REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL OCTOBER 8, 2025, 9:00 A.M. CITY HALL, BOARD AND COMMISSION ROOM #1101 301 WEST SECOND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Early Childhood Council may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Choquette Hamilton, Chair Brooke Freeland Cynthia McCollum Andrea McIllwain Alice Navarro Eliza Sears Brianna Menard, Vice Chair Chloe Latham-Sikes Cathy McHorse Craig McNary Hilda Rivas AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on September 10, 2025 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve the 2026 Early Childhood Council (ECC) regular meeting calendar DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation from Denisse Baldwin, Associate Vice President of Early Learning Advancement at United Way for Greater Austin, regarding Pre-K Partnerships Discussion of the draft summary report and other deliverables for the quality-of-life study of Austin’s families with young children conducted by Decision Information Resources, Inc. (DIR) Updates from the September Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meeting Updates from Hilda Rivas regarding the implementation of the Travis County voter- approved Child Care and Out-of-School Time (CCOST) initiative STAFF BRIEFINGS 7. Briefing from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding updates from related local early childhood groups such as Austin Chapter of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, Austin ISD, Success By 6 Coalition, Child Care Regulation, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the …
Early Childhood Council DRAFT 2026 Calendar of Regular Meetings The ECC will meet on the second Wednesday of the month in 2026, except for in August and November. There will not be meetings in July or December. Date Time Location * January 14 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 February 11 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 March 11 9 a.m. TBD April 8 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 May 13 June 10 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 July – No meeting August 8 (Saturday) ???? a.m. TBD September 9 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 October 14 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 November 18 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 December – No meeting * Locations subject to change and will be listed on posted agendas and available on the Early Childhood Council page: austintexas.gov/ecc.
PRESENTATION TITLE OF A FEW WORDS PreK Partnerships: A Premium Shared Service Denisse Baldwin Associate Vice President Early Learning Advancement ‹#› Key Components of PK Partnerships • District co-enrolls PK eligible students at high-quality childcare centers • District receives a percentage of the Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funds generated • Childcare centers receive the rest of the ADA generated by co-enrolled students ‹#›12 Full Day = 420 min (7 hrs) Child care center hours 7:00am - 6:00pm (11 hrs) • Full-day PK4 is required • PK3 is not required • eligible PK students only generate ½ day PK Eligibility 1. Cannot speak/comprehend English language 2. Low-income (NSLP) 3. Homeless 4. Military - active 5. Military - veteran 6. DFPS/Foster Care 7. STAR Award 8. Teacher in the district employed PK student generates $3,250 per year if 100% attendance PreK Partnerships 7:00-8:00 8:00-3:00 Full Day = 420 min (7 hrs) Child care center hours 7:00am - 6:00pm (11 hrs) • 80% ADA Generated • Child Care Subsidy (if eligible) • Parent Tuition or Parent 3:00-6:00 Share of Cost ELAC - Shared Services What is a Shared Services Alliance? Our goal is to improve operational stability and service quality in all participating centers by centralizing business and pedagogical leadership. BENEFITS OF JOINING • Spend less time and money on all resources • Improve quality through coaching and Professional Development • Access Navigation & Virtual Assistant Director Support • Achieve Iron Triangle metrics: ⚬ Full Enrollment ⚬ Full Fee Collection ⚬ Revenue Covers Cost per Child ELAC - Shared Services PARTNERS & RESOURCES ELAC - Shared Services PARTNERS & RESOURCES • Annual cost savings tracked per provider • On the job training for teachers and administration • Tracking hours of time saved with navigation, clerical, and virtual assistant director support Both locations North & South locations 10 RRISD PARTNER SITES DISTRICT PARTNERS 20 AISD PARTNER SITES Global Kids Preschool All three locations! ELAC-PreK Partnerships 80% Average Daily Attendance passed through to TRS 3 & 4 Star Centers providing high quality PreK! A PREMIUM SHARED SERVICE PreK 3 & PreK 4 PreK 3 23-24 $684,097 $63,487 $747,584 24-25 $629,175 $103,953 $733,128 Over $100,000 passed into hands of teachers in 24-25 • Registration & co-enrollment support ⚬ PreLAS testing ⚬ PK eligibility verification • Instructional coaching • Ongoing professional development • Family Engagement support • Access to all Shared Services Meet the Team Aaron De …
Early Childhood Council Approved 2026 Calendar of Regular Meetings The ECC will meet on the second Wednesday of the month in 2026, except for in August and November. There will not be meetings in July or December. Date Time Location * January 14 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 February 11 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 March 11 9 a.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) April 8 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 May 13 June 10 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 July – No meeting August 8 (Saturday) ???? a.m. TBD September 9 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 October 14 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 November 18 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 December – No meeting * Locations subject to change and will be listed on posted agendas and available on the Early Childhood Council page: austintexas.gov/ecc.
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 10, 2025, 9:00 A.M. CITY HALL, BOARD AND COMMISSION ROOM #1101 301 WEST SECOND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Early Childhood Council may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Choquette Hamilton, Chair Brooke Freeland Chloe Latham-Sikes Cathy McHorse Craig McNary Hilda Rivas Brianna Menard, Vice Chair Eliza Sears Cynthia McCollum Andrea McIllwain Alice Navarro AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on August 16, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), about the Austin-Travis County Family Child Care Educator Network and updates from related local early childhood groups such as Austin Chapter of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, Austin ISD, Success By 6 Coalition, Child Care Regulation, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Updates from the August Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meetings Updates regarding the implementation of the Travis County voter-approved Child Care and Out-of-School Time (CCOST) initiative Presentation from Trudy Taylor Smith, Senior Administrator of Policy and Advocacy at Children’s Defense Fund-Texas, regarding the impacts of immigration enforcement on Austin-area families Presentation from Decision Information Resources (DIR) regarding the initial findings of the quality-of-life study of Austin’s families with young children FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please or Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. at …
Impacts of Immigration Enforcement on Austin- area families September 10, 2025 Children’s Defense Fund builds community so young people grown up with dignity, hope, and joy. This presentation is intended to provide general information only. None of the content of this presentation constitutes legal advice. Children’s Defense Fund-Texas (CDF-TX) is an independent, non- partisan 501(c)3 organization. The information provided in this document is for informational and educational purposes only and is not an endorsement of any political candidate or party 3 Policies Targeting Immigrant Families • Executive Order 14160 (ending birthright citizenship for children of certain immigrants) • Rescission of the Protected Areas Policy • Escalating raids and the threat of arrests, detention, and disappearances • Courthouse arrests • Family and child detention • Family separation • Data sharing • New eligibility requirements for federal benefits programs that exclude new categories of lawful immigrants • Supercharged funding for ICE and a massive system of private immigration prisons 4 Table created by a s ta te p a rtne r How is enforcement impacting families and children? • Family separations • Children left without guardians • Lack of access to services • Pervasive stress and fear Resources for Further Learning CDF- Te xa s b log p os t e xp la ining wha t Exe c utive Ord e r GA- 4 6 me a ns for immig ra nt fa milie s in Te xa s The Ce nte r for the Stud y of Soc ia l Polic y’s (CSSP) b rie f a nd b log on the imp a c t of the Trump a d minis tra tion’s immig ra tion p olic ie s on fa milie s with young c hild re n, b a s e d on inte rvie ws with c hild c a re p rovid e rs Se p te mb e r 7, 2 0 2 5 Aus tin Ame ric a n- Sta te s ma n a rtic le , “Trump ’s immig ra tion c ra c kd own up e nd s life a t Aus tin e le me nta ry s c hool” Exp la ine r a b out fa mily d e te ntion from the Bre nna n Ce nte r for J us tic e Aug us t 15 , 2 0 …
Quality of Life Study for Austin's Families with Young Children September 2025 Update Providing High Quality Research, Evaluation, & Technical Assistance for Making Informed & Equitable Decisions RESEARCH • EVALUATION • SURVEYS • TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE www.dir-online.com Agenda • Welcome • Review of Study Methods • Outreach activities • Overview of Findings • Discussion of Recommendations • Next Steps Mixed-Methods Approach Landscape Analysis Focus Groups Caregiver Survey Outreach Methods RESEARCH • EVALUATION • SURVEYS • TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE www.dir-online.com Study Outreach • On-the-ground operations: • Connecting with community organizations • Attending community events • Attending special interest events • Connected directly with families and capturing their interest early on • Over 500 caregivers expressed interest in participating • Word-of-mouth/snowball • Several caregivers shared the study flyers, survey links, and interest forms to friends and family Study Results Sample Descriptions RESEARCH • EVALUATION • SURVEYS • TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE www.dir-online.com Survey Response Details • Total Completes: 569 (114% of goal) • Average respondent age: 35.9 (range: 20-68) • Relationship to child: 74% were biological parents • Age of child: 82% were born between June 2020 and December 2023 Gender 58% Female 35% Male 5% 1% Non-Binary Trans Female Or Woman Race/Ethnicity 6% 8% 8% 9% 15% 24% 29% Middle Eastern or North African Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Asian or Asian American Native American Indian or Latina/o/x/e or Hispanic White Black or African American Alaskan Native or Indigenous Immigration Status 143 respondents (25%) indicated having immigrated or being related to someone who has immigrated to the US: 4% 9% 10% 13% Refugee/asylum seeker Migrated as a child or adult Child of an immigrant or refugee Family member of an immigrant or refugee Focus Group Demographics • 5 focus groups and 1 interview, 38 participants • Demographics: • 94% participants are Black/African American • 3% Native American Indian or Alaskan Native or Indigenous; 3% Hispanic • 50% participant had household income between $15,000 - $44,999 • Diverse mix of caregivers represented (parent, kinship, step-parents, aunts/uncle, sibling, foster parent) • Gender identity: 65% female; 32% male; 3% trans female or woman Defining Quality of Life For caretakers, QoL blends security and stability with health, happiness, meaningful connections, and the freedom to live in a way that aligns with one’s values and aspirations. “… I would actually say that quality of life for me and my family means the overall well-being and satisfaction of my family. And …
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL AUGUST 16, 2025, 10:30 A.M. CARVER BRANCH LIBRARY, MEETING ROOM #2 1161 ANGELINA STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Early Childhood Council may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Choquette Hamilton, Chair Brooke Freeland Chloe Latham-Sikes Cathy McHorse Craig McNary Hilda Rivas Brianna Menard, Vice Chair Eliza Gordon Cynthia McCollum Andrea McIllwain Alice Navarro AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on June 11, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discuss the Early Childhood Council’s 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review and the mission of the ECC 3. 4. 5. 6. Updates from the ECC Quality of Life Study Workgroup regarding study and final report timeline Updates from the June & July Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meetings Discuss early childhood-related funding and the fiscal year 2026 City of Austin budget Updates regarding the implementation of the Travis County voter-approved Child Care and Out-of-School Time (CCOST) initiative STAFF BRIEFINGS 7. Briefing from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), about the Austin-Travis County Family Child Care Educator Network and regarding updates from related local early childhood groups such as Austin Chapter of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, Austin ISD, Success By 6 Coalition, Child Care Regulation, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. or Please Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 __________________Early Childhood Council__________________ The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The Early Childhood Council shall: 1. Make recommendations to the city council for the creation, development, and implementation of programs that promote optimal development for young children, 2. Develop, for recommendation to city council, programs and activities that contribute to the continued development of a system of high-quality early care and education and after-school programs for Austin's children; 3. Explore and develop, for recommendation to city council, cooperative arrangements with area governments in the metropolitan region to support a system of quality early care and education; 4. Encourage volunteerism and philanthropic efforts in order to generate broad- based community involvement and support for quality early care and education and promote the wellbeing of families of young children; and 5. Develop, for recommendation to city council, strategies encouraging individuals and agencies to continually improve the quality of their services for young children; and 6. Support innovative approaches to quality early care and education and leadership development in fields relating to the optimal development of young children. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. (Reference all reports, recommendations, letters or resolutions presented to the City Council on mission-specific issues. If some of the elements of the mission statement were not acted on by the board in the past year, the report should explain why no action was taken.) On August 10, 2024, the Early Childhood Council (ECC): • Encouraged the Austin City Council to adopt the Place-Based Enhancement Program (PBEP)recommendations. o Outcome: On September 26, 2024, the Austin City Council approved Ordinance No. 20240926-012 and Ordinance No. 20240926-013. The PBEP offers incentives to development, both new construction and remodeling, that supports community benefit targets including small businesses, nonprofits, and community development projects. Childcare centers are major community benefit targets addressed in the program guidelines for all categories. The Business Expansion Program is also available to childcare centers that are expanding by hiring new staff, with a category specifically designed for small businesses. On August 10, 2024, the Early Childhood Council (ECC): • Voted to approve a representative from Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA) as a community member of the ECC Quality of Life Study …
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 16, 2025 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2025 The Early Childhood Council convened in a regular meeting on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Carver Branch Library, Meeting Room #2, 1161 Angelina Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Hamilton called the Early Childhood Council Meeting to order at 10:33 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Hamilton, Vice Chair Menard, and Members Freeland, Gordon, Latham-Sikes, McCollum, McHorse, McIllwain, McNary, Navarro, and Rivas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. There was no public comment. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on June 11, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on 6/11/2025 were approved unanimously on Member Menard’s motion and Member McNary’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Members McCollum and Rivas were off the dias. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discuss the Early Childhood Council’s 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review and the mission of the ECC Members discussed their reactions to the internal review and the focus of the ECC in the new calendar year. Updates from the ECC Quality of Life Study Workgroup regarding study and final report timeline EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 16, 2025 4. 5. 6. Caitlin Oliver, staff liaison, shared updates on the QoL study and the researcher’s plan to present the study findings at the September 10th ECC meeting. Members discussed alignment of the ECC study with the QoL studies being done by the Commission on Aging and the Commission for Women. Updates from the June & July Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meetings Members McIllwain and Navarro shared updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee meetings and encouraged the ECC to appoint two members to the JIC when their terms end. Discuss early childhood-related funding and the fiscal year 2026 City of Austin budget Member McHorse summarized the City of Austin budget that was passed earlier in the week and the items in the budget related to the ECC’s budget recommendations, such as social service contracts and staffing. Members discussed the Pre-K classroom startup funds and the Family Stabilization Grant funding. Updates regarding the implementation of the Travis County voter-approved Child Care and Out- of-School Time (CCOST) initiative Member Rivas, the Travis County …
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL JUNE 11, 2025, 9:00 A.M. CITY HALL, BOARD AND COMMISSION ROOM #1101 301 WEST SECOND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Early Childhood Council may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Choquette Hamilton, Chair Brooke Freeland Chloe Latham-Sikes Cathy McHorse Craig McNary Hilda Rivas Brianna Menard, Vice Chair Eliza Gordon Cynthia McCollum Andrea McIllwain Alice Navarro Ellana Selig AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on May 14, 2025 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve the Early Childhood Council’s 2026 goals for the July 2024-June 2025 annual review DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Updates from Decision Information Resources (DIR) regarding current activities and next steps for the quality-of-life study of Austin’s families with young children Presentation from Jason Gindele, YMCA, regarding the child care center at the new City of Austin Dove Springs Public Health Facility Presentation from David Feigen, Texans Care for Children, regarding the potential impacts of the 89th Texas Legislative Session on the early childhood sector Updates regarding the implementation of the Travis County voter-approved child care and out-of-school time initiative Discussion about the time and location of the ECC regular meeting on Saturday, August 16, 2025 8. Updates from the May Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meeting STAFF BRIEFINGS 9. Briefing from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding updates from related local early childhood groups such as Austin Chapter of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, Austin ISD, Success By 6 Coalition, Child Care Regulation, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities …
Goals from the Early Childhood Council’s 2023-2024 Annual Review In the new calendar year, the ECC will: 1. Continue to support the development and implementation of the Early Childhood Quality of Life Study and use results to inform future recommendations that align with the mission of the ECC. 2. Continue to monitor the City of Austin development and implementation of the Infrastructure Academy to ensure that there are sufficient investments, resources, and capacity in the local childcare system to meet the anticipated increased demand. (The Infrastructure Academy is estimated to need to train and upskill an additional 4,000 workers each year.) 3. Ensure collaboration and coordination with City of Austin Economic Development Department’s new role in oversight of childcare investments to maximize the benefits of this transition. 4. Continue to elevate and prioritize the voices of those with lived experience in informing the priorities and recommendations of the Early Childhood Council. 5. Increase the impact of Early Childhood Council actions by continuing to improve communications between ECC members, Joint Inclusion Committee, and City Council and Mayor’s offices. Proposed addition(s) for 2025-2026 • Monitor the implementation of the Travis County voter-approved child care and out-of- school time initiative.
Texas 89th Legislative Session Early Childhood Recap June 2025 We drive policy change to improve the lives of Texas children today for a stronger Texas tomorrow. Overview Building on interim House and Senate hearings on child care and early learning, lawmakers considered numerous bills and passed several key measures affecting children and caregivers. Highlights include: ● ● $100 million for more child care scholarships $8.5 billion into public schools 3 State of the Texas Child Care ● The average waitlist for the CCS program in Texas is approximately 95,000 children. ● Child care programs are operating on barely sustainable margins (typically less than 1 percent), Texas child care educators are paid about $12 per hour with little to no benefits, and parents are paying more than they can afford – with infant care costing more than college. ● Primarily due to an inability to recruit and retain enough staff, Texas child care centers are serving only 68 percent of the kids they have room to serve. ● The lack of affordable, high-quality child care options for working families in Texas results in an estimated loss of $9.4 billion per year for the Texas economy. 4 Child Care Scholarships ● SB 1 includes $100 million investment in child care scholarships! 5 Additional Bills That Support Child Care ● SB 462 will improve the supply of child care by helping child care educators secure care for their own kids. ● SB 599 will remove local barriers to licensed and registered child care homes. ● HB 2294 will provide a new tool in the toolbox for local communities to support and incentivize child care programs who participate in the Child Care Services program. 6 Governance of Early Childhood Programs The legislature also passed a number of bills aimed at improving and streamlining the state’s governance and oversight of early childhood programs. ● HB 2310 will bring together key state agencies to develop a plan to improve early learning opportunities for young children with disabilities. ● HB 117 establishes the Governor’s Task Force on Governance of Early Childhood Education and Care. ● HB 3693 codifies the creation of an Early Childhood Integrated Data System to better assess program capacity and effectiveness. ● HB 4903 establishes a Quad-Agency Child Care Initiative to review and streamline state regulations that impact child care programs. 7 Education The legislature debated a number of education bills that covered a …
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025 The Early Childhood Council convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at City Hall, Board & Commission Room #1101, 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Hamilton called the Early Childhood Council Meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Hamilton and Members Freeland, Latham-Sikes, McHorse, McIllwain, McNary, and Navarro Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Members Gordon, McCollum, and Rivas Staff in Attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Cindy Gamez, and Alejandra Mireles PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. There was no general public comment. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on May 14, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on 5/14/2025 were approved unanimously on Member Navarro’s motion and Member Freeland’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Members McCollum and McNary were absent at the time of the vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve the Early Childhood Council’s 2026 goals for the July 2024-June 2025 annual review EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 11, 2025 Chair Hamilton moved to approve the Early Childhood Councils goal as follows: In the new calendar year, the ECC will: 1. Continue to support the development and implementation of the Early Childhood Quality of Life Study and use results to inform future recommendations that align with the mission of the ECC. 2. Continue to monitor the City of Austin development and implementation of the Infrastructure Academy to ensure that there are sufficient investments, resources, and capacity in the local childcare system to meet the anticipated increased demand. (The Infrastructure Academy is estimated to need to train and upskill an additional 4,000 workers each year.) 3. Continue collaboration and coordination with City of Austin Economic Development Department’s role in oversight of childcare investments to maximize the benefits of this partnership. 4. Continue to elevate and prioritize the voices of those with lived experience in informing the priorities and recommendations of the Early Childhood Council. 5. Increase the impact of Early Childhood Council actions by continuing to improve communications between ECC members, Joint Inclusion Committee, and City Council and Mayor’s offices. …
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MAY 14, 2025, 9:00 A.M. CITY HALL, BOARD AND COMMISSION ROOM #1101 301 WEST SECOND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Early Childhood Council may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Choquette Hamilton, Chair Brooke Freeland Chloe Latham-Sikes Cathy McHorse Craig McNary Hilda Rivas Brianna Menard, Vice Chair Eliza Gordon Cynthia McCollum Andrea McIllwain Alice Navarro Ellana Selig AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on April 9, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Updates from Korey Darling, Division Director of the Research & Planning Division at Travis County Health and Human Services, regarding implementation of the voter- approved child care and out-of-school time initiative 3. 4. Presentation from Decision Information Resources (DIR) regarding current activities and next steps for the quality-of-life study of Austin’s families with young children Updates from the April Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meeting and the special called May 7th JIC meeting STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Briefing from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding updates from related local early childhood groups such as Austin Chapter of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, Austin ISD, Success By 6 Coalition, and Child Care Regulation FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please or Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. at Austin Public Health, call Caitlin Oliver 512-972-6205 at For more information …
Travis County Voter Approved Child Care and Out of School Time Fund Presentation to the Early Childhood Council May 14, 2025 Background On November 5, 2024, Travis County voters approved Prop A. By approving Prop A, Travis County residents approved a 2.5 cent tax rate increase per $100 valuation on property taxes. This will generate approximately $75 million. The money from these property taxes will be collected in a special fund. This fund will support programs in Travis County that: • Increase access to affordable and high-quality child care and out of school time programs; • Increase capacity and strengthen the quality of child care and out of school time programs; and • Support opportunities for parents to work, participate in job training, and further their education. Overview of Strategies These four strategies will serve as a baseline for expanding and strengthening child care and afterschool and summer programming in Travis County. Strategy 1: Expand slots for infants/toddlers (ages 0-3) and for afterschool and summer programming (PreK-12th grade) Strategy 2: Expand non-traditional hour care Strategy 3: Build quality and capacity Strategy 4: Build a Business Government Alliance for leveraging business contributions and matching public funds to reduce employee child care costs Transition Plan • Staffing: Hiring staff at Health and Human Services and in other County Departments • Community Engagement Activities: Sharing an update and gathering community insight and feedback • Online survey • Targeted community input sessions stakeholder groups • Three in-person community listening sessions and one online zoom session. • Community Advisory Council: Planning for a community advisory committee composed of community members and child care and out of school time stakeholders. Application process - Summer 2025. • Short term investments: Exploring amending existing County contracts and implementing Interlocal Agreements to serve more families while planning and procurement for services is underway. Next Steps in Procuring Services • As a government entity collecting and investing public tax dollars we use a multi-step procurement process to fund services. • The process to plan and procure services within the four baseline strategies includes: • Refining initial strategy design by learning from other communities, analyzing community input, and aligning with County policies, procedures, and systems. • Seeking approval of program policies by Commissioner’s Court. • Developing scopes of work for County services. • Releasing solicitations, evaluating proposals, and negotiating new contracts. • A contracted third-party evaluator will …
