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Call to Order 6:10 p.m.

Attendance

Quorum: Yes

In the absence of Mary Bruno, Chair, MaryLou Mirino presided as chair. Mr. Williams requested a moment of silence and prayer in memory of those who lost their lives on 911.

Minutes: Motion made by Maria Augustine and seconded by Karen Bourbonnais to approve minutes of August 25. Motion passed.

New Business: None

Correspondence: None

Public Participation: Subject: Mandatory licensure of family home day cares.

Audrey O’Dell, registered provider - opposed to licensure. She does not want the State coming into her home and believes that if there were safety issues in her home, the parents would point it out to her. Participant stated she did not understand all the differences between being licensed and registered. If licensed, she is concerned that she will incur expenses, i.e. cleaning out her septic tank. She currently has five full-time children and four children after school.

Flo Strauss, licensed provider - in favor of licensure. Ms. Strauss stated she believes anyone who takes care of children should be licensed. She currently has four children, but is licensed for six. She also indicated that the training provided by CCRN was “fabulous”.

Kimberly Jolly, licensed provider - in favor of licensure. Ms. Jolly believes that being licensed results in parents respect in that the parents know you are a business and are being supported by the State. She believes the training from CCRN was invaluable. She further stated that expenses incurred, as a result of being licensed, are tax deductible. She believes if you have nothing to hide, there is no reason to fear inspectors coming into your home.

Tammy Shaver, licensed provider – in favor of licensure. She was a registered provider and CCRN approached her to become a licensed provider. She stated she did not feel like “it was that big a deal”. She has Brinks security system with an alarm system on the back doors because she has a pool and hot tub. She stated installation was free and the monthly cost is $23/month. Her concern is those homes, that are registered, that have pools or hot tubs that do not have alarms or fences. She is licensed for ten children.

Dennis O’Dell, husband of Audrey O’Dell – opposed to licensure. Mr. O’Dell stated they have CPR training, have had background check, and been fingerprinted and states that their business is “more like a home”. They are currently keeping two children 24 hrs. a day.

Karen Hiester, licensed provider – in favor of licensure – stated she believes that choosing to be licensed or registered is a personal choice. Being licensed, to her, means that there is a standard and quality of care. She believes that concern over someone coming into the home to inspect is not valid because the inspections are done to help her and guide her in providing quality care. She currently has five children. She is pursuing “administrative credentialing”. Administrative credentialing is training that is mandated for directors of child care centers. She stated she is directing the center in her home and this training has provided her information on budgeting, staffing, marketing, and curriculum and has assisted her in running her business.

Lynne Labombard of Child Care Resource Network advised the Board that they have been notified by the Department of Children and Families that as of June 1 they can no longer require Health Department inspections. In addition, Radon checks are no longer required.

Advisory Board Participation: MaryLou Mirino advised public that Board will be meeting at the United Way on October 14 at 1:30 to formulate recommendation to the County Council. Karen Bourbonnais expressed appreciation to participants.

Adjourned: 6:55 p.m.

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Volusia County, Florida.