June 2005

Thank you for the honor of being your State President for the year of 2005-2006. You might wonder who our new president, Ellen Crosby is? I am formerly an elementary school teacher and administrator. Following those many years I was an administrator of 16 state funded ‘Before and After’ school-age sites and a State Preschool. I know what it is like to get substitutes or substitute myself or to take a key to open a site at 6:30 in the a.m. or to drive from county to county to pick up attendance sheets or delivery pay checks. I have prepared for and witnessed several CCRs. I also worked the University of Ca. Davis to write year- round hands on curriculum.

I am now with Placer Co. Office of Education – Child Development Services as a Program Manager for the Alternative Payment Programs. I am most grateful to my Program Director, Catherine Goins, for her support of my roles in CCDAA.

What do I believe? From where does my energy come? You will hear me saying over and over-"let's look at CCDAA's guiding principles." That is why I have included some of them in this year’s brochure. These are essential-all of our transactions rely on these principles. My energy comes from TRUST and a past POSITIVE experiences. My energy comes from the belief that our work – our calling – will help families. I believe in open COMMUNICATION –on the level-where we can agree to disagree.

I look forward to YOUR use of our state of the art website to develop systems for you and the Board members and the CCDAA Public Policy advisors and the Executive Director to address issues in an understanding and timely manner.

With the investment in our Executive Director, Nina Buthee, CCDAA will have an even clearer, stronger VOICE THROUGH OUT CALIFORNIA. I welcome Nina and pledge to support her. I will hold our Executive Director to the highest of standards and accountability.

All members must participate in the mission of CCDAA. You must be active – If you belong, then BELONG! You must calendar and attend the meetings and conference. Every effort will be made to assure that these events are worthwhile and affordable. Study the guiding principles and use the CCDAA website – BE IN THE KNOW and when we have motions, know what they are about and if you don’t understand, don’t vote in favor of them. These motions are YOUR VOICE telling State Board and your Executive Director and your Advocate to take action.

Many Voices ~ YOUR VOICE ~ One Message

I am delighted to serve YOU as your President this year.

Sincerely,
Ellen Crosby