LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Child Care Planning Council has announced the release of the 2013-2018 Countywide Master Plan for Child Care and Development Services.
The 20-member council consists of representatives from family child care, Easter Seals, Head Start, NCO Resource and Referral, Lake Family Resource Center, Yuba College and more.
The master plan, which is mandated by legislation, outlines a definition of quality child care, and research that supports a countywide effort to ensure high quality care and education for all children.
“Investment in early childhood education is critical to the future of our county,” said Shelly Mascari, the council's director.
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, children who receive high quality child care score higher on measures of academic and cognitive achievement when they are 15 years old.
Children who receive quality child care also demonstrate greater mathematical ability, stronger thinking and attention skills, and fewer behavioral problems.
Quality child care also leads to higher reading scores and a greater likelihood of completing high school and going to college.
“Child care is a significant industry in Lake County that keeps parents working and strengthens the economy. Encouraging, a countywide emphasis and investment in ensuring our children have access to quality care is the purpose for this Master Plan,” said Mascari.
The master plan outlines four desired results with specific actions listed to achieve those results:
- A wide variety of quality child care, early education, and support services are available and accessible throughout Lake County.
- Support and resources for improving the quality of child care and early education are available in Lake County.
- The child care community is committed to advocating for and supporting the availability and affordability of child care and early education services for all families.
- The importance of the child care industry is promoted throughout Lake County.
To view the plan, visit www.lakecoe.org .
If your organization would like a presentation on the components of the plan, please contact Shelly Mascari at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-262-4162.
The Lake County Child Care Planning Council meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. On alternating sides of Lake County.
For a complete schedule and for more information, visit www.lakecountychildcareplanning.com or call 707-995-9523.