Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Michele Rivest thanked the County Commissioners for their support of the <br /> Childcare Scholarship Fund. Two years ago in January, the County gave the <br /> Partnership $40,000 to kick off the community campaign as a challenge grant. The <br /> Partnership set a target of$100,000 and they reached $70,000, which almost matched <br /> the money given from the County. <br /> Michele Rivest reported that at any given time there are 200-300 children on a <br /> waiting list for childcare. These are usually low-income families and mostly single <br /> parents. The only way to serve these families is through a larger community effort such <br /> as the Childcare Scholarship Fund. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked for a breakdown of who uses childcare and the <br /> areas of the County and Michele Rivest said that she would forward this information to <br /> the Board. <br /> Michele Rivest continued by talking about the legislative issues regarding the <br /> Partnership. She said that each year Smart Start has become more restrictive with <br /> where they can make their investments. There are now specific standards to adhere <br /> to. <br /> They have experienced five years of cuts in Smart Start and they are down $1.1 million <br /> and they have eliminated 16 programs since this time. They are already planning for a <br /> 10% cut this year. They are meeting with the staffs of the Towns of Chapel Hill and <br /> Carrboro and the County to share some of the cuts and the priorities in order to work <br /> collaboratively. <br /> Commissioner Halkiotis pointed out that the Child Health Awareness Program <br /> was honored at one of the County Commissioners' meetings and now it is being cut. <br /> This program was nominated for a NaCo award. <br /> Chair Brown asked how it was determined what was to be cut. Michele Rivest <br /> said that an allocations committee, which is six board members and six people from the <br /> community, look at a variety of criteria (i.e., performance standards, effectiveness last <br /> year, priorities of the community, consumer-driven programs, and whether it meets <br /> state mandates). It is a very thorough and excruciating process. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that it would be interesting to add on the bar graph <br /> how much a program costs and if any of the programs are being picked up by someone <br /> else. <br /> Michele Rivest continued by reviewing the key issues in the community. The <br /> Partnership's mission is to ensure that children arrive in kindergarten ready for success. <br /> They think children are more ready than ever. Their partnership serves about 4,000 <br /> children each year throughout the County— mostly at-risk children. Despite the cutting <br /> in funds, they have initiated 14 new programs. They have the More at Four Program <br /> now. Some of the concerns include: <br /> • Childcare scholarships — need more <br /> • Child health and intervention — mental health reform will affect the 0-3 year <br /> population <br /> • Dental care — only 2 dentists that take care of low income families <br /> • Health insurance <br /> • Family support and education, especially with the Latino population <br /> • Child abuse and neglect <br /> • Intensive home visiting program <br /> Michele Rivest said that Smart Start is a collaborative effort and she thanked the <br /> County Commissioners for all of their help and assistance. <br />