A Brief History

In 1991, the United States Congress established a federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). Through this grant, each state was allocated funds to assist low income families in obtaining child care services.

In the same year, Assemblywoman Jackie Speier authored Assembly Bill 2141. This Bill mandated each county to establish a Local Child Care Planning Council to identify priorities for CCDBG funds based on the needs of families. Prior to 1998, the Child Care Planning Council functioned as a voluntary group of individuals coming together in the interest of Mariposa County children.

In September 1998, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors, in conjunction with the Mariposa County Superintendent of Schools, sanctioned the formation of the Mariposa County Child Care Planning Council. The Council's first task was to submit local child care needs priorities for appropriation and allocation of federal Child Care and Development Block funds.