Neighborhood for Learning expands while also preparing for possible cuts

With a proposition concerning First 5 funding on the May 19 ballot, Conejo Valley Neighborhood for Learning (NfL) organizers are preparing for possible cuts, but at the same time they're expanding their services.

Conejo Valley NfL will open the Neighborhood City Center for Young Children in July, the result of a partnership with the city of Thousand Oaks, Conejo Valley Unified School District, Conejo Recreation and Park District and First 5.

The center is at 110 S. Conejo School Road in Thousand Oaks.

Organizers are preparing for cuts to their program if Proposition 1D passes May 19.

In 1998, voters passed a tobacco tax that benefited school readiness and healthcare programs for lowincome families. Proposition 1D, if approved, would take $1.4 billion of that revenue over the next four years and redirect it to other state operations.

"Some things are up in the air," said Brenda Hunter, executive director of Conejo Valley NfL. "The major thing would be a reduction in services, or a shifting of some programs. Hopefully, it doesn't pass."

This year, CV NfL will be offering five First 5 preschool classes as opposed to the usual seven. First 5 classes at the Park Oaks site will now be state preschool classes, which are funded through a different source.

"We are planning," Hunter added. "We've already submitted budgets for three different scenarios. We're hoping it doesn't pass, but we are planning either way."

Conejo Valley NfL has five locations on CVUSD campuses as well as an infant and new parent information center and the new City Center.

Now, CV NfL serves about 160 children, but with the addition of the new center, more than 320 children will be cared for within the program next year.

CV NfL will continue running First 5 preschool at Manzanita and University schools as well as at the Way to Grow site at Horizon Hills. Half- and full-day state preschool will be at Park Oaks and Conejo school sites and at the new City Center.

The difference between the two programs is that eligibility for the state preschool depends on income. Also, First 5 preschool is four days a week, state preschool is five.

Market-rate educational care for younger children as well as half-day preschool will be offered at the new City Center five days a week.

"There are a lot of different options," Hunter said. "We know all children and all families benefit from top-quality programs. Income shouldn't dictate quality. So we'll have a variety of opportunities to fit the needs of the community, and that's exciting."

Hunter said they are wrapping up teacher interviews this week and will soon be announcing which teachers are staying in the Neighborhood for Learning program and which new ones are joining.

The Neighborhood City Center will be open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. A waiting list is now available. Call (805) 4969035 for more information. Or visit www.cvnfl.org.