DCCA-CCDF unveils System of Support for Rota licensed child-care providers

Materials, including cleaning supplies, developmentally-appropriate toys, safety materials, and school supplies were distributed to the Rota LE FFN providers. Pictured here, left to right, are Rota Department of Community and Cultural Affairs resident director Dwayne L. Maratita, Rota governor’s representative Joaquina L. King, LE FFN provider Mary G. Manglona, and Rota Mayor Efraim M. Atalig . (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The CNMI Child Care and Development Fund under the CNMI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs launched the Rota System of Support for Licensed Exempt Family, Friends, or Neighbors, or LEFFN, providers by hosting a symposium on Feb. 4-10, 2021.

The event kicked off with a public orientation, held at the Sinapalo Youth Center, where participants learned about home-based care options for children, ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Providers were treated to materials to ensure the health and safety of children in their care.

DCCA Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero and CCDF program administrator Maribel Loste distributed materials, such as cleaning supplies, safety materials (e.g. fire extinguishers and smoke alarms), and educational toys. Generators were also awarded to three providers whose child care services were disrupted by Typhoon Mangkhut and Super Typhoon Yutu. The generators were funded through the Office of Child Care Disaster Funds.

The Rota symposium featured three days of training. Kevin Castro and Erlaine Evangelista, specialists at DICE Pacific Professional Solutions, facilitated trainings on child development, administration of medication, recognizing and preventing child abuse, and other health and safety topics. Maureen Sebangiol, RRT, led the certification training on Pediatric CPR and First Aid. Team members, along with Jonavan Lizama, vice chairman of the Rota Municipal Council, also participated in “CCDF Shakers,” an exercise activity to promote health and wellness.

Three providers whose child care business were impacted by Typhoon Mangkhut and Super Typhoon Yutu received generators, funded through the Office of Child Care Disaster Funds.  In photo, left to right, are Rota governor’s representative Joaquina L. King, Rota Mayor Efraim M. Atalig, LE FFN provider Joann M. San Nicolas, Rota Department of Community and Cultural Affairs resident director Dwayne L. Maratita, DCCA Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, and CCDF program administrator Maribel Loste. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The Child Care and Development Fund assists low income families in accessing quality child care while parents work, participate in education, and/ or job training. The program’s mission is to enhance the quality, affordability, and availability of child care services.

To learn more about the CCDF program and how to become eligible as a family, contact Genevieve Guerrero or Joella Rosario at 664-2576. Additional information and forms are also available by visiting the cnmicclp.gov.mp. website.

If you are interested in applying to become a Licensed-Exempt Family, Friend, or Neighbor child care provider or would like to know more about the System of Support initiative, contact Kevin Castro at 285-1381 or kevincastro.faces@gmail.com. (PR)

CCDF introduced the new System of Support initiative for potential and current License-Exempt Family, Friends, or Neighbors child care providers on Rota. In photo are Jonavan H. Lizama, vice chair of the 18th Rota Municipal Council; CCDF Shakers facilitator Kazu Saishu, DICE Pacific Professional Solutions family specialist Kevin Castro, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs resident director Dwayne L. Maratita, Rota Mayor Efraim M. Atalig, CCDF accountant Roselle Teregeyo, CCDF program administrator Maribel Loste, DCCA Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, and DICE technical assistance specialist Erlaine Evangelista.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)