SunnyvaleRTC

The Child Care Advisory Board met on January 22, 2008, in the West Conference Room, 456 W. Olive Avenue, at 1:02 p.m. Lisa Taiz, Chair, presiding.

As the board reviewed the Child Care Advisory Board Draft Work Plan for 2008, BOARD CHAIR TAIZ was thankful for other department work plans that were provided by staff. The annual City of Sunnyvale Award for Excellence in Early Education will be replaced with a certificate of recognition to be mailed to all Sunnyvale providers and centers in April. Nominations will not be needed. The Sunnyvale Mayor will also make a proclamation in the month of April for the Month of the Child.

Board members agreed as staff, that other community events should be added to the CCAB Final Work Plan for their information only items. BOARD CHAIR TAIZ mentioned that she could assist with the Health & Safety Fair on May 10.

Angela reviewed the budget for Child Care Resources and explained how all Boards & Commissions review their budget on a quarterly basis. This will be an item that CCAB will review as well. Angela also mentioned the overall strategic plans and the larger picture of the function of this department. A copy of the General Plan was given to all board members in the month of October 2007. The program statement for 526 was carefully explained by Angela and board members could compare last year’s budget to this current year. The program statement is a good summary of all of the different service areas for Child Care Resources. BOARD CHAIR TAIZ requested the program summary statement on a quarterly basis instead of the full budget categorized separately. All board members agreed that a summary is better. At this time, staff is making a strong effort to expand more toward youth and families as well as child care resources. All budget information is on a fiscal year, from July through June. Board members will also notice staff hours, trainings to providers and other items such as survey intake and Health & Safety fair on the statements.

BOARD MEMBER SHEA asked if there was anything out of the ordinary or red flags pertaining to the budget. Monica did point out that some products are not correct due to an internal error. There is also the possibility of proposing a change so that staff can count names of seekers or providers more than once. Also, the coordinator position currently vacated by Susan Suekawa is being looked at by Human Resources. Recruitment may start in April or May 2008.

Our efforts on outreach to businesses have not been successful and this is a measure we will try to work hard on. Angela mentioned to board members that we can provide bag lunch topics related to child care in Sunnyvale, provide packets to business employees and more. Board members said they may have some contacts for staff.

Staff will try to keep board members updated on any legislative issues concerning child care and also update them on other department’s study issues related to child care. At this time, there are no other study issues in the City related to child care.

Angela briefed all board members on the study issue coming to Council for ranking. At this time, study issues will be ranked at the end of the month. There is only one study issue up for ranking from the Child Care Advisory Board. Title is Consider Transitioning the Child Care Advisory Board to a Staff-Advisory Committee. All board members will be notified once ranking is completed by Council.

Staff will begin send on-line surveys for Child Care Resources using Survey Monkey. A monthly report will be given to staff by the Communications Division with survey results. BOARD CHAIR TAIZ said her company has been using Zoomerang to survey families. She stated that families are more likely to complete an on-line survey and they have had great results. She hopes that our on-line survey is a success.

Angela read Youth, Family & Child Care Resources Quarterly Update from Staff. She also provided a summary on the Family Ambassador Program and how it is doing. Graduation is set in about two weeks and has 18 participants. Another series of sessions will be given in April. Kiosks will be distributed throughout Sunnyvale with valuable information for families and children 0 -5, part of the Family Ambassador Program. Lastly, Sunnyvale Middle School in scheduled to have a parent workshop in collaboration with Hand in Hand. Participation results will be given to board members at the next meeting.

Next Regular Meeting: April 22, 2008, 1:00 -3:00 p.m., West Conference Room, City Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Monica Guerra

Senior Office Assistant

(DRAFT) MINUTES