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rBOOK 88 pgF2 2 <br />DF <br />� ��.94 <br />Commissioner Adams thought that we should expand the program <br />to these schools because they indicated a need for it. She <br />believed the main complaint from the day care industry was unfair <br />competition, and we could cure that by charging a competitive <br />price. <br />Commissioner Bird stated that while that would put it on a <br />competitive level, it would kill our program. Right now the <br />program is paying for itself. Commissioner Bird realized that our <br />program affects the day care centers to some degree, but we are <br />helping 500 children who would not be able to go to private day <br />care. <br />Commissioner Macht emphasized that the Board has a <br />responsibility to provide supervision to the large population of <br />children who are at risk, and that does not necessarily mean <br />children who are economically deprived. He felt there is a wide <br />range of opportunity for the private sector to cooperate with <br />enhancement of this program, and as Chairman of Children's Services <br />he will put that on the agenda for discussion. In the meantime he <br />thought we must deal with the issue. <br />Rosemary Sparks, owner of Small Wonders day care center, <br />recounted her experiences in buying the business and the 3 years of <br />hard work to build it. She described it as a wonderful place for <br />children but it is being destroyed by government. <br />Chairman Eggert favored a decision to grant the one direct <br />request of Vero Beach Elementary School for the aftschool <br />program. Since the other three schools did not make a direct <br />request but were asked to join in the request, we should review how <br />the service will be rendered to the other three schools; whether it <br />will be purely through the Recreation Department or would involve <br />some private day care programs. <br />Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of waiting for the <br />results of a study. <br />Commissioner Macht asked Lenora Quimby if she is prepared to <br />present ideas to the Children's Services Committee, and Ms. Quimby <br />responded that she would like to see what suggestions the committee <br />will have. <br />Commissioner Bird reminded the Board that the School Board <br />must be involved, which will take some time. <br />Director Baird advised that staff cannot get the right answers <br />in 30 days if the Board plans to request bids from the day care <br />industry. <br />28 <br />