REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2024, 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 Corie Cormie Tom Hedrick Andrea McIllwain Alice Navarro Ellana Selig Choquette Hamilton, Vice Chair Eliza Gordon Cynthia McCollum Brianna Menard 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on October 9, 2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Updates on the Affordable Child Care Now Coalition and Travis County Proposition A 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation from the Early Childhood Council Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup about the updated study timeline and scope Updates from the October Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meeting, including quorum of JIC representatives for budget season and promoting the JIC’s virtual Voices and Choices session on November 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Overview of the Fiscal Year 2026 City of Austin budget process and action to appoint a FY26 budget workgroup STAFF BRIEFINGS 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, Austin ISD, 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 …
Program Name Description Agency FY24 Amount FY25 Amount Notes Austin Public Health Early Childhood Investments Table EDD Childcare Contracts - EDD General Fund Mainspring Magic Quality Investment Project This program expands the training and professional development opportunities offered to teachers to enable them to build skills and expertise in areas aligned with the three pillars of Mainspring's successful model - Innovative Learning, Health & Wellness, and the Whole Family Approach. Childcare for Black Mothers RISE will provide free or low-cost, short-term, culturally congruent, high-quality drop-in childcare, for Black mothers who are a part of the Black Mama’s Village in Central Texas for children 6 weeks through age 5. Drop- in care is a back-up childcare option for parents when they need temporary, short-term care. Rise Child Development Center Quality Childcare Collaborative (QC3) (includes Continuity of Childcare System Services) Programming to increase childcare quality, including Director Mentoring, CLASS Training, and the Jeannette Watson Wage Supplement Program; Temporary “bridge” funding for children in subsidized childcare who would otherwise be terminated or not enrolled due to federal funding rules. Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board Mainspring Schools $34,000 $71,400 This contract was first funded for 6 months in FY24 under a new award from the APH Early Childhood RFP. FY25 Includes a one-time 5% COLA of $3,400. $68,064 $142,933 This contract was first funded for 6 months in FY24 under a new award from the APH Early Childhood RFP. FY25 Includes a one-time 5% COLA of $6,806. $1,118,210 $1,174,121 FY25 Includes a one-time 5% COLA of $55,911 KinderCare at Bergstrom Tech Early Childhood Consulting Childcare Leadership Academy Rent and operating expenses (OpEx) for childcare program on City-leased property at Bergstrom Technology Center KinderCare $307,214 $304,188 Childcare consulting services $75,000 $75,000 Ginsberg Kershner & Associates Training for facility directors, assistant directors, and staff interested in leadership roles to develop leadership pipeline for childcare sector and improve center quality and stability. Raising Austin dba Together 4 Children $351,270 $351,270 EDD Workforce Development dollars Austin Public Health Early Childhood Investments Table Premium Pay Wage Stipends Wage stipends for qualified childcare staff, up to $2500/year to improve staff retention and care quality. $519,924 $480,076 Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board Total FY23 funding of $1M from EDD Workforce Development dollars; rolled into WFS ARPA contract. Amounts listed are balances utilized each fiscal year $2,473,682 $2,598,988 Program Name Description Agency FY24 Amount FY25 Amount Notes EDD Program Delivery …
Check In Commission on Aging, Early Childhood Council, & Commission for Women’s Quality of Life Studies October 23rd, 2024 - Equity Office — Introductions & Check In Discussion Topics 01 Researcher Update 02 Commissioner Update Combined Timelines Ways of partnering & participating 03 Equity Office Update 04 Next Steps Website & Update Page Undoing Racism Workshop & Meetings Researcher Updates Where are we now? Aging Outreach and Engagement Planning Women and Girls Interviewing Organizations and Preparing for Survey launch Families with Young Children Planning and Design Phase ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Identified 30 potential community partnership organizations with a focus on priority groups. Created a community partnership table to bring to organizations for a clear ask. Completed initial outreach on 10/22. Interviewed 4 of 10 community organizations, 2 upcoming Refining focus to organizations serving native language speakers: Arabic, Burmese, Hindi, Mandarin, Nepali, Spanish, Vietnamese Currently translating survey and consent forms Conducted an environmental scan of existing data/measures, key organizations, and gaps in knowledge Identified priority focus areas and research questions Identified relevant organizations needed for outreach and collaboration on data collection Upcoming Goals Aging Focus Groups: Scheduling and Recruitment Women and Girls Launch Surveys via Community Partners Finalize community partnerships by December. Translate flyers and recruitment materials. Schedule dates/times/locations of focus groups and confirm/train facilitators. Attend onsite programming at community partner locations (where feasible) to facilitate recruitment. Organizations interviewed to date are interested in sharing survey $25 Gift Cards for each individually completed survey Survey responses in 7 languages: Arabic, Burmese, Hindi, Mandarin, Nepali, Spanish, Vietnamese ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Families with Young Children Finalize Data Collection Instruments & Prepare for Outreach Finalize caregiver survey and obtain ECC approval by mid-November Draft interview and focus group guides by December Begin outreach to local organizations High-Level Timelines: Aging Focus Groups, Photovoice, and Survey Women and Girls Interviews w/Organizations, Surveys, World Cafe Conversations, Photovoice with Youth Families with Young Children Data Collection, Analysis, & Reporting ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● November–December: Community Partnership Building January: Focus Group Recruitment February–March: Host Focus Groups April–June: Survey and Photovoice July–August: Analysis September: Dissemination September - November: Interviews October - March: Survey Distribution January - March: ○ ○ ○ Survey Analysis World Cafe Conversation planning Photovoice planning March - May: World Cafe Conversation & Photovoice …
Quality of Life Study for Austin's Families with Young Children November 2024 Update Providing High Quality Research, Evaluation, & Technical Assistance for Making Informed & Equitable Decisions RESEARCH • EVALUATION • SURVEYS • TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE www.dir-online.com Agenda • Introductions • History of Study • DIR Updates: • Update on research activities • Theoretical Framework & Revised research questions • Recruitment update • Wrap-up/Timeline Review • Collaboration Across Three Quality of Life Studies – Early Childhood Council, Commission for Women, and Commission on Aging (also see PDF from Oct 23rd Meeting) • Commissioner Questions History • Joint Inclusion Committee requested funding for the five Quality of Life Commissions who had not conducted a study in 2022. $1.2 million was included in the 2023 City Budget. • Purpose: :Quality of life is living in a community that supports and empowers parents and other caregivers to raise healthy children in the best possible ways to thrive in childhood and adulthood and congruent with their own goals for their children. • Goals • Public policies/services that help or impede raising children • Produce actionable, specific recommendations • Provide a strength-based assessment of resources • Identify relevant city and county resources in power analysis Recent Activities • Study Design • Recruitment • Caregiver survey • Other activities • Re-reviewed literature to develop current framework • Revised research questions • Reviewed local organizational contacts given by ECC workgroup members • Began drafting recruitment materials • Started matrix of constructs and questions to include in survey • Collaborated with other QoL study teams • Attended Undoing Racism workshop Revised Research Questions 1. What are the key social and economic challenges and needs affecting quality of life for families with young children? 2. How do socioeconomic needs relate to caregiver resources such as mental health and perceived social support? 3. How do the needs and resources of families differ by demographic characteristics and geography? 4. How do families perceive and experience the impact of institutional policies, practices, and resource allocation on their quality of life? 5. What do families perceive as the power dynamics and differentials in Austin? Mixed-Methods Approach Focus Groups Caregiver Survey Landscape Analysis Interviews Project Timeline Study Planning & Design Phase •Working group and stakeholder interviews •Landscape analysis and lit review •Develop data collection plan Data Collection Phase •Survey fielding •Conduct rolling interviews and focus groups October 2024 – January 2025 April – August 2025 …
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL OCTOBER 9, 2024, 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 Corie Cormie John Green-Otero Cynthia McCollum Brianna Menard Casie Schennum Leonor Vargas Choquette Hamilton, Vice Chair Eliza Gordon Tom Hedrick 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 September 11, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve the 2025 Early Childhood Council (ECC) regular meeting calendar 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Possible action to appoint an additional ECC member to the Quality-of-Life Study Workgroup Possible action to appoint a liaison and alternate liaison to represent the ECC at Joint Inclusion Committee meetings Possible action to authorize an ECC member to speak on behalf of the ECC about the ECC’s past budget recommendation and current priorities at the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices & Choices Sessions on October 16, November 6, and November 20, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Edgar Hurtado, supervisor in the Austin Public Health (APH) Immunizations Unit, regarding immunization records audits of Austin-Travis County schools and child care programs WORKING GROUP UPDATES Updates from the Early Childhood Council Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup regarding upcoming meetings with the study vendor and collaboration with other boards and commissions managing a QoL study STAFF BRIEFINGS 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, Child Care Regulation, and Travis County FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin …
2024 - 2025 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Childcare and Pre-k Facilities This chart summarizes the vaccine requirements incorporated in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 25 Health Services, §§97.61-97.72. This chart is not intended as a substitute for consulting the TAC, which has other provisions and details. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is granted authority to set immunization requirements for childcare facilities by the Human Resources Code, Chapter 42. A child shall show acceptable evidence of vaccination prior to entry, attendance, or transfer to a childcare facility in Texas. Diphtheria / Tetanus / Pertussis (DTaP) Polio Hepatitis B (HepB) 1 Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) 2 Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) 3 Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) 1, 4 Varicella 1, 4, 5 Hepatitis A (HepA) 1, 4 Minimum Number of Doses Required of Each Vaccine Age at which child must have vaccines to be in compliance: Zero through two months By three months One dose By five months Two doses One dose Two doses By seven months Three doses Two doses One dose Two doses Two doses Two doses One dose Two doses Two doses One dose Two doses Three doses By 16 months Three doses Two doses Three doses Four doses By 19 months Four doses Three doses Three doses Three doses Four doses By 25 months Four doses Three doses Three doses Three doses Four doses By 43 months Four doses Three doses Three doses Three doses Four doses One dose One dose One dose One dose One dose One dose One dose One dose One dose Two doses 1 Serologic evidence of infection or serologic confirmation of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, or varicella is acceptable in place of vaccine. 2 A complete Hib series is two doses plus a booster dose on or after 12 months of age (three doses total). If a child receives the first dose of Hib vaccine at 12 - 14 months of age, only one additional dose is required (two doses total). Any child who has received a single dose of Hib vaccine on or after 15 - 59 months of age is in compliance with these specified vaccine requirements. Children 60 months of age and older are not required to receive Hib vaccine. 3 If the PCV series is started when a child is seven months of age or older or the …
Early Childhood Council Draft 2025 Calendar of Regular Meetings The ECC will meet on the second Wednesday of the month in 2025, except for in April and August when the ECC will meet on a different day of the week. There will not be meetings in July or December. Date Time Location * January 15 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 February 12 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 March 12 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 April 8 (Tuesday) ???? p.m. TBD May 14 June 11 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 July – No meeting August 16 (Saturday) ???? a.m. TBD September 10 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 October 8 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 November 12 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: http://austintexas.gov/ecc.
Immunizations Unit School / Child Care Assessments and Compliance Rayna Edgar Hurtado, Supervisor Margaret Monreal, Medical Regulatory Monitor Raquel Acosta, Patient Representative Rayna Goransson, Community Worker Selection & Purpose The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Assessment, Compliance and Evaluation Group, randomly selects 20% of the licensed child-care centers and registered/licensed childcare homes in the regional area for a detailed immunization audit. Selection & Purpose On behalf of DSHS, the immunization audit team at Austin Public Health is tasked with conducting immunization compliance audits of the selected facilities in Travis County. 100% of the immunization records for each facility are audited to measure compliance with state immunization requirements. Compliance or non-compliance is reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Childcare Licensing Division as part of an agreement between DSHS and HHSC to eliminate duplicative inspections of childcare facilities (HB 1555 of the 75th legislature). Audit Preparation Upon receipt of the audit list from DSHS: • Contact facility to inform of selection, provide audit overview & audit options (on site/in-office) audit • Verify point of contact, enrollment count, age range of enrolled children, notification preference & ImmTrac the Texas Immunization Registry, a database with immunization records for Texas residents. • Send official Intent to Audit letter via email/mail with current Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements. Facilities are given a deadline to respond to the letter. Audit Preparation Once facility responds to the letter: • Explain the audit process, answer questions and set the audit appointment date • Discuss audit options (on site/in-office), documents needed and how documents will be sent (fax/mail) • Discuss immunization record validation requirements • Set a timeline for receipt of documents prior to the audit • Email confirmation of appointment with additional resources. Day of Audit Record review: Acceptable vaccination records include those from State Immunization Registries, physician offices, or personal health records and must include: • Date of birth • Vaccination dates for each vaccine received (month, day & year) • Validation of record to include the signature, initials or stamp of the physician or physician’s designee or public health personnel for each vaccine on handwritten records • Clinic/physician contact information and provider’s signature/stamp for immunization records generated from electronic health record systems. Valid (unexpired) State of Texas Exemption from Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience or a valid Medical Exemption document. 2024-2025 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements Recommended and Catch-Up Immunization Schedules …
Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger Vaccines and Other Immunizing Agents in the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule* Monoclonal antibody Respiratory syncytial virus monoclonal antibody (Nirsevimab) Vaccine COVID-19 Abbreviation(s) RSV-mAb Abbreviation(s) 1vCOV-mRNA UNITED STATES 2024 Dengue vaccine Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine Hepatitis A vaccine Hepatitis B vaccine Human papillomavirus vaccine Influenza vaccine (inactivated) Influenza vaccine (live, attenuated) Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine Meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, Y vaccine Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine Meningococcal serogroup A, B, C, W, Y vaccine Mpox vaccine Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine Poliovirus vaccine (inactivated) Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine Rotavirus vaccine Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine Tetanus and diphtheria vaccine How to use the child and adolescent immunization schedule 2 1 3 5 4 6 Determine recommended vaccine by age (Table 1) Determine recommended interval for catch- up vaccination (Table 2) Assess need for additional recommended vaccines by medical condition or other indication (Table 3) Review vaccine types, frequencies, intervals, and considerations for special situations (Notes) Review contraindications and precautions for vaccine types (Appendix) Review new or updated ACIP guidance (Addendum) Recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip) and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov), American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org), American Academy of Family Physicians (www.aafp.org), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (www.acog.org), American College of Nurse-Midwives (www.midwife.org), American Academy of Physician Associates (www.aapa.org), and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (www.napnap.org). Report y Suspected cases of reportable vaccine-preventable diseases or outbreaks to your state or local health department y Clinically significant adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at www.vaers.hhs.gov or 800-822-7967 Questions or comments Contact www.cdc.gov/cdc-info or 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636), in English or Spanish, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays Download the CDC Vaccine Schedules app for providers at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/schedule-app.html Helpful information y Complete Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/index.html y ACIP Shared Clinical Decision-Making Recommendations: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/acip-scdm-faqs.html y General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization (including contraindications and precautions): www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/index.html 1vCOV-aPS DEN4CYD DTaP Hib (PRP-T) Hib (PRP-OMP) HepA HepB HPV IIV4 LAIV4 MMR MenACWY-CRM MenACWY-TT MenB-4C MenB-FHbp MenACWY-TT/ MenB-FHbp Mpox PCV15 PCV20 PPSV23 IPV RSV RV1 RV5 Tdap Td Trade name(s) Beyfortus™ Trade name(s) Comirnaty®/Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Spikevax®/Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Dengvaxia® Daptacel® Infanrix® ActHIB® Hiberix® PedvaxHIB® Havrix® Vaqta® Engerix-B® Recombivax HB® …
Early Childhood Council Approved 2025 Calendar of Regular Meetings The ECC will meet on the second Wednesday of the month in 2025, except for in August when the ECC will meet on a different day of the week. There will not be meetings in July or December. Date Time Location * January 15 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 February 12 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 March 12 9 a.m. TBD April 9 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 May 14 June 11 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 July – No meeting August 16 (Saturday) ???? a.m. TBD September 10 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 October 8 9 a.m. City Hall, Room 1101 November 12 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: http://austintexas.gov/ecc.
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 9, 2024 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 The Early Childhood Council convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at City Hall, Board & Commission Room #1101, 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas. Chair McHorse called the Early Childhood Council Meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse, Vice Chair Hamilton, and Members Cormie, Green-Otero, Hedrick, McCollum, McIllwain, Menard, and Navarro Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Members Schennum and Vargas Staff in Attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Rachel Farley, Angela Tolle, Donna Sundstrom, Cindy Gamez, Edgar Hurtado, Denise Dunkins, 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 public comment. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on September 11, 2024 The minutes from the meeting on 9/11/2024 were approved unanimously on Member Cormie’s motion and Member Hedrick’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Members Navarro and McCollum were absent at time of the vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve the 2025 Early Childhood Council (ECC) regular meeting calendar EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 9, 2024 A motion to approve the 2025 ECC regular meeting calendar was made by Member Menard and seconded by Member McIlwain. A motion to amend the calendar with the following amendment was made by Vice Chair Hamilton and seconded by Member Hedrick. The motion passed unanimously on a 10-0 vote. The amendment was to revise the calendar to list the April regular meeting as April 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. A motion to approve the meeting calendar as amended was made by Member Green-Otero and seconded by Member Menard. The motion passed unanimously on a 10-0 vote. Member Navarro was absent at time of the vote. Possible action to appoint an additional ECC member to the Quality-of-Life Study Workgroup No action was taken. Possible action to appoint a liaison and alternate liaison to represent the ECC at Joint Inclusion Committee meetings A motion to approve Alice Navarro as liaison to the Joint Inclusion Committee and to approve Andrea McIlwain as the alternate liaison was made my Member Green-Otero and seconded by Member Vargas. The motion passed unanimously on …
1. 2. REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 11, 2024, 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 Corie Cormie John Green-Otero Cynthia McCollum Brianna Menard Casie Schennum Leonor Vargas Choquette Hamilton, Vice Chair Eliza Gordon Tom Hedrick 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 DISCUSSION ITEMS Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on August 10, 2024 Presentation by Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the City of Austin Economic Development Department, on the City’s August budget process and on the department’s 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Global Business Expansion, Small Business, Cultural Arts, Music and Entertainment, Workforce and Childcare, and Support Service divisions Presentation regarding the Infant and Early Childhood (IEC) Program at the Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) and the services ACGC plans to provide with the APH Early Childhood RFP funding Presenters: • Tameka Thompson, LPC—IEC Program Manager • Elisha Gandhi, LCSW—IEC Program Therapist Presentation by Edgar Hurtado, supervisor in the Austin Public Health (APH) Immunizations Unit, regarding immunization records audits of Austin-Travis County schools and child care programs Updates from the Success By 6 (SX6) Coalition Leadership Team meeting, including upcoming events and the Texans Care for Children data dashboard WORKING GROUP UPDATES Updates from the Early Childhood Council Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup regarding membership and collaboration with other boards and commissions managing a QoL study STAFF BRIEFINGS Briefing from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding the Home Grown grant for home-based child care providers; the Austin-Travis County Family-Based Child Care Conference; the new APH Early Childhood Program Coordinator; and updates …
Economic Development Department Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director September 11, 2024 Economic Development Department Leadership Team Sylnovia Holt-Rabb Director Anthony Segura Deputy Director Morgan Messick Assistant Director Cultural Arts Ann Eaton Assistant Director Workforce Development & Business C I TY O F A U S T I N Mission and Vision The City of Austin's Economic Development Department supports and recruits businesses to Austin through all divisions. Our mission is to promote a competitive, sustainable, and equitable economy for all. C I TY O F A U S T I N 3 Economic Development Department Overview Arts Business Music C I TY O F A U S T I N Cultural Arts Cultural Arts Division The Cultural Arts Division (CAD) plays a key role in fostering the city's creative economy by managing cultural arts programs that support the community’s cultural identity and vitality. Key Initiatives Include: • Cultural Arts Funding Program: Contracts with arts organizations to support local cultural arts initiatives. • Art in Public Places (AIPP): Commissioning and exhibiting public art throughout Austin. • Artist Development: HOT-funded programs like Thrive, Elevate, and Nexus to nurture and promote local artists. C I TY O F A U S T I N Cultural Arts Division: 2023 Grant Funding Elevate: Awarded over $6.2 million to 200 arts organizations and creative businesses to support diverse artistic content in Austin. • 35 grantees identify as Black/African American. • 17 grantees identify as female • 9 grantees identify as non-binary • 9 grantees identify as male Nexus: Awarded $255,000 to 51 creative businesses to support emerging voices and diverse public programming in Austin—targeting new applicants and creative entities that have been at risk of cultural erasure or institutional marginalization. • 9 creative businesses identify as Black/African American. C I TY O F A U S T I N Cultural Arts Division: 2023 Grant Funding (cont.) Arts Education Relief Grant: $475,000 was awarded to 19 nonprofits, made possible through the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to aid local arts education organizations in their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It prioritizes applicants who have faced immediate risk of cultural erasure or institutional marginalization within Austin. • 5 nonprofits identified as Black/African American • 88 people employed by the 5 grantee organizations who identify as Black/African American C I TY O F A U S T I N Music & Entertainment Music & Entertainment Division The …
IEC Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Program Austin Child Guidance Center Presented by: Tameka Thompson, LPC & Elisha Gandhi, LCSW Purpose of IEC • Our project was created to decrease expulsion rates of young children, birth to 5 years of age • Reduce the rate of mental health concerns for children as they get older (Early childhood is the best time to intervene and affect outcomes) • Build awareness of how early intervention can positively impact a child’s social/emotional growth • To embrace the "whole child"- an approach that focuses on mental, social and emotional readiness IEC model • IEC is a unique model that empowers the teachers and staff with the skills and tools to support every child they encounter in their center • IEC supports and encourages center staff and parents to bridge the gaps in communication • IEC also supports individual families who are experiencing unique struggles IEC Foundation Principles Facilitate connection/communication among directors, administrators, teachers and parents to support young children Recognizing the context of family, culture and community Decreasing expulsion and suspension in child-care Reduce the rate of mental health concerns as children get older Impact of IEC • • • • • • • • • Improves social, emotional and behavioral well-being for children and their families Reduces school suspension and expulsion among young children Reduces challenging behaviors in young children Reduces teacher's stress Improves teacher-child relationship Builds communication among staff/director Builds communication among staff/caregivers Link children and their families with resources in the community Children ability to experience, express and regulate their emotions Team Effort Observation of classrooms Teacher consultation Teacher trainings Parent workshops Individual consultation Individual referals Support for the directors Feedback for IEC Over 85%, feel the training has enhance their effectiveness. The trainers are relatable and knowledgeable Digging down to the definition of trauma was interesting Informative training Feel more comfortable talking with parents Enjoy the strategies provided I feel this is a team effort Love seeing the growth in my classroom Importance of Early Childhood Development • Early childhood development provides building blocks for strong social emotional skills • It's essential for centers to have a space for educational achievements to thrive and the confidence to face any challenge • We use a multi-level prevention and intervention strategies to build confidence, vital for increasing childhood development This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND. Vision • Continue to …
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL AUGUST 10, 2024, 10:00 A.M. AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS, CAPITAL TRAINING ROOM #1133 4815 MUELLER BOULEVARD 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 Corie Cormie John Green-Otero Cynthia McCollum Brianna Menard Casie Schennum Leonor Vargas Choquette Hamilton, Vice Chair Eliza Gordon Tom Hedrick 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on June 12, 2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve a recommendation regarding the City of Austin Economic Development Department’s Place-Based Enhancement Program recommendations 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. Updates from Vice Chair Dr. Choquette Hamilton about the Affordable Childcare Now Coalition and vote to approve a recommendation to endorse the Affordable Childcare Now Coalition Possible action to appoint a new liaison to the Joint Inclusion Committee Vote to update the ECC Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup membership WORKING GROUP UPDATES DISCUSSION ITEMS Updates from the ECC QoL Study Workgroup regarding the first meeting with the study vendor and next meeting with the vendor on August 16, 2024 Updates from Member Tom Hedrick about the early childhood-related items included in the proposed City of Austin Fiscal Year 2025 budget 8. Updates regarding the Success By 6 (SX6) Coalition strategic plan STAFF BRIEFINGS Updates from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding related local early childhood groups such as Austin Chapter of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, Austin ISD, Child Care Regulation, and Travis County 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 20240810-002: Place-Based Enhancement Program WHEREAS, there is urgent need for affordable small business space; and WHEREAS, according to the Economic Development Department, asking rents have increased by 7.7% year over year, a historic high for the market; and WHEREAS, high cost of rent is a critical factor contributing to the financial instability of childcare programs; and WHEREAS, the Place-Based Enhancement Program Proposal includes recommendations to encourage affordable commercial space for community development projects including childcare; and WHEREAS, although a percentage of childcare programs who meet specific standards related to enrollment of children relying on public subsidy and quality qualify for property tax exemption, the majority of programs in Austin do not qualify for the exemption; and WHEREAS, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the prevailing wage for the childcare workforce in Texas is $14.16. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council encourages the Austin City Council to adopt the Placed-Based Enhancement Program recommendations without requiring a living wage standard for all employees. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20240810-003: Recommendation Supporting Affordable Child Care Now WHEREAS, for decades, families in Travis County have struggled to find affordable, quality child care and afterschool and summer programming for children birth to high school graduation (henceforth referred to as “child care”); and WHEREAS, child care is the highest expense for families after housing in Travis County. And one year of child care costs more than one year of tuition at the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, the current waiting list for families with low income who need child care subsidies has more than 4,600 children on it, enrollment is closed, and there is now a 2-year waiting list period; and WHEREAS, child care costs are out of reach for many families in Travis County. While families cannot afford the current prices, child care tuition rarely covers the true cost of providing a high-quality program. Costs for quality child care programs (including paying staff a living wage) have increased but families cannot afford to pay more; and WHEREAS, the child care and out-of-school time workforce, predominantly women of color, earns less than a living wage resulting in high turnover (over 30% annually) and under-staffed programs serving fewer children and cutting hours. Turnover hurts children and creates stress for families; and WHEREAS, families rely on affordable quality child care to participate in and complete education, training programs, or the workforce; and WHEREAS, child care and out of school time challenges particularly impact individuals and communities of color that have been historically excluded from economic prosperity: • 81% of children under age 6 receiving child care subsidies in Travis County are Black, Hispanic, or non-white/multi-racial. • The share of Travis County children under age 6 in working families who have parents working nontraditional hours is 47.1% Black and 42.1% Hispanic. • The child care workforce in Texas is overwhelmingly female and 62% are either Black or Hispanic. WHEREAS, A local investment in affordable quality child care and out of school time programs will result in better outcomes for children, greater workforce participation, family economic stability and a stronger economy; and WHEREAS, Quality afterschool and summer programs increase youth’s academic skills and skill development for future careers, improve school day attendance, support positive mental and physical health, and support working families by providing a safe environment for youth when school is out; and WHEREAS, With the high cost …
A broad coalition convened by United Way for Greater Austin that comprises of Travis County civic organizations, businesses, and community members who support equitable access to affordable, quality childcare for all. August 2024 Timeline ECC Actions April 2023 - Children’s Funding Project Overview January 10, 2024 – Cost model of child care in Austin – Travis County March 20, 2024 – Children’s Funding Project Presentation April 16, Resolution to endorse Children’s Funding Project Workgroup Recommendations May 14th Travis County Commissioners Approve Travis County CARES Resolution June 25 Travis County Commissioners Briefing, Discussion and Vote August 13 Public Hearing and Commissioners Court Vote Travis County CARES Resolution Creating Access for Resilient Families Overview of Strategic Investments in Childcare Benefits of Quality Childcare The Case for Significant Investments in Childcare ➔ Workforce ➔ Affordability ➔ Accessibility ➔ School Readiness ➔ Ongoing School Success ➔ Market Failure ➔ Equity ➔ Social Returns “It’s time to start treating childcare as essential infrastructure — just as worthy of funding as roads and fiber optic cables.” Melinda Gates, 2021 Background: ➔ Success By 6 ATX ➔ Children’s Funding Project (CFP) ➔ Learn All the Time (LATT) Network 9 Goals & Guiding Principles ➔ Increase Access ➔ Increase Access ➔ Improve Affordability ➔ Improve Affordability ➔ Invest in Quality ➔ Invest in Quality ➔ Grow the Workforce ➔ Grow the Workforce ➔ Strengthen the System ➔ Strengthen the System Adapted from Travis County Court Briefing ➔ Ground Solutions in Data ➔ Ground Solutions in Data ➔ Seek Equity ➔ Seek Equity ➔ Leverage Existing Assets ➔ Leverage Existing Assets ➔ Ensure Accountability and ➔ Ensure Accountability and Efficiency Efficiency Recommended Strategies for Investment Adapted from Travis County Court Briefing ➔ Expand Slots Early Childhood Afterschool/Summer ➔ Expand care in early ◆ ◆ morning, evening and weekend hours ➔ Build quality and capacity Early Childhood Afterschool/Summer ➔ Create a Business- ◆ ◆ Government Alliance Strategy 1: Expanded Slots Early Childhood ➔ Expand access with funding to create additional capacity through contracts Guaranteed capacity ◆ ➔ Focus on full-day, year-round care (birth through age 3 years) ➔ Supplement subsidy funding for infants and toddlers to match cost of quality Adapted from Children’s Funding Project Work Group | 2024 Strategy 1: Expanded Slots Afterschool / Summer ➔ Expand access with funding to create additional capacity through contracts for new sites or additional slots at existing sites for youth in least …
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 10, 2024 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2024 The Early Childhood Council convened in a regular meeting on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, Capital Training Room #1133, 4815 Mueller Boulevard in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Hamilton called the Early Childhood Council Meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Vice Chair Hamilton and Members McIllwain, Menard, Navarro, and Selig Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Members Green-Otero, Hedrick, Schennum, and Vargas Staff in Attendance: Cindy Gamez, Caitlin Oliver, and Donna Sundstrom 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. Brooke Freeland, representing United Way for Greater Austin provided public comment regarding the proposed City of Austin Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Freeland shared that the Success By 6 Coalition plans to submit a letter of support for the budget amendment form submitted by Council Member Fuentes that would allocate $195,408 for cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for the early childhood social service contracts. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on June 12, 2024 The minutes from the meeting on 6/12/2024 were approved unanimously on Member Menard’s motion and Member Navarro’s second, on an 9-0 vote. EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS AUGUST 10, 2024 2. Discussion and possible action to approve a recommendation regarding the City of Austin Economic Development Department’s Place-Based Enhancement Program recommendations Member Hedrick moved to approve the recommendation regarding the City of Austin’s Place-Based Enhancement Program recommendation. Member Menard provided a second, and the members discussed the recommendation. Members Schennum and Navarro asked for clarification on what it would mean to not include a living wage requirement in the recommendations. Members Vargas and McIlwain expressed concern about not having a living wage requirement since child care workers often get paid low wages. There was a discussion about whether the living wage requirement applies to the developers who are creating an affordable place from which a child care program would operate or whether it applies to the wages the child care program provides to staff.’ Member McIlwain moved to amend the recommendation to remove the last “whereas” statement; remove the semicolon above the removed “whereas” statement; and …
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL JUNE 12, 2024, 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 Corie Cormie John Green-Otero Cynthia McCollum Brianna Menard Casie Schennum Leonor Vargas Choquette Hamilton, Vice Chair Eliza Gordon Tom Hedrick 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on May 8, 2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and vote to approve ECC Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup membership WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. Updates from the ECC QoL Study Workgroup regarding the first meeting with the study vendor DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation regarding the services Any Baby Can and the Ready Families Collaborative plan to provide with the APH Early Childhood RFP funding Presenters: • Rebecca Elizondo—Chief Program Officer • Maddie Glover—Director of Data, Reporting, and Evaluation Presentation from Melody García, Director of Programs at Saint Louise House, regarding the services the Saint Louise House plans to provide with the APH Early Childhood RFP funding Presentation from Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department (EDD), regarding the proposed Place-Based Enhancement Program 7. Discussion regarding the August ECC meeting location and time STAFF BRIEFINGS Updates from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding the Home Grown Building Comprehensive Networks planning grant for family-based child care; updates from related early childhood groups; update on Chapter 26 application to Parks and Recreation Department for northeast portion of Civitan Park; and the City of Austin staff response to Council Resolution 20231109-028 regarding financial relief to eligible home- based child care providers FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The …
Ready Families Collaborative and local home visiting programs Rebecca Elizondo, Chief Program Officer Maddie Glover, Director of Data, Reporting, and Evaluation Presentation by June 12, 2024 WHO WE ARE Any Baby Can is a Central Texas nonprofit that works with families to overcome obstacles and achieve well-being. With programs that meet clients where they are – at home, work or school – Any Baby Can helps build stability, develop skills and navigate systems so children and families reach their full potential. Any Baby Can serves as the fiscal and contract holder for the Ready Families Collaborative since 2015. Vision A community that empowers parents, prioritizes healthy families, and invests in child development. Mission Any Baby Can partners with families to build stability, develop skills, and unlock each child’s full potential. WHAT IS THE READY FAMILIES COLLABORTIVE (RFC)? RFC consists of 8 organizations that provide early childhood and support services to families living within Travis County. The services provided by the RFC focus on the development of children ages 0 to 5 and family units that support them. Families are offered a range of evidence or research- based services that will help their children be successful in their development, education, and life. Services include home visitation, Two-Generation models, Play to Learn groups and parenting classes, child care, child development services, and case management. Home Visitation Child Development Two Generation models Play to Learn and Parent Education classes HOW WE STARTED The RFC was formed through the work of the Family Support Network, School Readiness Action Plan (SRAP) facilitated by United Way of Greater Austin. The RFC’s purpose and goals were aligned with the Ready Families strategies of the School Readiness Action Plan (now known as the Success by 6 Strategic Plan). Today, the RFC’s goals and work fall primarily within the Healthy Beginnings and Supported Families pillars of the Success by 6 Strategic plan Healthy Beginnings: Community ensures the healthy births of all children and continue to provide the physical healthcare, developmental and mental health supports, and community resources they need to thrive throughout their childhood Supported Families: Families have access to and use the resources that provide them with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and social support to positively nurture the health, safety, and development of their children, and develop greater financial stability. Any Baby Can Austin PBS AVANCE of Austin Communities …
Quality Care for Children Overcoming Homelessness Melody Garcia, Director of Programs We empower women and their children to overcome homelessness for generations to come. Saint Louise House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of wo m e n a n d t h e ir c h ild r e n m o vin g fr o m h o m e le s s n e s s t o h e a lt h y in d e p e n d e n t liv e s . Ou r o r ga n iza t io n a l va lu e s o f Em p o we r m e n t , Ho p e , Gr o wt h Min d s e t , Co m m it m e n t , Hu m ilit y a n d Effe c t ive n e s s d r ive o u r p r o gr a m m o d e l o f in t e n s e p a r t n e r s h ip . Our Approach Ho u sin g Pa rt n e rsh ip Wra p a rou n d Se rvice s Saint Louise House provides 46 families safe, stable housing in two complexes in South Austin. Rents are subsidized so that families start out paying only $50 a month for the first year. With this stable housing, families can confidently take steps toward their goals. Every mother finds a partner on her journey toward stability through weekly meetings with a staff social worker who supports her in identifying her own strengths and learning to leverage her strengths to achieve her goals. Empowerment Partners connect families to resources for education and employment and building skills such as parenting, financial literacy, and more. Saint Louise House provides mothers and children highly individualized support for meeting basic needs, accessing community resources, and achieving their goals. Services include life skills workshops, children’s activities supporting social and emotional development, and direct support such as a food pantry, bus passes and flexible funds. The Importance of the Two-Gen Approach Our Impact Ho u sin g Pa rt n e rsh ip Wra p a rou n d Se rvice s • Consistent Environment: Stable housing provides a reliable and safe space, …
Place-Based Enhancement Program Economic Development Department June 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Chapter 380 Revision Economic incentive programs use tax reimbursements, grants, and other financial programs to encourage desired community This often includes new jobs or new real estate and capital outcomes investment Guided by state code (Chapter 380) and City policies and priorities In Austin, these include strong community benefit requirements: Living wages Hiring harder to employ individuals 1 Childcare support Local art and music Green building Transit access C I T Y O F A U S T I N Chapter 380 Revision: State Local Code LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE TITLE 12. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SUBTITLE A. MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 380. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Sec. 380.001. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. (a) The governing body of a municipality may establish and provide for the administration of one or more programs, including programs for making loans and grants of public money and providing personnel and services of the municipality, to promote state or local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity in the municipality. 1 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Program Background In 2018 EDD Staff utilized feedback from an extensive engagement process in development of the current Program Guidelines • Community conversations included 8 Sessions, held in each Council District • Sessions’ attendance ranged from 7 to 90, with 160 unique attendees, providing 260 points of input, generating 2,500 comments • "Affordability" was a top concern for Creative Sector and Small Business participants Current Chapter 380 Policy and Program adopted by City Council At that time, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 20180830- 058 authorizing the City Manager to develop a Location Enhancement Program C I T Y O F A U S T I N Program Background Location Enhancement Program core focus from Ordinance No. 20180830-058 on developing an affordable real estate program: Commercial affordability for tenants of commercial space with … particular focus on small, local, heritage businesses, non-profits, cooperatives, and the creative sector Financial challenges faced by owners of commercial spaces by providing access to capital/financing to deliver community benefits, such as affordable and public spaces, creative spaces, new goods and services, and to preserve neighborhood identity Specific market needs, such as the delivery of goods, services and transportation solutions to underinvested areas that yield …
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 12, 2024 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024 The Early Childhood Council convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at City Hall, Board & Commission Room #1101, 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas. Chair McHorse called the Early Childhood Council Meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse and Members Hedrick, McIllwain, Navarro, and Selig. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Hamilton and Members Cormie, Gordon, Green-Otero, McCollum, Schennum, and Vargas Staff in Attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Cindy Gamez, Rachel Farley, 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 public comment. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on May 8, 2024 The minutes from the meeting on 5/8/2024 were approved unanimously on Member Navarro’s motion and Member Hedrick’s second, on an 11-0 vote. Member Schennum was absent at time of the vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and vote to approve Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup membership EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 12, 2024 Member Vargas moved to approve Monica Guzmán, policy director at Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA), as a community member of the ECC QoL Study Workgroup. Member Green-Otero provided a second, and the motion passed unanimously on an 11-0 vote. Member Schennum was absent at time of the vote. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Updates from the ECC QoL Study Workgroup regarding the first meeting with the study vendor The QoL Study Workgroup met with the study vendor, Decision Information Resources, Inc., on June 11, 2024, to discuss the timeline for the Austin Families with Young Children Study and initial tasks. The Workgroup and vendor established meeting norms, communication expectations, and decided some first steps included connection with the Commission on Women and the City of Austin demographer. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation regarding the services Any Baby Can and the Ready Families Collaborative plan to provide with the APH Early Childhood RFP funding Presenters: • Rebecca Elizondo—Chief Program Officer • Maddie Glover—Director of Data, Reporting, and Evaluation Rebecca Elizondo and Maddie Glover presented the following information: • Any Baby Can is a nonprofit that has been partnering with …
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL May 8, 2024, 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 Corie Cormie Choquette Hamilton Cynthia McCollum Brianna Menard Casie Schennum Leonor Vargas John Green-Otero, Vice Chair Eliza Gordon Tom Hedrick 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on April 16, 2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Updates from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding the family-based child care home tour and updates from related early childhood groups 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Updates from Cindy Gamez, APH, regarding the transition of some child care work from APH to the Economic Development Department (EDD) DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation from Colin Swanson, Executive Director of Mainspring Schools, regarding the services Mainspring plans to provide with the APH Early Childhood RFP funding Presentation by Dr. Choquette Hamilton on the new Success By 6 Coalition (SX6) strategic plan Discuss the federal poverty limit and livability in Austin Discuss federal funding for small businesses Discuss items to take to the Joint Inclusion Committee DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and vote to approve Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup membership Approve a recommendation that the City of Austin endorse the strategies outlined in the white paper by the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup 11. Updates from the Budget Workgroup about the budget workshop on May 7, 2024, with City departments and other boards & commissions on the Joint Inclusion Committee WORKING GROUP UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with …
2024-2029 Strategic Plan <<Summary>> Contents: I. II. III. Introduction Strategic Plan Format Pillars A. Healthy Beginnings B. Supported Families C. Quality Care and Education D. Safe and Stimulating Communities IV. Glossary of Terms Introduction At the onset of crafting our next Success by Six Strategic Plan, we made a deliberate choice to infuse every stage of the process with a commitment to racial equity, ensuring that the voices of families in our community were centered. This approach, termed "co-construction," involved the active participation and iterative feedback of the SX6 leadership team, workgroups, coalition members, organizations, and community members over an eighteen-month period. As we journeyed through this process, a shared aspiration emerged: to establish a universal vision for the children in our community. However, confronting the persistent racial disparities within our community, we recognized the imperative to address them directly. Thus, alongside overarching goals tailored to all families in Austin/Travis County, each pillar of our plan incorporates targeted objectives aimed at specific groups disproportionately affected by historical and current inequities. This dual approach not only fosters inclusivity but also accelerates progress towards our overarching vision by strategically targeting areas of greatest need. Strategic Plan Format Each pillar is written in the following format ● Universal Vision Statement: States the ● Community Data ● Targeted Goal Statement ● Strategies 1 Pillar Healthy Beginnings Universal Vision Statement Families feel empowered and have guidance to navigate the medical and mental health systems successfully, and have the resources they need to thrive before, during, and after birth and through the child’s first year of life. Community Data ● In 2022, about 1 in 15 infants (6.6% of live births) was born to a woman receiving late or no prenatal care in Travis County. ○ The rate of late or no prenatal care among births to Black women (8.6%) was about 2 times higher than the rate among White women (2.7%) ○ Black infants (14.2%) were about 2 times as likely as White infants (7.9%) to be born preterm during 2020-2022 (average) ○ Black infants (7.1) were about 2 times as likely as White infants (3.1) to die during the first year of life during 2019-2021 (average). Source: ● March of Dimes, 2024 Targeted Goal Statement Families, especially Black families, families impacted by poverty, and families who possess complex documentation statuses, feel empowered and have guidance to navigate a just medical and mental health system …
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 8, 2024 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024 The Early Childhood Council convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at City Hall, Board & Commission Room #1101, 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas. Chair McHorse called the Early Childhood Council Meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse, Vice Chair Hamilton, and Members Hedrick, McIllwain, Menard, Navarro, and Vargas Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Members Green-Otero, McCollum, and Schennum Staff in Attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Donna Sundstrom, Cindy Gamez, Rachel Farley, 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. Yael Lawson provided Workforce Solutions (WFS) Capital Area Child Care Department updates. In order to align child care resources with current goals and meet the market and child care demands, WFS has cut three child care positions within the organization. WFS has posted for two new positions, including a senior director position related to early childhood and quality engagement that will be community-focused, as well as a contract manager position to oversee quality improvement projects. Until those positions are filled, Lawson and one other staff member are overseeing the work of the child care department. Laura Olson of Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA) provided public comment on item 10 to endorse the strategies in the white paper by the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup. Olson asked that the ECC endorse the white paper and also expressed concern that the white paper does not EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES acknowledge the groups and people that have contributed to those strategies, including family- based child care providers, parent leaders, BIPOC grassroots organizations, and others. Olson also believes that the “Building Quality & Capacity” strategies are missing Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) child care. Olson expressed a hope that when these strategies are implemented that they seek equity and that the work is informed by people with lived experience. MAY 8, 2024 Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on April 16, 2024 The minutes from the meeting on 4/16/2024 were approved on Member Hedrick’s motion and Member Menard’s second, on a 7-0 vote. There were two abstentions from Members McIllwain and Vargas. APPROVAL OF …
1. 2. REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2024, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM #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 Alice Navarro Corie Cormie Choquette Hamilton Cynthia McCollum Ellana Selig John Green-Otero, Vice Chair Brianna Menard Eliza Gordon Tom Hedrick Casie Schennum Leonor Vargas 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 STAFF BRIEFINGS Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on March 20, 2024 Updates from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding the APH plan to resubmit a Chapter 26 application to PARD this spring for a portion of Civitan Park to 5. 6. 8. 9. continue to be used by the Mariposa Family Learning Center; updates from related early childhood groups; and the required training for boards and commissions members DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Conduct officer elections for the positions of the 2024 Early Childhood Council chair and vice chair 4. Vote to endorse the Austin Children’s Funding Project Workgroup white paper DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation from Dr. Choquette Hamilton, founder and CEO of RISE Center for Liberation in Early Childhood Education, regarding the services RISE plans to provide with the APH Early Childhood RFP funding they were awarded Updates from Member Eliza Gordon, liaison to the Success By 6 Coalition (SX6), regarding upcoming events and the roll-out of the new strategic plan 7. Discussion about items to take to the Joint Inclusion Committee WORKING GROUP UPDATES Updates from the Quality-of-Life Study Workgroup regarding the vendor approval timeline Update from the Budget Workgroup regarding a budget workshop on May 7, 2024, with City departments and other boards & commissions on the Joint …
The Children’s Funding Project (CFP) Work Group1 White Paper (Version 2)2: Strategies for Local Investment in Early Child Care CONTENTS Overview The Case for Investment In Child Care Goals and Guiding Principles I. II. III. IV. Work to Date V. VI. VII. VIII. Recommended Strategies Costs and Economic Benefits Administration and Governance Next Steps and Timeline I. Overview This memo summarizes the work done by the Children’s Funding Project Work Group over the last 16+ months to understand the state of child care in Austin/Travis County and identify strategies to address quality, accessibility, equity, and sustainability. Pending polling and further stakeholder input, the Work Group recommends holding a Tax Rate Election (TRE) in November of 2024, to raise approximately $50 million to fund four major strategies to increase access to affordable, high quality child care for families who live, work, and play in Austin: Strategies 1. Subsidize Birth Through Age Three Contracted Slots 2. Expand Nontraditional Hour Care 3. Build Quality and Capacity 4. Create a Business-Government Alliance Polling and ongoing discussions will determine whether it is a city or county election. We further propose that the measure require reauthorization by the voters after 12 1 Members include Austin City Council Members Alison Alter, Vanessa Fuentes, Ryan Alter, and José Velásquez and members of their staff; David Smith and Margo Kinneberg (United Way for Greater Austin); Cathy McHorse (Austin Early Childhood Council);Tom Hedrick (Early Matters Greater Austin); and representatives from the Office of Travis County Judge Brown and Travis County Health and Human Services. 2 This white paper dated 2-9-24 has been revised to include clarification regarding the inclusion of Head Start and Early Head Start in our policy proposal, based on input from Child, Inc. (Albert Black). Previous revisions include input from Workforce Solutions Capital Area (Tamara Atkinson), allocation of contingency to two strategies (NTH and Business Government Partnerships), and the recalculation of census and economic data based on those revisions. Strategies for Local Investment in Early Child Care Children’s Funding Project Work Group | 2024 1 years. The Case for Investment in Child Care II. The lack of accessible, affordable child care is a growing crisis at the national, state, and local levels. The case for investment in early child care is compelling from a variety of perspectives: ● Workforce: Studies show that seven parents enter the workforce for every 10 new children in child care. In addition, …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20240416-04 Endorsement of the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup Recommendations WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 36% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 90% 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- birth weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, Child Care Scholarship programs through Workforce Solutions Capital Area are at capacity, enrollment is closed, no new funding is available at this time, and as of March 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 Urban Institute completed an analysis and set of recommendations regarding the dire lack of supply of nontraditional hour child care; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin's recently announced Infrastructure Academy is intended to expand the region's skilled trade sector and access to child care is an obstacle for the existing workforce, including the skilled trades; and WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Council has been presented a set of recommendations of the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup to alleviate low-income quality child care waiting lists; to expand nontraditional hours quality child care supply; to enhance the quality and capacity of family- based child care providers and to provide incentives for businesses to make child care more affordable to their employees, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin endorse the strategies outlined in the white paper by the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup and encourages the City of Austin to pursue all options for implementing the recommendations. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: ________________________________
FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT Central Procurement • 505 Barton Springs Road Ste 330 Austin, TX 78704 April 1, 2024 Subject: Recommendation for Award of RFQS 4400 SAR4006 Quality of Life Study for Austin’s Families with Young Children. The evaluation team has completed their process and has recommended award to Decision Information Resources, Inc. Susan Arbuckle Procurement Specialist IV Central Procurement, City of Austin 512-974-1773, Susan.arbuckle@austintexas.gov Page 1 of 1 Decision Information Resources, Inc Health Management Associates, Inc Sarah Mitran - Nathe Management Consulting Solicitation Number: Description: RFQS 4400 SAR4006 Quality of Life Study for Austin's Families with Young Children Evaluation Criteria Max Points Company Research, Qualifications and Experience (10.3) Community Engagement, Language Access, and Participant Compensation (10.4) Project Management and Experience (10.6) Personnel Qualifications and Experience (10.6) Sample Work Product (10.7) 40 30 10 10 10 Total 100 27 25 8 8 5 73 27 20 5 8 8 68 7 5 2 2 2 17 NOTE: As per Section 252.049 of the local government code, contents of a proposal shall remain confidential until a contract is awarded. Therefore, the matrix will include points awarded for price but exact pricing will not be disclosed.
April 16th Early Childhood Council Quality of Life Workgroup Study Update I. Update a. Recommendation for Council - Council May 30th b. No Contact Period (Email Susan Arbuckle if they contact you) II. Next Steps, after May 30th a. Check Availability of Commissioners and Vendor i. Email me your availability as soon as you can. b. Schedule Kick Off Meeting i. Virtual or in person? III. Initial Plans – Collaboration through SharePoint a. SharePoint Drive i. All three studies can cross collaborate (only open for workgroup members to ii. Maintain all documents shared, running notes (see below), contact information, avoid quorum) and anything as needed. iii. Contact Info/Workgroup members can change iv. If any difficulty with SharePoint, please let me know as soon as you can. b. Running Notes will Include i. Goal to ensure study is a tool for change ii. Expectation iii. Next Steps c. Communication Expectations will be monitored through a log IV. Questions
Mission We make it possible for all children to have access to a transformative early childhood education. A high-quality, anti-racist, early childhood education. Pre school p ractice s, p olicie s, and p e d ag og y that work tog e the r to cre ate an e nvironme nt that nurture s and culturally affirms all child re n b ut e sp e cially child re n of color. The d e sire to control Black and Brown b od ie s is re p lace d with the d e sire to allow child re n to b e fully curious. A place where administrators and teachers are d e e p ly aware of the ir imp licit b iase s and inte rnalize d anti- Blackne ss and have the skills to d isrup t the m. O UR CURREN T REALITY We partner with preschools & child care centers build anti-racist early learning environments What else is possible? DRO P - IN CARE FO R BLACK MO THERS • RISE will provide fre e o r lo w - c o s t , short- te rm, c u lt u ra lly c o n g ru e nt, high- q uality d rop - in child care , d e sig ne d for Black mothe rs and the ir child re n age s 6 we e ks through ag e 5. • Te am of care give rs, making $ 28- $ 35 p e r h o u r, will b e traine d in RISE’s • Eve ry m o m e n t m a t t e rs : this is not b ab ysitting; it is high- q uality care e ve n a n t i- ra c is t p e d a g o g y if it is short • Phase 1: Pare nts on p re mise s to e ngage in w o rk , e d u c a t io n / t ra in in g , e n jo ym e n t a c t ivit ie s o r re s t . • Sup p ort for p are nts who ne e d lo n g - t e rm c h ild c a re G O A LS …
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 16, 2024 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024 The Early Childhood Council convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Permitting and Development Center, Room #1402, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, in Austin, Texas. Chair McHorse called the Early Childhood Council Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse, Vice Chair Green-Otero, and Members Gordon, Hamilton, Hedrick, McCollum, Navarro, and Selig Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Members Menard and Schennum Staff in Attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Donna Sundstrom, and Cindy Gamez 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. Nicole Robinson provided Workforce Solutions Child Care Services updates during public comment: • The first Provide Advisory Council meeting was well attended. At the meeting, the Council identified trends and areas to focus on. • The first WFS family/parent resource fair was on April 6th. Fifteen vendors, 62 families, and 120 children attended. Thirty-one of those families were receiving Child Care Services, 23 were on the waitlist, and 8 families were not sure, but were likely on the waitlist. • WFS received 567 Jeannette Watson award applications. Likely 468 of the applicants are eligible. Award letters will be sent out to educators in early May, with first payment in June or July. EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 16, 2024 • Currently, 4,200 children are on the waitlist. It has been a little over a year since WFS last did outreach to families on the waitlist. There is currently a 24-month waitlist estimate. WFS has adopted new waitlist procedures which includes reaching out to families every 3 months to assess whether they want to remain on the list. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. STAFF BRIEFINGS Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on March 20, 2024 The minutes from the meeting on 3/20/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Green-Otero’s motion and Member Hedrick’s second, on a unanimous 10-0 vote. Updates from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding the APH plan to resubmit a Chapter 26 application to PARD this spring for a portion of Civitan Park to continue to be used by the Mariposa Family Learning Center; updates from related early childhood groups; and …
