Board member warns 50 families may lose preschool subsidy; urges MCOE outreach

A board member (S2) warned that about "50 families are losing their subsidy," citing information from North Coast Opportunities and urging the Mendocino County Office of Education to consider outreach and other responses to avoid a lapse in preschool access.

"Conception Bautista told me that, 50 families are losing their subsidy," S2 said during board reports, adding that some affected families are in nearby Lake County and that parents appear to lack clear information about alternatives. S2 suggested posting MCOE preschool flyers at NCO and discussed capacity constraints at MCOE preschool facilities.

Board discussion noted regulatory constraints and where families might seek slots. Administrator (S4) said preschool programs are among the most highly regulated and reminded the board that many slots are run by districts: "We run the consortium. So we're the LEA for all the public preschools in Mendocino County." Members agreed to consider outreach and a future tour of local preschool facilities to assess capacity and communication.