REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL APRIL 9, 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: Cathy McHorse, Chair Brooke Freeland Chloe Latham-Sikes Andrea McIllwain Alice Navarro Ellana Selig Choquette Hamilton, Vice Chair Eliza Gordon Cynthia McCollum Brianna Menard 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 March 12, 2025 2. 3. 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Conduct officer elections for the positions of the 2025 Early Childhood Council chair and vice chair DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation from David Feigen, Director of Early Learning Policy at Texans Care for Children, regarding the potential impact of the 89th Texas Legislative Session on the early childhood sector Presentation from the Housing Department regarding the City of Austin’s application process for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants Presenters: • Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, Housing Department • Leslie Boyd, Grants Program Manager, Austin Public Health • Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department 5. Updates from the Early Childhood Council Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup regarding the previous meeting with the study researcher 6. Updates from the March Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meeting STAFF BRIEFINGS 7. Briefing from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding the Week of the Young Child; Public Health Week; the Family-Based Child Care Tour of Homes; and updates from related local early childhood groups such as 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 …
Discussion on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 25-26 Action Plan for federal grants. Agenda Federal Grants Overview FY23-24 Goals, Outcomes & Impact Community Engagement Background Continuing the dialouge: FY25-26 Priorities The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates entitlement funding to municipalities and state governments. The City of Austin applies for approximately $14 million in annual grant entitlements across four grants for affordable housing, community development, economic development, and public services. These grants are part of a 5-year cycle. Consolidated Plan (5-Year) Allocates federal resources to housing and community development Action Plan (1-Year) Summarizes actions, activities and federal/non- federal resources in the Consolidated Plan Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (1-Year) End-of-year report on progress toward consolidated plan 3 HUD Funding Sources 4 Programs & Activities Overview FY 23-24 5 Goals & Outcomes FY 23-24 6 Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 1,856 # households served FY 23-24 Source: City of Austin FY 23-24 CAPER Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 1,856 # households served FY 23-24 Source: City of Austin FY 23-24 CAPER Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 2024 Median Income for family of 4: $126,000 Source: City of Austin FY 23-24 CAPER How do we fund our programs? HUD Annual Entitlement Grants Housing Trust Fund Approved City Bonds City Operating Budget Project Connect Anti-Displacement Funds 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback immediate help stability trust building wealth access 11 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback from Boards & Commissions Early Childhood Council Transparency & Accountability What is the total funding for housing programs? What has changed since you came to us last? How are you holding partners accountable? Outreach and Engagement How are you reaching our community? Data and Impact How great is the need? How are you serving our community? Funding Possibilities Programs and projects specific to each community Disappointment and Distrust More questions than input Calls for accountability The council members expressed concern about decreased funding and the impact on households. They stressed the need for a singular point of access and wanted to know what was being done to address this need. Council members asked if funds could be used to repair and enhance homes that serve as childcare facilities and encouraged policy change to make that possible. 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback Data and Impact Transparency Outreach to vulnerable communities Progress and Commitments …
December 2024 Policy Recommendations to Support Texas Children During the 2025 Legislative Session During the 2025 legislative session, state lawmakers will have the opportunity to make significant headway on challenges facing Texas kids and families. Certain issues have emerged as higher profile priorities for this particular session, including funding public schools, improving access to high-quality child care, and ensuring that kids who are already eligible for health coverage are able to sign up. There are also opportunities to continue making real progress on persistent challenges that the Legislature has chipped away at in recent sessions, including maternal health, children’s mental health, Early Childhood Intervention for toddlers with disabilities, safely reducing the number of kids entering foster care, and supporting kids who do enter foster care. Finally, as the Legislature aims to improve early learning, legislators need to pay particular attention to students with disabilities, emergent bilingual students, and pre-k students. Fortunately, this session, the Legislature will have access to significant revenue, specific high-impact policy proposals to address these challenges and opportunities, and advocates ready to work with them. This agenda provides a high-level overview of those recommendations. We look forward to working with legislators and Texans from across the state to make these proposals a reality for Texas kids. 1 Texans Care for Children Early Learning Increase access to high-quality early learning programs that help young children thrive, including emergent bilingual students and children with disabilities. Improve access to high-quality child care. • Invest state funding to provide more child care scholarships through the Texas Workforce Commission’s Child Care Services (CCS) program. • Include the children of child care educators on the priority list for CCS scholarships. • Provide grants that address shortages of infant care, care for children with disabilities, nighttime care, child care deserts, and other high-need areas. • Ensure Local Workforce Boards have flexibility to provide reimbursement rates to Texas Rising Star programs at the state’s established rate for the provider’s quality. Increase funding for public education, including dedicated funds for high-quality pre-k in schools and community-based pre-k partnerships. Strengthen early learning opportunities for three and four-year-olds with disabilities by addressing unintended funding gaps in Early Childhood Special Education and ensuring children with IEPs are eligible for Texas pre-k. Leverage the recommendations from the state’s Teacher Vacancy Taskforce and Emergent Bilingual Strategic Plan to recruit more certified bilingual educators, increase the number of effective dual language programs, …
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MARCH 12, 2025, 9:00 A.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM #1401/1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE 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: Cathy McHorse, Chair Eliza Gordon Andrea McIllwain Alice Navarro Ellana Selig Choquette Hamilton, Vice Chair Cynthia McCollum Brianna Menard 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 February 12, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Presentation from Heather Petruzzini, Executive Director of the Office of Teaching, Learning, & Leading at Austin Independent School District (AISD), regarding AISD’s early learning initiatives Updates from Mariano Herrera, Acting Executive Director of Child Inc, and Beverly Davis, Head Start Director, regarding Child Inc’s priorities, plans, and challenges Discuss nomination process for 2025 Early Childhood Council officers Update from Hilda Rivas regarding Travis County community input sessions for the voter-approved child care and out-of-school time care initiative Updates from the Early Childhood Council Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup regarding the next meeting with the study researcher Updates from the February Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meeting regarding the City of Austin budget process and JIC budget recommendations STAFF BRIEFINGS Briefing from Adrienne Sturrup, Director of Austin Public Health (APH), regarding the APH Integrated Bond Development Briefing from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding the Home Grown grant for home-based child care providers; and updates from related local early childhood groups such as Austin Chapter of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children 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 …
Joint Inclusion Committee Budget Process Update Art in Public Places: La Mujer by J Muzacz/Caminos Internship Program, 2022 FY26 BUDGET TIMELINE POLICY INPUT FORECASTING & BUDGET DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DELIBERATION & ADOPTION NEW FISCAL YEAR MARCH 31 APRIL 8 JULY 15 JULY 23 JULY 29 JULY 31 AUG. 5, 7 AUG. 13-15 OCTOBER 1 Board & Commission Recommendations Due Financial Forecast Presentation to Council City Manager’s Proposed Budget Presentation Work Session Work Session Public Hearing and Work Session Work Session Budget Readings & Tax Rate Hearings First Day of the Fiscal Year MAR APR JUL AUG OCT BOARDS & COMMISSIONS BUDGET PRIORITY SURVEY COMMUNITY INPUT MEETINGS OCT. 1 – SEP. 30 2 BIENNIAL BUDGET PLANNING AND ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS • Starting with the FY 2024-25 budget, the City adopted a structurally balanced, biennial budgeting approach. • Previously, unmet departmental needs were reviewed annually, but now enhancements are planned for the following fiscal year. • For example, during the FY 2025-26 budget process, most enhancements will be considered for FY 2026-27. • Details of the FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget and FY 2026-27 enhancement requests will be available when presented to City Council on July 15, 2025. 2/26/2025 3 BUCKETS NOT VENDORS • Focus on desired outcomes rather than specific vendors when making recommendations. • For example, suggesting that HR implement a paperless timesheet system sets a clear goal without prescribing a provider. • In contrast, recommending $1 million for ABC Enterprises to develop the system restricts management’s flexibility and undermines the competitive purchasing process. • Evaluate whether current programs or services need enhancements to ensure more equitable service delivery. 2/26/2025 4 BUDGET RECOMMENDATION ONLINE FORM • Boards and Commissions are requested to complete an online form after submitting their budget recommendations. • This form allows commissioners to specify which recommendations they want included in the budget development process. • Only one commissioner needs to complete the form, and multiple submissions are allowed. • Access the form here. • For any technical issues or questions, please contact Blake Johnson at blake.johnson@austintexas.gov. 2/26/2025 5 WHAT HAPPENS AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS ARE SUBMITTED? • Recommendations are assigned to the appropriate departments, which then draft responses and assess whether their existing budget can address the issues raised. • Common themes among the recommendations are identified and presented to city leadership alongside other public engagement findings. • Some recommendations require more time for detailed responses, so the Budget Public Engagement …
Foundations First: Austin ISD Early Learning Initiative Presentation to the City of Austin Early Childhood Council March 12, 2025 Heather E. Petruzzini The Foundations First: Early Learning District Initiative positions Austin ISD as a leader in early childhood education by ensuring equitable, high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning experiencesfor children from birth to grade 2. This initiative addres s es enrollment challenges, expands early childhood programs, and prioritizes foundational literacy, numeracy, and social/emotional developmentto clos e achievement gaps and prepare s tudents for long-term academic s ucces s . Long Term Success Post Secondary Outcomes 9 - 12 Outcomes 6 - 8 Outcomes 3 - 5 Outcomes Foundations First: Early Learning Initiative Thriving in K -2: Academic & Socio - Emotional Outcomes Pre-K Expansion & Kinder Ready Outcomes Simple & Seamless Enrollment HQ Birth - 3 Programming 3 When we prioritize in early childhood education by ensuring equitable, high-quality developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children from birth to grade 2, Aus tin ISD s tudents will be prepared to learn in 3rd grade and beyond, leading to long term pos itive outcomes that contribute to each individuals long term s ucces s . Foundations First: Early Learning Initiative K-2 Academic Outcomes Pre-K Expansion & Kinder Ready Outcomes Simple & Seamless Enrollment Birth - 3 Programming 44 Simple & Seamless Enrollment Goal: 100% of families feel satisfied with an enrollment experience that fostered trust and transparency (seamless & simple) ● Ease of enrollment ● Once enrolled in an associated/partner Childcare program, students can easily enroll in Austin ISD ● Recruitment from 0 -3 ○ Come and Stay awhile - or 15ish years or so . . . ● Continued priority for qualifying students ○ TEC §29.153 (b) ● Additional tuition seats are available. ○ Spring 2025 - Early Bird Tuition 5 Birth - 3 Programming Goal: Establish a high-quality 0-3 year childcare program that strengthens community trust in Austin ISD, actively engages families in their child's developmental milestones, and provides a strong foundation for future learning success. ● NAEYC Certified ○ Developmentally appropriate GVC ● Partnership with Travis County to offer high -quality programming for 0 - 3 ● High-quality and well supported teachers in all childcare settings 6 Pre-K Expansion Goal: Early Childhood Education in Austin ISD becomes a national model for providing students strong foundational skills in an equitable way that helps students become engaged and curious learners A national exemplar …
Austin Public Health Bond Proposals Process March, 2025 Agenda • Department Overview • Guiding Principles • APH Bond Funding History • APH Bond Success • Health Disparity Data • Bond Proposals Video on next slide... Austin Public Health: The Heart Mission: To prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all. Low-cost vaccinations Health screenings Infant & maternal health Birth and death certificates Diabetes education and prevention classes Food truck, restaurants, pool and water feature inspections Mosquito testing and abatement Rent assistance, food pantries, job application support Austin Public Health: Centers of Service Mission: To prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all. 14 WIC Clinics 6 Neighborhood Centers 2 Shots for Tots and Big Shots Clinics + Weekly Mobile Clinics Sexual Health Clinic Refugee Services Clinic Mom's Place Lactation Support Center Office of Vital Records Austin Public Health: Divisions Community Services Disease Prevention Health Promotion Environmental Health Services Health Equity and Community Engagement Epidemiology and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Office of the Medical Director Administrative Services Bond History- Austin Public Health -CIP Primary Funding Source = 100% General Bond Obligations -Less than 1% of the City Bond Funding since 1998 Year 1998 2000 2006 2010 2012 2013 2016 2018 2020 2022 Sum of Bond Appropriation $339,663,387 $163,342,202 $566,503,269 $89,930,362 $306,621,128 $64,995,063 $720,000,000 $925,000,000 $460,000,000 $350,000,000 Sum of APH Appropriation $11,145,000 $16,000,000 Grand Totals $3,986,055,411 $27,145,000 Bond History- Austin Public Health Bond Appropriation by City Department Transportation and Mobility Affordable Housing Transportation Infrastructure Transportation Parks and Recreation Flood Mitigation, Open Space, and Water Quality Protection Transportation Mobility Improvements Drainage and Open Space Libraries, Museums and Cultural Arts Faciities Public Safety Central Library Mobility Parks Parks Land and Facilities Public Safety Facilities Library and Cultural Centers Cultural Facilities Open Space and Watershed Protection Austin Public Health Open Spaces Flood Control, Erosion Control, Water Quality 0.00 200,000,000.00 400,000,000.00 600,000,000.00 800,000,000.00 1,000,000,000.00 Bond Appropriation by City Department What have APH bond projects done for you lately? Making our 2012 & 2018 Bond $tretch Dove Springs Public Health Center, 2024 Video on next slide... What have APH bond projects done for you lately? Making our 2012 & 2018 Bond $tretch MPOX mass vaccine distribution: Montopolis Recreation & Public Health Center, 2020 Multi-Agency Resource Center, Winter Storm, 2023: What have APH bond projects done for you lately? Making our 2012 & 2018 Bond $tretch: Women & Children’s Center, 2018 What have APH …
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 12, 2025 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025 The Early Childhood Council convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room #1401/1402, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair McHorse called the Early Childhood Council Meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse, Vice Chair Hamilton, and Members McCollum, McIllwain, and Menard Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Members Gordon, Navarro, Rivas, and Selig Staff in Attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Rachel Farley, Angela Tolle, Donna Sundstrom, Adrienne Sturrup, Cindy Gamez, Alan Washington, Filip Gecic, and Saeed Azadi 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 February 12, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on 2/12/2025 were approved unanimously on Vice Chair Hamilton’s motion and Member Menard’s second, on a 9-0 vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 12, 2025 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation from Heather Petruzzini, Executive Director of the Office of Teaching, Learning, & Leading at Austin Independent School District (AISD), regarding AISD’s early learning initiatives Heather Petruzzini presented information about AISD’s Foundations First: Early Learning Initiative to address enrollment challenges, expand early childhood programs, and prioritize foundational literacy, numeracy, and social/emotional development. Petruzzini also shared updates on the AISD Early Learning Director position. Updates from Mariano Herrera, Acting Executive Director of Child Inc, and Beverly Davis, Head Start Director, regarding Child Inc’s priorities, plans, and challenges Mariano Herrera and Beverly Davis presented information about enrollment numbers and Child Inc’s plans for expansion. Discuss nomination process for 2025 Early Childhood Council officers Chair McHorse volunteered to serve on a nominating workgroup and to present vice chair and chair nominations at the April 9 meeting. Update from Hilda Rivas regarding Travis County community input sessions for the voter- approved child care and out-of-school time care initiative Member Rivas shared updates about hiring new staff and about upcoming community input sessions for the voter-approved child care and out-of-school time care initiative. Updates from the Early Childhood Council Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup regarding the next meeting with the …
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 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: Cathy McHorse, Chair Eliza Gordon Cynthia McCollum Brianna Menard Hilda Rivas Ellana Selig Choquette Hamilton, Vice Chair Tom Hedrick Andrea McIllwain Alice Navarro Casie Schennum 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 January 15, 2025 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a recommendation regarding early childhood investments in the fiscal year 2026 City of Austin budget Approve a recommendation regarding family, friend, and neighbor child care supports Approve a recommendation regarding family stabilization grants and the City of Austin Equity Office 5. Approve a recommendation regarding the budget process for boards & commissions DISCUSSION ITEMS Updates from the Early Childhood Council Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup regarding collaboration with the other commissions conducting a QoL study and a potential budget recommendation related to funding the studies Updates from the January Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meeting regarding plans for “Get to Know Your Commission” community events and a potential new board & commission STAFF BRIEFINGS Briefing from Cindy Gamez, Economic Development Department (EDD), regarding the child care center at the Dove Springs Public Health Facility 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, Travis County, 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 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20250212-002: Budget Recommendation Regarding Current Early Childhood Investments WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 32% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 94% of the children in households with low income under age 6 are children of color; and WHEREAS, decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the world because children born into poverty and children of color are disproportionately born early, at low weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, current City investments in early childhood programs align with the goals and strategies of the Austin/Travis County Success By 6 Strategic Plan – a robust, data-driven community strategic plan designed to coordinate efforts, improve child and family outcomes as well as build more efficient and coordinated systems for equitable access; and WHEREAS, many of the federal, state, and local economic recovery funds invested in early childhood systems and programs have expired or are expiring in 2025; and WHEREAS, Child Care Scholarship programs through Workforce Solutions Capital Area are at capacity, no new funding is available at this time, and as of December 2024, the estimated amount of time a family applying for a scholarship at that time will likely remain on a waitlist before they could expect to be outreached for enrollment is 24 months; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s recently announced Infrastructure Academy is intended to expand the region’s skilled trade sector and access to childcare is an obstacle for the existing workforce, including the skilled trades; and WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Council has had input from the community’s Success By 6 Coalition (SX6) and GO! Austin/¡VAMOS! Austin (GAVA), all calling for significantly increased local government investment in the Childcare sector. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin maintain all current investments in early childhood programs and infrastructure, including but not limited to: ● Sustaining investments: Maintain FY25 budget levels for FY26 (subject to other recommendations below) for the projects, programs, and agencies listed below: Agency Program Name FY25 Amount Mainspring Schools Rise Child Development Center Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board KinderCare Ginsberg Kershner & Associates Raising Austin dba Together 4 Children Any Baby Can Austin Child Guidance Center VinCare Services of Austin Todos Juntos Local …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20250212-003: Budget Recommendation Regarding Family, Friend, and Neighbor Childcare WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 32% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 94% of the children in households with low income under age 6 are children of color; and WHEREAS, decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the world because children born into poverty and children of color are disproportionately born early, at low weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, many of the federal, state, and local economic recovery funds invested in early childhood systems and programs have expired or are expiring in 2025; and WHEREAS, Child Care Scholarship programs through Workforce Solutions Capital Area are at capacity, no new funding is available at this time, and as of December 2024, the estimated amount of time a family applying for a scholarship at that time will likely remain on a waitlist before they could expect to be outreached for enrollment is 24 months; and WHEREAS, FFN (Family, Friend, and Neighbor) care typically involves grandparents, aunts, close friends, or trusted neighbors who provide home-based childcare for three or fewer unrelated children; and WHEREAS, Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care is often chosen for its flexibility, affordability, culturally and linguistically relevant early education, and the personal connection it provides—allowing parents to entrust their child’s learning and care to someone they already know and trust within their community; and WHEREAS, there are legal issues to be resolved regarding direct financial support to the broad spectrum of FFN service providers; and WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Council has had input from the community’s Success By 6 Coalition (SX6) and GO! Austin/¡VAMOS! Austin (GAVA), all calling for significantly increased local government investment in the Childcare sector; and WHEREAS, GAVA has requested $350,000 for programs to help develop a pipeline of FFN service providers and $200,000 to provide a mobile lending library for home-based family childcare providers. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends the City of Austin direct Austin Public Health and the Economic Development Department to work with GAVA and other Date of Approval: Record of the vote: community input sources during FY26, or sooner if resources allow, to develop an integrated plan for Family, Friends, and Neighbor …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20250212-004: Budget Recommendation Regarding Family Stabilization and Equity Office WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 32% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 94% of the children in households with low income under age 6 are children of color; and WHEREAS, decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the world because children born into poverty and children of color are disproportionately born early, at low weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, UpTogether has had proven social and economic outcomes from their recent City of Austin work; and WHEREAS, most families supported by the UpTogether project are families with young children; and WHEREAS, the Equity Office has managed and supported ongoing investment with UpTogether. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin make the $1.3 million investment in the Family Stabilization Grants permanent and create a clear path to expanding the investment to $3 million annually. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council encourages the Austin City Council to sustain investment in the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Equity Division as a vital City of Austin function. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20250212-005: Budget Process Recommendation WHEREAS, the current budget process timeline calls for all Boards and Commissions to finalize their budget recommendations by March 31 of each year; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) is one such Commission charged with giving voice to and integrating recommendations from 11 Commissions represented on it that touch underrepresented groups; and WHEREAS, many of the Boards and Commissions have ongoing discussions of budget priorities during December, January, and February of each year; and WHEREAS, those discussions are essential elements in gathering community input and allowing City Staff to complete staff work; and WHEREAS, it is problematic to request that the JIC be required to gather and integrate eleven different boards and commissions at the same the eleven commissions are consolidating their input. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends the deadline for the JIC to submit their budget recommendations be extended to April 30 of each budget year. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
