employers have to devise telecommuting options. He indicated that there are a number of
outreach programs offered by federal and state government.
Rep. Alexander expressed his concerns with the state developing extensive child care
programs that might encourage parents to leave child care to others.
5. Child Care Training Perspective --
Ms. Marilyn Macumber, Director, Day Care Training and Consultation Program Training,
distributed handouts. Ms. Macumber discussed the training perspective and the importance of
using learning materials in teaching. She presented recommendations from the National
Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Cost, Quality and Child
Outcomes in Child Care Centers Public Report (April 1995). Ms. Macumber said the Children's
Center's training focuses on difficult, at risk children and toward understanding child
development.
Sen. Peterson said one of the focuses of the training center is parenting classes. She hoped
that parenting classes and parenting skills would be part of the Center's training program.
Rep. Frandsen referred to a meeting he attended at the Board of Education in which brain
development within the first three years of a child was discussed. The role of quality day care
was discussed and the huge difference it makes in the development of a child. He discussed what
other states are doing on this issue.
6. Child Care Provider Perspective
Ms. Chris Bray, Director, Child Care Connection, distributed handouts from which she gave her presentation. She shared the agency's mission statement with committee members and
explained its function and process. She then presented an overview of what child care resource
and referral is and what the agency entails. Ms. Bray indicated that quality child care and family
care providers have identified key indicators. She highlighted each of the indicators and
statistics compiled on a monthly basis by her agency. Ms. Bray informed the committee of
many issues and areas that the agency is involved with and commented on the availability of
infant care being the most difficult referral to fill. The agency is working with the ecumenical
community to look at ways of dealing with this kind of referral.
Sen. Jones stated that he was impressed with the programs presented but expressed concern
with the suggestion that the state provide education, training, and care rather than parents. In his
view, it points to more regulation and more training from a state level rather than a parental level.
Rep. Barth said if the state can help assure parents that where they place their children is a
safe healthy educating environment, that is what the state's role should be.
Ms. Tracey Halverson, President, Professional Family Child Care Association, shared the
association's mission statement with committee members. She expressed the importance of
home providers needing education and training. Ms. Halverson said that regulations need to be
tightened up such as an eight week course requirement.
Ms. Jill Young, Utah Private Child Care Association Board of Directors, filling in for Ms.
Connie Saccomanno who was unable to attend the meeting, said the association believes a more
positive image will help the child care industry, which can be accomplished through public
awareness. Ms. Young read a prepared statement from Ms. Saccomanno. The letter indicated
that moving child care licensing to the Department of Health is the right decision. She indicated
that the Center is a strong advocate of training. Ms. Young concurred with comments made
regarding parents working at home needing child care. She said the Center believes that it
should be the parent's choice as to the type of education their children need and does not believe
in a mandated type of education within the child care field.
7. Ms. Pat Kreher, Director, Office of Child Care, summarized the previous presentations. She said Utah has a great need for available and affordable quality child care. Quality care comes
from training and knowledge. One of the reasons Utah does not an have an adequate number of
qualified, trained providers is because of funding. The dilemma is of affordability, accessibility,
and availability. Ms. Kreher's recommendation is to have a comprehensive study group come
up with recommendations in terms of initiatives for the state that would encompass all of the
component parts and needs.
Chair Carnahan suggested the committee revisit this issue at a later date if needed.
8. Adjourn
MOTION: Sen. Peterson moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:00 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
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