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Ms. Kahle explained -that children would be chosen by several methods. Kathy Marshall, as -coordinator for the Early Intervention Program, receives applications from families who are not eligible for her programs, and those applicants potentially could be eligible for the proposed plan. We also could advertise, but word of mouth gets the attention of the target group. The applications would be geared to see that applicants met the income requirement. The sliding scale is an estimate, but there is a program in effect where a sliding scale is used for fees, so there are guidelines from which to work. Ms. Kahle stressed that it is important for a child to be in the program for two years. _ Commissioner Adams noted that the program was planned for 180 days and asked why we are not looking at a year-round program. Mr. Lindsey was concerned that the program be self- perpetuating and that the decision-making body be close to the activity. He also understood, and Ms. Marshall confirmed, that the program would work with private child care centers that are in existence. Mr. Mayfield pointed out that we are trying to lay out the framework, work out the details, and build support for funding the program, and he urged the School Board and the County Commission to charge the Children's Services Advisory Committee with the task of working out the details. William Koolage, grandparent, urged the Board to provide this program for all children in the "at risk" group, and to run the program year-round. Donna Green, teacher at Vero Beach High School, represented a preschool center called In Great Hands and asked the Boards to consider a Christian alternative because these schools are available for preschoolers. She thought it would be a viable option for parents selecting a place for their children. Michelle Blampert, director of a Christian child care center, suggested that a center be required to commit to administering the program for a certain number of years to provide the checks and balances necessary to the success of the program. She also wanted to inform the Board that her center is developmentally appropriate. Charles Searcy pointed out that the School Board cannot handle present costs and cannot pay teachers, and he did not think they should fund this program. He estimated that it is less costly to send a child to the public school than to start a new program, and he understood there may be school facilities that could be used for this program. He cautioned the School Board to be careful about expending funds for this program. 9 11 031994 Bm 92 PmUF369