Tulare County Child Care Planning Council

The Second Annual Tulare County Child Care Planning Council Legislative Breakfast was held on Friday, September 11, 2009 at the Visalia Convention Center. This event informed and educated legislators and decision makers about the importance of inclusion of children with special needs in child care settings. Key speakers included: Jim Vidak, Tulare County Superintendent of Schools; Gaye Riggs, Merced County Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Early Care and Education; and Steve Worthley, Vice Chairman, Tulare County Board of Supervisors, District Four. In addition, a short video was shown featuring local families, child care providers, administrators and special education professionals highlighting the importance of inclusion of children with special needs in child care and development programs.

View the video shown at the 2009 Legislative Breakfast.


The First Annual Legislative Breakfast was a huge success, with approximately 200 individuals in attendance. Presentations shared at the 2008 event included:
Business and Children Award

During the Legislative Breakfast event, the Council recognizes businesses showing child-friendly practices by presenting a Business and Children Award. The Council believes that positive early experiences help prevent future problems, and children with a healthy start will contribute to a productive workforce in the future. All companies and organizations are encouraged to invest in our future by becoming child-friendly businesses!

Nominations for the 2010 Business and Children Award are currently being accepted.
The nomination deadline is September 10, 2010.
The 2009 Business and Children Award was presented to UPS Corporate Credit Visalia which employs approximately 90 individuals with an average length of service of 20 years. "As you can imagine, we have many parents who have to balance work and home. In addition to our vacations and discretionary days, we are allowed to work flexible hours during the week to attend our children's appointments, recitals, games, etc. A lot of companies offer this, but UPS encourages a well-balanced life that requires a flexible work schedule".
- Laurie Tiesiera

For more information about the Legislative Breakfast or the Business and Children Award, please contact: