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County of Volusia
Children and Families Advisory Board
Minutes of the September 22, 2003 Meeting- 6:00 pm
Deland Regional Library
130 East Howry Avenue
Deland, Florida
386-943-7039

Call to Order 6:00 pm

Attendance

Quorum: No

Minutes: Due to the lack of a quorum, minutes of the September 15 meeting could not be approved.

Correspondence: Connie Shannon, Jerry Well, Christine Webb and Nancy Shepherd

Old Business: Due to concern of Daycare providers not being able to attend Oct. 14 meeting at 1:30 Board rescheduled meeting to 5:00 at the Kelly Admin. Bldg.

Chair recognized Myra Gaziano and Regina Montgomery who are participants in the County Career Development Program.

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

Rebecca Fournier, registered provider – opposed to licensure – she is concerned over costs i.e. septic upgrade and water checked, up to $1,000. She currently has two children.

Lory Steitz, registered provider – opposed to licensure – concerned over costs in septic upgrade. She currently has one child.

Hersha Larson, registered provider – opposed to licensure - licensure is not cost effective. She will close if licensure is mandated. She plans to retire in three years. If she was just beginning her business she believes that becoming licensed is not cost effective. She currently has eight children.

Kathy Sievert, registered provider – opposed to licensure – licensure is not cost effective and will not result in a higher quality of care. Parents determine if daycare is safe environment. If licensure were mandated she would close her business. Currently she has four children in addition to her two.

Dorothy Dixon, licensed provider – in favor of licensure. If home is "up to par" there should be no problem with inspections. She currently has ten children.

Elenor Colbert, licensed provider – in favor of licensure. She stated she is a "professional day care provider" not just a "babysitter". She further stated there is financial assistance available for septic systems upgrades. If registered providers don’t want to be licensed, let them quit. This will provide more children for registered providers She currently has fourteen children.

Elizabeth Iannolino, licensed provider – in favor of licensure. She stated that licensure assures accountability which contribute in the safety and quality of care. The training she received from CCRN was excellent. CCRN, as well as the School Coalition have helped her improve her business greatly. Time of inspection is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. She currently has four children.

Debbie Maxwell , parent who had children in family home day care in the past. Opposed to licensure. The choice should be left to the parents. The fact that some providers choose not to be licensed does not mean that they don’t provide quality care. If licensure is mandatory some providers would close which would result in greater day care needs.

Lesha James, licensed provider, in favor of licensure. CCRN has helped her with her business. She currently has six children.

Audrey O’Dell, registered provider – opposed to licensure. Registered providers can provide quality care and prepare children for school. Parents are the best inspectors of the day care. She doesn’t see the need for licensure. She currently has four children during the day and four children after school.

Debbie Sylvester, former licensed provider – works at CCRN. She was the first licensed home in Volusia County in 1986. In favor of licensure. Costs of licensure are minimal. Grants are available to assist with costs.

JoAnne Thomas, registered provider – opposed to licensure. The quality of care is no different between licensed and registered homes. She wants to offer the best care she can and participates in all available training. A twenty minute inspection cannot possibly determine what goes into her home year-round. If licensure were mandatory she may or may not continue her business. She currently has five children.

Advisory Board Participation: Board expressed appreciation to participants.

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