Title
Accept an oral presentation from the Interim Health Officer and the Program Manager of the Planning, Evaluation and Policy Unit regarding County support for Early Childhood Development, as requested by Board of Supervisors Referral #2012.04.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Accept an oral presentation from the Interim Health Officer and the Program Manager of the Planning, Evaluation and Policy Unit regarding County support for Early Childhood Development, as requested by Board of Supervisors Referral #2012.04.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The importance of investments in early childhood development (ECD) for fostering a competitive and productive workforce and future economic growth was underscored by a recent presentation in Monterey County by Professor James Heckman, a Nobel Laureate in Economics. Based on this presentation, the Board of Supervisors requested a report on current county investments in ECD programs in the Monterey County Health Department (MCHD), the Department of Social and Employment Services (DSES), and First 5 Monterey County (F5MC), a key local ECD funding partner.
This oral presentation by staff will present a summary of a report prepared by MCHD on ECD-related programs provided or funded by these three agencies in the areas of family support, health/nutrition, special needs/early education, mental health, parenting development, access to quality childcare, and childcare provider development. The presentation will summarize current funding levels, types of services, and numbers served. In addition staff will present a summary of opportunities for the Public Health Bureau to enhance ECD following Harvard's Center for the Developing Child which recognizes Dr. Heckman's philosophy and proposes three tiered approach to support early development. It stipulates that: 1) basic health and child care are available to all children, no matter what their background; 2) programs are targeted to those broadly at risk, such as children in poverty and finally; 3) interventions are targeted toward those with more significant, toxic stressors.
Using the inventory of ECD-related services and programs for MCHD, DSES, and F5MC, and considering county sociodemographics, the MCHD proposes the Board of Supervisors consider several options in relation to ECD-related programs in Monterey County. The Board may:
1. Consider impacts on young children in all Board decisions
2. Seek opportunities to protect funding streams for ECD-related programs
3. Maintain and/or expand county funding for ECD-related program staffing and infrastructure
4. Support Monterey County Children's Council's newly formed ECD Initiative
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Department Social and Employment Services and First 5 Monterey County. Attachment A. Early Childhood Development Programs in Monterey County for Monterey County Health Department (MCHD), Department of Social and Employment Services (DSES), and First 5 Monterey County (F5MC): Program Inventory Report, June 2012 on file with the Clerk of the Board; and Attachment B Early Childhood Development PowerPoint is on file with the Clerk of the Board.
FINANCING:
There are no costs associated with this presentation.
Prepared by: Kathy Robinson, Management Analyst, 1286
Approved by: Ray Bullick, Director of Health, 4526
Attachments:
Attachment A. Early Childhood Development Programs in Monterey County for Monterey County Health Department (MCHD), Department of Social and Employment Services (DSES), and First 5 Monterey County (F5MC): Program Inventory Report, June 2012
Attachment B. Early Childhood Development PowerPoint