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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