Public Workshop - Child Care - Nevada Division of Welfare ...

Ms. Rosaschi asked if all the areas of input had been discussed. There are many ideas
on the boards. She asked if there were any more ideas to include. John Connelly said
a short term goal is to put the program back together again. He said the providers did
not have any problems until the Division started moving the program around. He
stated he spoke to Assemblyman Arberry, told him the move was made prematurely
and without authorization. Assemblyman Arberry told him he will look at the issue
closely. However, changes will not happen until June, as the legislature will have to
approve changes. Mr. Gilliland said whether or not the staff transfer is approved by the
legislature, the move would still have happened. The move is being done for economic
reasons. The contract was for UNLV to provide employment services to DWSS for the
Child Care Program. Mr. Connelly said he believes the efficiency rate at UNLV is over
90% and will fall due to these moves. Mr. Gilliland reiterated nothing has changed over
the last few years about how direction is received from UNLV and the Division. He
offered to continue to discuss this issue with Mr. Connelly after the meeting.
Ms. Rodriguez asked since classes will continue at the West Washington Office, who will
pay for the building and where the funding come from. Mr. Gilliland replied the state is
leasing the building from UNLV and the state will only lease the portion of the building
used for educational purposes. The landlord can make the rest of the building available
for anyone who has a need for the lease.
Ms. Sherwood asked since there is a budget shortfall, are subsidies being paid and
distributed to unlicensed facilities being considered for cuts. Mr. Gilliland replied if there
are recommendations on how to modify current rate structure, it should be addressed
by the Advisory Board. Mr. Stagliano said including unlicensed facilities gives parents
the freedom of choice to choose their providers. There are specific guidelines for
unlicensed providers to follow in order to receive subsidy payments. Ms. Chappel
added there is a federal mandate which gives parents their choice of providers and in
order to get the federal funding, the state must follow the federal mandates.
In response to a question about the availability of a list of different facilities to call the
caseworkers, Mr. Stagliano replied he will try to have it completed in the next few days
along with ZIP codes for each office and the phone numbers for the eligibility workers.
Ms. Myers commented the Division is assuming the parents work in the same area they
live and asked if a family has the need to become eligible for the program, shouldn’t
they be able to access the most convenient location. Mr. Gilliland agreed and said it
was a good idea and it was added to the short term goals. Ms. Myers suggested the
same for classes.
Mr. Irish stated it is a difficult climate to be in at the moment and he appreciates the
fact DWSS is doing the best job possible with what has been given to work with. He
said DWSS has to make some difficult choices and believes this is a sincere effort to
address the concerns of the providers and the community.
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