SunnyvaleRTC

The Child Care Advisory Board met on July 24, 2007, in the West Conference Room, 456 W. Olive Avenue, at 1:13 p.m. with Kimberly Stewart, Chair, presiding.

Board Members Present: Carrie Bosco, Manijeh Khazeni, Mary Smith, Kimberly Stewart, Lisa Taiz

Susan Suekawa, Youth, Family and Child Care Resources Program Coordinator; Monica Guerra, Senior Office Assistant; Robert Walker, Assistant City Manager

Susan Suekawa introduced Carrie Bosco and Mary Smith as the newest members to the Child Care Advisory Board. Carrie Bosco is filling the final vacancy stated on the agenda. The board warmly welcomed Carrie and Mary.

Susan Suekawa provided a quarterly update to the board. Susan stated that she had mailed Sunnyvale child care providers a survey back in May 2007. There was a 12% return rate. Along with additional phone calls and emails – this return rate did not change. It remained at a 12% response rate. BOARD MEMBER TAIZ stated that a 12% return rate was very good. Susan explained that it was hard to communicate with child care providers during the day due to conflicts with their business hours and the nature of their job. BOARD MEMBER TAIZ encouraged staff to look at an on-line survey tool to increase participation the next time. BOARD MEMBER TAIZ discussed her organization’s recent survey by Zoomerang.com. Written, hard copy, and on-line surveys were distributed. Six hard-copy surveys were returned to the office compared to 74 that were returned on-line within a 24-hour period. BOARD MEMBER TAIZ suggested staff to research using an on-line company to obtain surveys in the future.

BOARD MEMBER STEWART inquired about the DeAnza College collaboration process with Youth, Family and Child Care Resources. Susan informed members that she has an upcoming meeting on August 23 with Mayra Cruz, Department Chair of Child Development. BOARD MEMBER STEWART volunteered to teach a class for this collaboration between DeAnza College and Youth, Family and Child Care Resources. She stated that she currently volunteers for San Jose City, and West Valley College. Susan was appreciative of her offer.

Susan Suekawa distributed the flyer for the upcoming trainings provided by U.C. Davis Extension. This training is open to all child care providers with priority to Sunnyvale child care providers. All trainings are free and offer academic credit to interested students with a passing grade. Units/Credits are available to CARES participants on Level 7 & 8 only. Classes are limited to a maximum of 25 students per class so early registration is encouraged. BOARD MEMBER KHAZENI requested more flyers so that she may distribute to the Sunnyvale Family Child Care Network. BOARD MEMBER STEWART stated that education is an important factor for child care providers. Since it will ensure better pay and respect in the field. BOARD MEMBER KHAZENI has attended some classes in the past and said they were a good resource of information.

Angela Chan asked all board members on ways to market these upcoming trainings. BOARD MEMBER STEWART suggested faxing the flyer to substitute teachers and college student boards. BOARD MEMBERS SMITH offered to distribute the flyer at monthly family orientations at Community Care Licensing. BOARD MEMBER TAIZ suggested her mother, Patricia Andrews, Dean of Social Science for West Valley College as a good resource.

Susan Suekawa informed and provided the board with a flyer for the Family Ambassador Trainings offered by Parents Place. Trainings are schedule to begin in October. She stated that this training is offered in other cities and is making its way to the South Bay. Participants in the past have learned valuable community resources and benefit from presentations from local professionals that serve families and children. Trainings will promote the well-being of families, community leaders and networking throughout the community.

Angela Chan informed the board with information on enrollment for Family Ambassador Trainings. As of today, the enrollment for these trainings is very low and the goal is 30 participants. Flyers were sent to about 200 Sunnyvale child care providers and centers. Angela asked the board if they knew of any key groups that will help with enrollment or any ideas to promote these upcoming trainings. BOARD MEMBER TAIZ suggested the Sunnyvale Rotary Club. BOARD MEMBER STEWARD said this ambassador training was a wonderful idea.

The recipients of the 2007 Award for Excellence in Early Education were mentioned to the board. Susan updated BOARD MEMBER BOSCO on the awards and how the Child Care Advisory Board contributes to the selection of recipients. BOARD MEMBER TAIZ explained the criteria on scoring and how the meeting in April was well attended by CARES participants.

Hilal Ozdemir’s term with the Child Care Advisory Board ended on June 30, 2007 and Susan Suekawa thanked Hilal for her four years on the Child Care Advisory Board. All board members were very appreciative for her dedication on CCAB.

As of July 24, Susan Suekawa has visited four day cares throughout Sunnyvale to meet and greet directors and staff. BOARD MEMBER TAIZ asked she was visiting day cares with specific age groups such as 0 – 5 years of age. Susan explained there was not a specific age group. BOARD MEMBER TAIZ suggested she also visit after-school programs such as K.L.A.S. at elementary schools.

A reminder went out to all board members on the Boards and Commission Recognition Event scheduled for August 30 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m at the Sunnyvale Senior Center. Also a Boards ands Commission mandatory orientation is scheduled for July 26 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Susan Suekawa thanked BOARD MEMBER STEWART for her year as Chair on the Child Care Advisory Board. Formal training will be provided to the newly appointed chair tomorrow evening. Another training will be available in August or September.

The Child Care Advisory Board had inquired about Element 5.1.2, Socio-Economic from a previous meeting. Susan Suekawa gave all board members a copy of the Socio-Economic Element of the General Plan. Susan Suekawa also read and reviewed the Policy 7.2.19 from the Council Policy Manual with the board. She also informed all board members of future vacancies for CCAB, and there will be 3 vacancies in June 2008.

Robert Walker reviewed Section #7 of Policy 7.2.19 – Interaction with City Council, Public, Staff, and other Board and Commission Members. He stated that outside of official board or commission meetings, individual board members are not authorized to represent the City or the board unless specifically designated by the Council or by the Child Care Advisory Board. Board members must state whether he/she is representing his/herself or the board.

Susan Suekawa thanked everyone for submitting their Customer Satisfaction Survey for 06-07. A new edition of the Sunnyvale’s Frequently Requested Service also known as the Sunnyvale Pocket Guide was given to all board members. This guide is also available to the general public.

BOARD MEMBER TAIZ wanted staff to know that she is very happy that the Child Care Advisory Board is now fully staffed with board members and with City staff. Since City staff is no longer in “transition”, BOARD MEMBER TAIZ is satisfied. BOARD MEMBER STEWART showed great appreciation for Susan Suekawa’s efforts as liaison to the board.

Next Regular Meeting: October 23, 2007, 1:00 -3:00 p.m., West Conference Room, City Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Monica Guerra

Senior Office Assistant