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Early Childhood Council Homepage
Recommendation 20240810-002: Place-Based Enhancement Program — original pdf
Recommendation
Approved Minutes — original pdf
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 …
Agenda — original pdf
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 …
Item 4- Any Baby Can & Ready Families Collaborative presentation — original pdf
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 …
Item 5- Saint Louise House presentation — original pdf
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, …
Item 6- Chapter 380 Place-Based Enhancement Program presentation — original pdf
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 …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
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 …
Agenda — original pdf
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 …
Summary of the new 2024-2029 SX6 Strategic Plan — original pdf
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 …
Approved Minutes — original pdf
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 …
Agenda — original pdf
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 …
Austin Children's Funding Project Workgroup white paper — original pdf
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, …
Item 4- Draft recommendation to endorse the Austin Children's Funding Project Workgroup recommendations — original pdf
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: ________________________________
Quality-of-Life Study RFQS Award Recommendation and Matrix Summary — original pdf
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.
Quality-of-Life Study Update — original pdf
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
RISE Drop-in Child Care Overview presentation — original pdf
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 …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
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 …