WAWC Childcare Centers Need Your Help!
When the Conference Committee finalized their budget compromise, Child Development took a total of $501 million in cuts. Included in these cuts was a draconian cut of 10% to the Standard Reimbursement Rate (SRR) in addition to a 15% across-the board cut. The biggest blow to all programs, an ultimate 25% decrease in funding for SRR funded programs and Family Child Care Home Education Networks (CCTR-SRR).
Walnut Avenue Women’s Center state funded title 5 program serves the lowest income families in Santa Cruz County. With the proposed reduction in the SRR we would have to lay off 3 to 4 teachers (whose average income is 11.50 per hour or 23.920 dollars per year) and we would have to dis-enroll 25% of our families which is about 10 families. These families would on longer have quality Early Education Services and therefore parents would not be able to work. These families would have to seek other state services such as cal works. I fail to see the benefit in moving theses families from one program to another state funded program. This would also increase the number of children arriving at the door of the local elementary school without the skills to succeed. We would have to spend more money on bringing these children who didn’t receive a quality early education up to the skill levels to meet state bench marks.
When the Conference Committee finalized their budget compromise, Child Development took a total of $501 million in cuts. Included in these cuts was a draconian cut of 10% to the Standard Reimbursement Rate (SRR) in addition to a 15% across-the board cut. The biggest blow to all programs, an ultimate 25% decrease in funding for SRR funded programs and Family Child Care Home Education Networks (CCTR-SRR).