MONTEREY COUNTY CARES PROGRAM

The CARES (Comprehensive Approaches to Raising Educational Standards) program in Monterey County is a professional incentive program designed to encourage early care and education workers, including childcare staff and licensed and unlicensed family childcare providers to remain in their current positions and increase their professional education. The primary goals are to improve recruitment and retention of highly qualified early childhood educators and childcare professionals. Another objective is to enhance the quality of childcare program environments through improving the skill level of individuals who work directly with children.

CARES started as a statewide initiative in 1996 when a staffing crisis in childcare was first identified. Research shows that children experience staff turnover as a loss, which can negatively affect children's learning and emotional well being. Many counties have responded by designing programs to retain qualified early care and education workers and improve the quality of childcare. Although different programs may share many similar features, each county's retention program is unique.

The Monterey County CARES program has awarded over $882,000 in cash stipends during the last two years. Childcare professionals from all areas of the County have participated in the Program and been recognized for their commitment to Monterey County's children. CARES awards for 2005-2008 will range from $50 to $2,500 (based on the number of qualified applicants and their level of professional attainment). Awards for each category will recognize staff for their existing education, continuing education and professional growth. Additional benefits to CARES recipients will include training, introduction to professional organizations and resources to improve the quality of early care and education environments.

To find out more about CARES, please visit the Program website at http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/childcare/cares.asp.