Program history and development...
Beginning in June, 2006 the Child Care Planning Council began administering a new program to support the retention of child care center staff in State Funded programs. The program takes a unique approach to supporting CDD program directors in providing professional development training to their staff. A cohort of directors with specific interest and expertise in the training topic at hand is recruited to plan and deliver a countywide training. Directors from all CDD programs are invited to participate in conducting preset and follow-up activities at their sites. All staff and directors are eligible to receive an educational award upon completion of the program. View an explanation of the director and program staff roles in implementing this program.

Countywide training modules will be conducted again in the Fall and Spring of 2007-2008. To view details about the program including eligibility guidelines and participation requirements, click here to download a program brochure.

For Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Santa Cruz County will be administering an additional, one-time only grant to further encourage child care staff and directors to participate in high-quality, job related classes and workshops. The program will reimburse child care workers for the costs associated with course/workshop registration and substitute pay* to cover the time spent participating in the professional growth activities during the normal work day.

To view details about the program including eligibility guidelines and participation requirements, click here to download a program brochure.

* Substitute pay is not available for college courses taken during one's paid work day.

SUCCESS! On March 3, 2007 135 staff and directors of state funded Early Care and Education and School Age After School Programs attended a full day training on the new Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP-R) assessment tool. The training was a great success as illustrated by the many wonderful comments participants wrote in their evaluations of the day (examples shown on right). View a Slide Show of the March 3 Training

In praise of the program...
quotes from program participants.

"I was impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of the presenters and participants."

"Being grouped with peers from other programs was helpful for brainstorming and getting new ideas."

"I really enjoyed the different hands on activities and presentations. It made it interesting and easy to understand."

"Gracias por el desayuno y el almuerzo. Todo estuvo muy bien. Me gustó el orden de los grupos y como fueron organizadas las mesas. Fue una idea fantástica."

"It feels good to be associated with such positive people."

"This workshop was extremely helpful. I now feel more confident in integrating the DRDP into curriculum."

"Thank you for all the support in helping us support our children."

"This workshop was very helpful in reinforcing what I know and filling in the gaps. The practice is always helpful."

"I feel that this training was so wonderful and helpful. I really appreciate what you all did as a team - putting everything together for us. You are a good example of what a team means."

"It is so valuable and encouraging to be in a room packed with early childhood educators."