Saturday Apr 19

State funding not enough for child care

San Mateo organization honors young children

By Christine Morente / Bay Area News group

Marie Ettiene is on a very long list.

Almost two years ago, the single mother of four put her youngest child on a roster for state-subsidized child care.

Now, her son Shamy Etheart is 6 years old, and in kindergarten at Westlake Elementary School in Daly City.

While Ettiene balances working full-time and attending classes at Skyline College, she spends $197 on child care each month.

"It's a lot to pay," said the Daly City resident. "I am not able to buy him new clothes or new toys. I can't even take him to McDonald's. His education is important."

Ettiene and more than 5,000 families are on San Mateo County's Centralized Eligibility List, which provides subsidized care. It is managed by the Child Care Coordinating Council (4Cs) of San Mateo.

School and child care officials say the list is long because there is little state funding going into child care.

That's why the organization is supporting National Week of the Young Child, which begins April 21 and ends on April 27. It is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Youth Children.

Various events will take place throughout the county to honor young children and those who make a difference in their lives.

The goal is to help the community recognize the value of early childhood development and education, said George Archambeau, interim executive director for the 4Cs. The organization runs a resource and referral service that help families find licensed child care providers in the county.

"Unfortunately, families in San Mateo County (deal with the) high cost of living," he said. "For a family with several kids that is trying to do right by their kids with quality child care, it is extremely difficult."

Often, child care can take 60 to 70 percent of the household income.

On April 22, a delegation of county leaders will meet with state legislators in Sacramento for Preschool California's Pre-K Advocacy Day. They will discuss important Pre-K policies and learn advocacy tips.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing to cut subsidized child care for the working poor by $198 million, reducing the available slots by 18,000, according to Archambeau.

"The general statement is that there's a need to find savings in all areas," Archambeau said. "Child care is being targeted. That would have a significant impact on the communities and families involved."

Meanwhile, the South San Francisco Unified School District's Children's Center has its own one-year wait-list.

Christie Sinlao, a teacher at the center, has 22 students. She said parents have always had a long wait before enrolling their children. There are four preschool classes.

She said her students will be prepared for kindergarten.

"What's so wonderful about this age is they're able to absorb so much information," Sinlao said. "Their minds are open and alert."

Archambeau agreed that early development is crucial.

"The earlier we can assist and support families, the more successful the child will be, and the more successful the family will be," he said. "Society reaps the benefit."





EVENTS' INFO

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, at the South San Francisco Unified School District's Children's Center, 530 Tamarack Lane, the "Hands on Health" exhibit will teach children about healthy lifestyles through playful activities. Also, from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the First 5, San Mateo County's Watch Me Grow project, will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the center.

At 9 a.m., Tuesday, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is expected to hand out a proclamation in honor of the Week of the Young Child.

From 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, at the Westin Hotel SFO, the 4Cs Annual Leadership Award Dinner will be held. Tickets to the event start at $150. Registration and information is available at www.sanmateo4cs.org.

On April 26, participate at the Peninsula's National Rebuilding Day. Thousands of volunteers and corporate sponsors unite to rehabilitate the homes and community facilities of low-income neighbors. For more information, visit www.sanmateo4cs.org.