Support the use of public lands and facilities for childcare programs. Support efforts to recruit licensed childcare providers throughout the County.
- Quality--Support efforts to provide a variety of information and support services to childcare providers. Support effective monitoring of childcare programs. Encourage childcare providers and staff to provide and maintain quality childcare. Encourage all childcare providers to become licensed. Advocate for and support a living wage with benefits for childcare providers, tied to the actual cost of providing care. Support education and information for parents regarding child care services.
Issues:
League to which this content belongs:
Humboldt County