title
Approve the reappointments of Susan Smith and Kathy Lago to the Solano County Child Care Planning Council for the term of March 12, 2024 - March 11, 2026; Approve the appointment of Kwiana Algere to the Solano County Child Care Planning Council for the term of March 12, 2024 - March 11, 2026; and Approve the annual Membership Certification Statement of the Solano County Child Care Planning Council
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
First 5 Solano/County Administrator’s Office recommends the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the reappointments of Susan Smith and Kathy Lago to the Solano County Child Care Planning Council for the term of March 12, 2024 - March 11, 2026;
2. Approve the appointment of Kwiana Algere to the Solano County Child Care Planning Council for the term of March 12, 2024 - March 11, 2026; and
3. Approve the annual Membership Certification Statement of the Solano County Child Care Planning Council
SUMMARY:
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. Each year, the California Department of Social Services requires the submittal of the Certification Statement Regarding Composition of CCPC Membership (Attachment A).
This item brings forward two members for reappointment and one new member for appointment in the following categories:
1. Susan Smith for reappointment in the category of Child Care Provider.
2. Kathy Lago for reappointment in the category of Discretionary Appointee.
3. Kwiana Algere in the category of Public Agency Representative.
This item also brings forward the annual Certification Statement of Membership for approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with the appointment of CCPC members.
DISCUSSION:
Susan Smith will continue serving on the CCPC in the category of Child Care Provider. Since obtaining her degree in Child Development, she has served in a variety of settings in the early care and education field - from being a teacher, trainer, coach, lead teacher, center director, area supervisor, department lead, and now in her current role as the Deputy Director for Child Start Inc., the local Head Start and Early Head Start provider. Ms. Smith’s experiences and knowledge of the early care and education field, her mission of providing child care programs that meet the needs of children and families, and her knowledge of the services within the community will support the ongoing work of the Solano CCPC.
Kathy Lago will continue serving on the CCPC as Discretionary Appointee and brings to the CCPC her perspective as the Executive Director of Solano Family & Children’s Services, Solano’s Child Care Resource and Referral and Alternate Payment Program agency. Ms. Lago has served on the CCPC since its inception which allows her to offer her historical knowledge on the state of Solano County child care during the past 25 years and makes her uniquely qualified to serve on the Council. Her commitment to ensuring the CCPC meets its required mandates, as well her knowledge about child care priorities for families and children in the county will continue to be an asset to the Council.
Kwiana Algere would serve on the CCPC as a Public Agency Representative and would bring to the CCPC her prior experience as a Health Education Specialist and currently as a Contract and Program Specialist for First 5 Solano. In addition, she is parent that has previously utilized child care in Solano County. Ms. Algere has experience serving diverse demographics and working with programs and organizations serving families of children ages 0-5 in various capacities including facilitating meetings, developing partnerships, and managing contracts and grants. Ms. Algere would bring to the Council her skills and experience in advocating for the needs of children and families in Solano County.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to appoint the aforementioned applicants. This is not recommended as the applicants have demonstrated an interest in providing their experience and expertise with the CCPC to ensure that quality childcare is available throughout Solano County. The Board could also choose not to approve the current Membership Certification Statement; however, this is not recommended as it is a requirement by the California Department of Social Services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Superintendent of Schools has reviewed the applications and recommends the re-appointments of members Susan Smith and Kathy Lago and the appointment of new member Kwiana Algere, to the Solano County Child Care Planning Council (CCPC). The Membership Certification Statement was also reviewed and approved by the CCPC Chair on February 8, 2024. In addition, the County Superintendent of Schools reviewed and approved the statement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION