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

Mr. Gilliland then stated the discretionary subsidy was frozen due to the program’s
funding running out. All of the new discretionary cases are placed on the waiting list
and those in the 20 – 30% category also need the subsidy. There is some funding
available from the federal stimulus bill. He asked for ideas on how to best distribute
the funds to the community that needs it; does the additional funding go to the 20 –
30% or those on the waiting list; and, the best way to keep it sustainable. Mr. Gilliland
said it is not his intent to ever have anyone turned away for asking a question and
believes it is unacceptable not to answer questions. No one in the Division has received
notification to withhold information and the only way the Division finds out about
problems is if it is brought to their attention. He was advised all of the provider
payments for February and March were made. If a payment was not made, he urged
those affected to contact Mr. Stagliano as quickly as possible so it can be addressed
and fixed. Staff is working on weekends to ensure the paperwork is processed timely
so checks continue to be issued to the providers. He asked those with specific concerns
to speak with Mr. Stagliano after the meeting to ensure their issues are heard and
addressed.
Ms. Sherwood stated her main concern is if there are no children in the day care
centers, where do they go? She explained September a long way away and half of her
families are on the subsidy wait lists. She wants to know when those on the wait list
will be addressed. Mr. Gilliland explained even with the stimulus funding, the wait list
cannot be completely eliminated. The Division is considering reversing 20 – 30%
subsidy or addressing the waiting list and he hopes to reach a decision over the next
few weeks. He explained the children with the higher subsidy, on the waiting list, will
probably be taken care of first and then staff will work down the list. He also explained
45 day continuity of service for those who lose employment, said the policy is being
drafted and will be issued soon. He is focused on serving all families possible with the
available funding.
Mirabal Rodriguez said most providers have contracted slots with UNLV and those are
children who only attend one day, but UNLV is paid for the whole month. She asked
why not take those slots away and provide them for those who need the spots more.
Mr. Stagliano explained how the contracted slots work and the fact the facility must
certify they will always have a slot open for these children.
Ms. Chappel said she heard the disconnect between providers and the Division. Fixing
the disconnect is slated to be one of the goals of the Advisory Board, along with the
issues providers are facing with the economic downturn. She said she is not sure how
to help, but she suggested using associations to connect with the Advisory Board and
then from the Advisory Board to DWSS. Ms. Chappel suggested the providers form an
interim group to address issues before the Advisory Board is formed and provided her
contact information. She also suggested an evening meeting to discuss a partnership
between the providers and DWSS to ensure providers and families are successful. A
discussion ensued about the disconnect, lack of communication and how difficult it is to
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