Child Care Task Force Report: Ambassadors for Children
Task Force Committees
In December 1998,The Community Action Network Resource Council, chaired by Mayor Pro Tem Jackie Goodman, established the "Ambassadors for Children" Task Force to begin implementing the recommendations of the CCC report and make further recommendations for improving the accessibility, affordability and quality of child care in the community. District Judge Scott McCown and the City of Austin's Chief of Police, Stan Knee, agreed to serve as Honorary Co-chairs of the Task Force.
The Task Force created four committees. Three focused on child care advocacy relating to: Work/Family Issues, Policy Incentives and Quality Issues. The fourth focused on creating the Fund. Each committee reviewed best practices throughout the country and considered activities already in place within the community to avoid duplication, encourage collaboration and develop recommendations.
The Work/Family Issues Committee coordinated its efforts with the Austin Area Employers' Collaborative. It focused on increasing employer and business support of child care for employees including strategies to address the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. The Policy Incentives Committee focused on ways to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of child care by streamlining governmental policies, particularly around permitting and zoning in neighborhoods. The Quality Issues Committee proposed ways to support and increase the supply of child care professionals through improved salary/benefits, training and public awareness.
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