THOUSAND OAKS : Consultant to Help Child-Care Providers

Pledging government funds to support private enterprise, the Thousand Oaks City Council has agreed to hire a consultant to work on attracting more child-care centers to the city’s downtown area.

A recent city-sponsored study found that Thousand Oaks’ central strip--from the east end of Wilbur Road along Hillcrest Drive to the county line--lacks sufficient child care. Residents answering a survey complained chiefly about high costs, inconvenient operating hours and a lack of temporary care for sick children.

In response, the City Council voted unanimously late Tuesday to solicit bids from child-care providers interested in setting up centers in central Thousand Oaks. At the same time, the city will hire a consultant to work with child-care providers on identifying sites, obtaining permits and establishing new centers.

“We’re priming the pump,” Councilman Frank Schillo said. “Instead of spending money once on a consultant and just getting a bunch of paper, we will begin a process here that will provide a blueprint for starting other child-care centers.”

Government needs to get involved, Schillo said, because private entrepreneurs have not stepped forward with plans for child-care facilities in central Thousand Oaks. By offering a consultant’s help, he said the city might prompt more providers to open centers in the area.

The first child-care survey cost $21,000, and the second phase is expected to require about $13,000. Both costs will be covered by federal grant money.

“It makes good business sense for the city to take a leadership role and act as a catalyst,” consultant Dennis Hudson told the council. “Working cooperatively and collaboratively, you can achieve an awful lot for a few dollars.”