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Approve the reappointments of Susan Smith and Kwiana Algere to the Solano County Child Care Planning Council for the term of March 12, 2026 through March 11, 2028
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
First 5 Solano recommends the Board of Supervisors approve the reappointments of Susan Smith and Kwiana Algere to the Solano County Child Care Planning Council for the term of March 12, 2026 through March 11, 2028.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Welfare and Institution code §10485 requires the Board of Supervisors and the County Superintendent of Schools appoint the Child Care Planning Council’s (CCPC’s) membership. One half of the members are appointed by the Superintendent of Schools and the other half are appointed by the Board of Supervisors; the one additional member is appointed by concurrence. State law also requires that CCPC membership be distributed as follows: 20% consumers of childcare services, 20% childcare providers, 20% community representatives, 20% public agency representatives, and the remaining 20% from any of the above categories at the discretion of the Board and Superintendent of Schools.
This item brings forward two members for reappointment: Susan Smith for reappointment in the category of child care provider and Kwiana Algere for reappointment in the category of public agency representative.
Susan Smith joined the CCPC in January 2022. She served as Chair for the 2023-2024 term, and has continued to serve on the Executive Committee as Past Chair. Ms. Smith brings more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education and currently serves as Deputy Director for the local Head Start program at Child Start, Inc., where she has worked for over 24 years. She has also served on the leadership team of the local National Alliance for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) affiliate, the Early Childhood Education Advisory Boards for Solano and Napa Community Colleges, and the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Mixed Delivery Systems Workgroup. Ms. Smith’s professional and leadership experience provides valuable insight as a child care provider serving approximately 600 children and families in Solano County.
Kwiana Algere has served on the CCPC since 2024. Ms. Algere currently serves as a Contract and Program Specialist and previously worked as a Health Education Specialist with First 5 Solano. Her experience includes facilitating partnerships, managing contracts and grants, and supporting programs serving children ages 0-5 and their families. She also brings the perspective of a parent who has utilized child care services in Solano County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with the appointment of CCPC members.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to appoint the applicants mentioned above. This is not recommended as the applicants have demonstrated an interest in providing their experience and expertise with the CCPC to ensure that quality child care is available throughout Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Superintendent of Schools has reviewed the applications and recommends the reappointment of members Susan Smith and Kwiana Algere to the CCPC.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION