Local Child Care Planning Council History

In October 1991, the United States Congress established a federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) through which each state was allocated funds to assist low-income families in obtaining child care and development services.

Subsequently, California developed a State Plan which specified that local communities should have a voice in the appropriation and allocation of CCDBG funds.  In the same year, AB 2141 authored by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier was passed. This bill requested each county to establish a Local Child Care and Development Planning Council (LPC) to identify priorities for CCDBG funds based on the needs of families.  There are currently 58 individual planning councils representing each county in California.

The primary mission of the LPCs is to plan for child care and development services based on the needs of families in the local community.  Through collaborative efforts with other individuals and organizations interested in the welfare of families, LPCs also support the existing child care infrastructure by coordinating services that are locally available.  As a result of planning, collaboration, and support for the child care systems that currently exist, the LPCs plan and determine local priorities for new state and federal funds. 

In order to be fully effective, councils are highly encouraged to strengthen the partnerships with both public and private organizations in each county.  By forming strong community partnerships, each group involved becomes empowered to share their ideas and concerns throughout the local planning process.

Although the new language on governing local child care planning councils is found in the welfare reform legislation, the purpose and scope of the LPC goes beyond child care programs funded by the federal block grant.  LPCs are intended to serve as a forum to address the child care needs of all families in the community and all child care programs - including both subsidized and non-subsidized child care.

For More Information

Contact:
Peggy Mitchell - Child Care Planning Specialist
Butte County Office of Education
1870 Bird Street, Oroville, CA 95965
Phone:  (530) 532-5707
Fax: (530) 532-5698
Email: pmitchel@bcoe.org

Heather Senske - Administrator
Butte County Office of Education
1870 Bird Street, Oroville, CA, 95965
Phone: (530) 532-5763
Fax:     (530) 532-5698
Email: hsenske@bcoe.org