In a collaborative effort with Choices for Children, the city is sponsoring 10 Sunnyvale child-care providers for the Gold Seal Award program.

"Although we have had partnerships with Sunnyvale in the past, this is the first ever for the Gold Seal program," said Araceli De Angelo, provider services director of Choices for Children. "This is somewhat of a pilot program."

By striving to win the award, childcare providers can raise the quality of their care, exceeding their basic standard requirements. They can choose to compete for the award at one of three levels in the program. According to De Angelo, after completing the three levels, a provider can apply for accreditation by the National Association for Family Child Care.

"This is a really nice opportunity for them," said Kristen Nigriny, childcare manager for Sunnyvale. "It's a stepping stone to national accreditation."

Nigriny said there are 95 childcare providers in Sunnyvale, and the city will accept 10 applicants for the program on a first-come-first-serve basis. The $500 program will be completely free for those pursuing the award through the city, she added.

"We will support them financially," Nigriny said. "All they have to do is pay the $25 application fee."

The requirements for a one-star level include 15 hours of health training, a nutritional food program and a hygiene program, while the three-star level entails many more hours of similar programs. Nigriny added that participants have until the end of June 2003 to complete their requirements.

"Choices for Children will come out and make the final assessment," Nigriny said. "They'll judge and award the winners."

By using the Thelma Harms Family Day Care Rating Scale, the children's program will rate the providers' programs in several areas, she added.

Choices for Children helps find child-care solutions for employers, families and child-care providers in Santa Clara County and offers information and support for developing, operating and licensing a quality child-care facility and providing financial assistance to families.

By going through the award process and meeting the requirements, childcare providers experience benefits in several different areas, Nigriny said. Besides exploring every aspect of childcare, the award process can provide professional growth, educational enhancement and a support network for childcare providers.

According to Nigriny, representatives of the city's Office of Child Care Services will make periodic visits to the child care providers to evaluate their current program and help them make enhancements wherever required. The representatives will be available to answer questions and help brainstorm new ideas and strategies, she added.

Although the Gold Seal Award process involves a lot of time and effort and is a huge commitment, childcare providers can benefit greatly from it, both Nigriny and De Angelo said.