About the Council

The Child Care Planning Council consists of up to 15 members who represent parents, child care providers, communities, and various public agencies within Mendocino County. Seven Council members are appointed by the County Superintendent of Schools; seven are appointed by the Board of Supervisors; and one member is appointed jointly. All members serve two-year terms.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Child Care Planning Council, you can find here a pdf version of the membership application and information sheet or contact FIRST 5 Mendocino Executive Secretary, Roseanne Castro at 707.462.4453 or by email or the LEA Liaison, Susan McConnell at 707.467.5141 or by email.

The Child Care Planning Council (CCPC) was formally established in 1998 after the passage of AB1452, Ed. Code Sections 8499.3 and 8499.5. The CCPC receives annual funding from the California Department of Education Child Development Division. One of the Council's primary tasks is to conduct a community needs assessment every five years to identify critical issues related to early care and education. The Needs Assessment includes specific data elements mandated by state law. The gaps identified between child care needs and services help the Council prioritize county-wide child care funding needs and develop strategies for ongoing capacity-building efforts. Click here for a pdf version of the Mendocino County Child Care Planning Council's Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan * 2005-2010.

A chairperson or co-chairs are elected annually in September at the Council's regular meeting. A quorum of seated members is required to conduct official business. Included here is a copy of CCPC's Bylaws. and the Responsibilities of a Local Planning Council (LPC).

Meeting Dates, Time and Place

Regular meetings of the Council are typically held the second Wednesday of each month from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Public Health or NCO as listed in the Meeting Schedule. 

Meeting Procedures

All Council actions must take place in open session to give the public an opportunity to be heard. Council members are to receive agendas and related materials in advance of each meeting, allowing time for preparation. Agendas and other board materials are available to the public at the meeting. Agendas must be posted at the County Office building 72 hours before the meeting. The Ralph M. Brown Open Meetings Act,Government Code, Sections 54950-54961, requires that every agenda for regular and special meetings provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the Council on items of interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. No action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda unless it is a continued matter or the Council finds by a two-thirds vote that the need to take action arose and came to its attention subsequent to the posting of the meeting agenda. The Council may direct staff to place matters on future agendas. The public may address the Council during the agenda item Public Expression from the Public or during the Board's consideration of an item on the agenda. The Chair of the Council may regulate the length of public comments.