20220412-2biv Affordable Housing for Families — original pdf
Recommendation
Early Childhood Council Homepage
Recommendation 20220412-biii: Social Service Contracts — original pdf
Recommendation
Approved Minutes — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, April 12, 2022 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MINUTES The Early Childhood Council (ECC) convened on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse, Vice Chair Worthington, Council Members Alvarez, Bliss Lima, Conlin, Demby, Gordon, Hedrick, and Huston Staff in attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Donna Sundstrom, Cindy Gamez, and Michelle Rodriguez CALL TO ORDER – Chair McHorse called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Two people provided public comment. The first speaker, Zenobia C. Joseph, requested that the ECC include access to transportation in recommendations regarding affordable housing for families with young children and that the ECC ask City Council to reconnect people who live North of Highway 183 through public transportation. Joseph also commented on City competitive bidding for social service contracts and expressed concerns about access for new providers to receive funding. The second speaker, Laura Olson– a mom, former early childhood educator, and Organizing Director of GoAustinVamasAustin!– requested that the ECC schedule evening meetings to accommodate the schedules of working families and that future meetings include multilingual interpretation and translation of agendas. Olson also asked that the ECC prioritize families with young children in anti-displacement and affordable housing strategies and that the ECC prioritize opportunities for equitable investments in Austin’s Eastern Crescent. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from March 9, 2022, meeting – Member Gordon moved to approve the minutes from the March 9, 2022, regular meeting. The minutes were approved by a unanimous vote of 9-0. 2. NEW BUSINESS AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS a. Annual ECC officer elections Member Hedrick moved to recommend re-election of Cathy McHorse and Matt Worthington for the Chair and Vice Chair positions, respectively. Chair McHorse and Vice Chair Worthington were re-elected by a unanimous vote of 9-0. b. Policy Work Group updates i. Workforce Solutions Capital Area request to add appointee to the ECC Prior to the City Council’s 10-1 decision for appointing members to boards & commissions, Workforce Solutions (WFS) Capital Area appointed someone to the ECC. After that decision, WFS no longer had an appointed person. Adding a 14th member to the ECC requires an ECC bylaw amendment and a City Code amendment. The policy work group decided that now is not the right time to pursue this request because of the community engagement with WFS already in motion. Members discussed considering equitable makeup of the ECC and the criteria for expanding appointed positions, possibly …
Agenda — original pdf
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL March 9, 2022, 8:30 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 by 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. To register, contact Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from February 9, 2022, meeting 2. PRESENTATIONS a. Briefing from the Housing and Planning Department and discussion on the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Action Plan Community Needs Assessment Presenters: • Jamey May, Housing and Community Development Officer, Housing and Planning • Natasha Ponczek, Program Manager, Austin Public Health • Helen Howell, Public Health Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health • Katie Horstman, Senior Research Analyst, Housing and Planning 3. NEW BUSINESS AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS a. Fiscal year 2022-2023 City budget recommendation to maintain current Austin Public Health funding for early childhood b. Topics to bring to Joint Inclusion Committee c. Community Engagement Work Group updates i. Discussion about establishing a work group to connect community members to the Early Childhood Council d. Discuss times and locations for the April 12, 2022, and August 13, 2022, ECC regular e. Preliminary results of the Austin-Travis County Child Care Staffing survey meetings 4. STAFF UPDATES a. COVID-19 updates b. Child care center at the Dove Springs Austin Public Health facility FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Update about Head Start from Child Inc and Austin ISD 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 call Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or email: Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Early Childhood Council, please …
Draft Budget Recommendation (Item 3a) — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20220309-3a: Budget Recommendation that Current Early Childhood Investments be Maintained WHEREAS, in the City of Austin only 36% of children under age 4 living in households with low-income are receiving any early learning services at all; and WHEREAS, 90% of these children age birth to 4 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, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the early childhood sector in Texas with an estimated loss of 22% of the state child care supply, as well as disproportionate impact on communities of color in Austin; and WHEREAS, current City investments in early childhood programs align with the goals and strategies of the Austin/Travis County Success By 6 Strategic Plan – a robust, data-driven community strategic plan designed to coordinate efforts, improve child and family outcomes as well as build more efficient and coordinated systems for equitable access; and WHEREAS, the investments align with the City of Austin Strategic Direction Strategic EOA.10: “Create equitable access to quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) by supporting families who do not qualify for existing free programs and cannot afford quality programs on their own, increasing availability of quality ECE programs, and encouraging living wages for ECE providers”; and WHEREAS, these investments also align with the Strategic Anchors of SD 2023 including equity, affordability, sustainability and resiliency, proactive prevention and community trust and relationships; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin maintain all current investments in early childhood programs and infrastructure including but not limited to: o Social Service Contracts o Staffing (2 FTE) positions specifically for early childhood through Austin Public Health o Leases for city-funded early childhood facilities o Essential infrastructure such as Family Connects and WIC programs that specifically serve families with young children prenatal to age 5. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
Housing and Planning Presentation — original pdf
Community Needs Assessment Early Childhood Council Discussion and Public Hearing on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 22-23 Action Plan Agenda Review of FY 20-21 Performance Federal Reporting Process Community Needs Assessment/ Public Comment Schedule Provide Your Feedback Review of Past Performance A look at services provided with federal funding in FY 20-21 FY 20-21 Accomplishments Snapshot • Total number of people served through federally funded projects: 3,552 • Total number of people/households earning Extremely Low-Income (<30% MFI) served: 2,688 • Total number of federal dollars spent: Entitlement: $9,765,175 CARES Act: $10,196,749 4 Population Served by Income 2,688 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 411 406 85 Extremely Low Income (<30% MFI) Very Low Income (31%-50% MFI) Low Income (51%-80% MFI) >80% MFI 5 Population of Austin Vs. Population Served by Race Population of Austin Vs. Population Served by Ethnicity 120.00% 100.00% 80.00% 60.00% 40.00% 20.00% 0.00% 32.41% 33.90% 67.59% 66.10% Population Served, FY 20-21 Population of Austin, 2019 Not Hispanic/Latinx Hispanic/Latinx People Served by Investment Category Investment Category Persons/Households Served Special Needs Assistance Homeless Assistance Renter Assistance Homebuyer Assistance Homeowner Assistance Housing Development Assistance 33 Total 878 1,153 1,327 43 120 3,552 Austin Small Business Relief Grant Program Investment Category Businesses Served Other Community Development Assistance 89 8 FY 20-21 Services Provided- Goals vs. Outcomes Select Programs Childcare Services Youth/Mental Health Services Senior Services • Goal: 179 • Actual: 151 • Expended: $390,612 • Goal: 159 • Actual: 147 • Expended: $188,490 • Goal: 175 • Actual: 184 • Expended: $123,995 Tenant Based Rental Assistance Homelessness Services* Tenants’ Rights Assistance • Goal: 85 • Actual: 113 • Expended: $979,663 • Goal: 1,118 • Actual: 426 • Expended: $1,638,420 • Goal: 527 • Actual: 297 • Expended: $287,223 *This category includes Rapid Rehousing and Shelter Operation and Maintenance, funded by the Emergency Solutions Grant FY 20-21 Services Provided- Goals vs. Outcomes Select Programs Down Payment Assistance Architectural Barrier Removal-Owner Minor Home Repair • Goal: 25 • Actual: 43 • Expended: $1,585,999 • Goal: 80 • Actual: 29 • Expended: $567,166 • Goal: 200 • Actual: 85 • Expended: $781,409 Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program • Goal: 9 • Actual: 6 • Expended: $748,584 *includes General Fund dollars) Rental Housing Development Assistance • Goal: 411 • Actual: 335 • Expended: Federal: $269,585; GO Bonds: $22,057,711 Ownership Housing Development Assistance • Goal: 16 • Actual: 42 • Expended: Federal: $202,562; …
20220309-3a: Maintain current early childhood investments — original pdf
Recommendation
Housing and Planning Presentation (Corrected) — original pdf
Community Needs Assessment Early Childhood Council Discussion and Public Hearing on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 22-23 Action Plan Agenda Review of FY 20-21 Performance Federal Reporting Process Community Needs Assessment/ Public Comment Schedule Provide Your Feedback Review of Past Performance A look at services provided with federal funding in FY 20-21 FY 20-21 Accomplishments Snapshot • Total number of people served through federally funded projects: 3,552 • Total number of people/households earning Extremely Low-Income (<30% MFI) served: 2,688 • Total number of federal dollars spent: Entitlement: $9,765,175 CARES Act: $10,196,749 4 Population Served by Income 2,688 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 411 406 85 Extremely Low Income (<30% MFI) Very Low Income (31%-50% MFI) Low Income (51%-80% MFI) >80% MFI 5 Population of Austin Vs. Population Served by Race Population of Austin Vs. Population Served by Ethnicity 120.00% 100.00% 80.00% 60.00% 40.00% 20.00% 0.00% 32.41% 33.90% 67.59% 66.10% Population Served, FY 20-21 Population of Austin, 2019 Not Hispanic/Latinx Hispanic/Latinx People Served by Investment Category Investment Category Persons/Households Served Special Needs Assistance Homeless Assistance Renter Assistance Homebuyer Assistance Homeowner Assistance Housing Development Assistance 33 Total 878 1,153 1,327 43 120 3,552 Austin Small Business Relief Grant Program Investment Category Businesses Served Other Community Development Assistance 89 8 FY 20-21 Services Provided- Goals vs. Outcomes Select Programs Childcare Services Youth/Mental Health Services Senior Services • Goal: 179 • Actual: 151 • Expended: $390,612 • Goal: 159 • Actual: 147 • Expended: $188,490 • Goal: 175 • Actual: 184 • Expended: $123,995 Tenant Based Rental Assistance Homelessness Services* Tenants’ Rights Assistance • Goal: 85 • Actual: 113 • Expended: $979,663 • Goal: 1,118 • Actual: 426 • Expended: $1,638,420 • Goal: 527 • Actual: 297 • Expended: $287,223 *This category includes Rapid Rehousing and Shelter Operation and Maintenance, funded by the Emergency Solutions Grant FY 20-21 Services Provided- Goals vs. Outcomes Select Programs Down Payment Assistance Architectural Barrier Removal-Owner Minor Home Repair • Goal: 25 • Actual: 43 • Expended: $1,585,999 • Goal: 80 • Actual: 29 • Expended: $567,166 • Goal: 200 • Actual: 85 • Expended: $781,409 Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program • Goal: 9 • Actual: 6 • Expended: $748,584 *includes General Fund dollars) Rental Housing Development Assistance • Goal: 411 • Actual: 335 • Expended: Federal: $269,585; GO Bonds: $22,057,711 Ownership Housing Development Assistance • Goal: 16 • Actual: 42 • Expended: Federal: $202,562; …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, March 9, 2022 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MINUTES The Early Childhood Council (ECC) convened on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse, Vice Chair Worthington, Council Members Alvarez, Demby, Gordon, Hedrick, Hosking Pulido, Huston, Paver, and Schennum Staff in attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Donna Sundstrom, Cindy Gamez, and Michelle Rodriguez CALL TO ORDER – Chair McHorse called the meeting to order at 8:37 a.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizen communication. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from February 9, 2022, meeting – Member Huston moved to approve the minutes from the February 9, 2022, regular meeting. The minutes were approved by a unanimous vote of 8-0 (Vice Chair Worthington and Member Demby not on the dais at time of vote). 2. PRESENTATIONS a. Briefing from the Housing and Planning Department and discussion on the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Action Plan Community Needs Assessment Presenters: • Jamey May, Housing and Community Development Officer, Housing and Planning • Natasha Ponczek, Program Manager, Austin Public Health • Helen Howell, Public Health Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health • Katie Horstman, Senior Research Analyst, Housing and Planning The Housing and Planning Department (HPD) and Austin Public Health (APH) presented an overview of the City’s federally funded HPD programs in fiscal year 2021-2022 and requested feedback on the FY22-23 action plan. Under the FY20-21 action plan, HPD served over 3,500 individuals. Many of the programs ran into difficulties during the pandemic. For example, some programs were paused because activities were not able to be held in-person. For the Tenants Rights Assistance program, which offers repair remediation services, some tenants fell behind with paying rent during the pandemic which meant they were not in “good standing” to petition repairs. Some programs, like Child Care Services CV, are ongoing, whereas some programs, like RENT, have concluded. The presenters reported that over 3,000 households served by the following programs had children under 5: • Down Payment Assistance • Architectural Barrier Removal • Minor Home Repair • Homeowner Rehabilitation • RENT 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 The presentation slides with additional details and program statistics have been posted to the Early Childhood Council website as backup material. Helen Howell works closely with HPD to manage the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Special Needs Assistance contracts. She provided an update on FY20-21 activities and outcomes related to child care assistance. Services under this contract that relate to child care are the following …
Agenda — original pdf
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL February 9, 2022, 8:30 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 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Public comment will be accepted in person and by phone. To make a comment by phone, register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting by contacting Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or email: Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns not on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from January 12, 2022, meeting 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Update from the Community Engagement and Policy Workgroups on a response to the Workforce Solutions Capital Area letter to the ECC that was discussed at the January 12, 2022, meeting 3. NEW BUSINESS AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS a. Joint Inclusion Committee and Community Engagement Work Group updates- Raul Alvarez i. ii. JIC/Quality of Life (QoL) Commission Budget Town Hall on Affordability and Resiliency (February 16, 2022) Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Budget Timeline/Process - Budget proposals are due to the JIC by March 14th if individual boards/commissions seek JIC endorsement b. Policy Work Group updates- Anna Lisa Conlin i. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding update ii. Discussion of fiscal year 2022-2023 budget recommendations, including brief review of ECC budget resolutions from the past two years iii. Austin-Travis County COVID-19 Child Care Task Force survey on child care 4. STAFF UPDATES staffing a. COVID-19 updates b. Child care center at the Dove Springs Austin Public Health facility FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Update about Head Start from Child Inc b. Updates from organizations/programs receiving ARPA funds 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 call Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or email: Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Early Childhood Council, please contact Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or email: Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Presentation — original pdf
STRATEGIC PLAN | 2019-2023 ARPA INVESTMENTS PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CHILD CARE FUNDING TO ADDRESS GAP CREATED FOR FAMILIES DUE TO CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS Original request: $6M *Create a step-down child-care fund for Workforce Program Graduates to mitigate the benefits cliff. * Increase funding for Continuity of Care Program Workforce Solutions Capital Area - Continuity of Care Expansion City: $1,965,104 - Anticipated Council Action March 24 County: $906,399 - in process Prioritize funding for infants/toddlers on subsidy waitlist, Additional priority populations: training programs, Travis County (outside COA) ARPA INVESTMENTS PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CHILD CARE FUNDING TO ADDRESS GAP CREATED FOR FAMILIES DUE TO CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS Original request: $6M *Create a step-down child-care fund for Workforce Program Graduates to mitigate the benefits cliff. * Increase funding for Continuity of Care Program Workforce Solutions Capital Area - Child Care Access Family & Community Engagement Navigator & Supervisor City: $370,588 - Anticipated Council Action March 24 County: $168,233 - in process Funds to provide the Child Care Subsidy Contractor with the necessary staffing support to more efficiently and effectively connect families with low-income who are in need of child care services in Travis County to child care providers with child care service openings ARPA INVESTMENTS STABILIZING THE CHILD CARE WORKFORCE Original request: $1M Wage Supplements & Tuition Supports Workforce Solutions Capital Area - Child Care Essential Worker Premium Pay City: $765,945 - Anticipated Council Action March 24 County: $385,785 - in process Expand the Jeannette Watson Wage Supplement to include awards for professionals with a Child Development Associate credential (CDA); provide an annual premium pay wage stipend for two years to Jeannette Watson recipients in addition to their Jeannette Watson award. Annual premium pay wage stipends will also be provided to non-credentialed essential child care professionals (including center support staff, such as cooks and cleaners) with tenure in the child care sector. Tuition Support through T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Texas Scholarship Program City: $157,000 - pending Council Action (April 2022?) Additional wrap-around supports to early childhood professionals who are pursuing higher education in the early childhood field: includes completion bonuses after the first semester, second semester, and upon contract completion; commitment bonuses; and quality staff retention incentives for sponsoring centers. ARPA INVESTMENTS SUSTAIN & SCALE INNOVATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE TO INCREASE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE QUALITY CARE MEETING THE NEEDS OF ALL FAMILIES Original request: $2.2M *PreK Partnerships Hub *Family-Based Child Care Networks PreK Partnerships Hub City: …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, February 9, 2022 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MINUTES The Early Childhood Council (ECC) convened on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse, Council Members Alvarez, Bliss Lima, Conlin, Demby, Gordon, Hedrick, Hosking Pulido, Huston, and Schennum Staff in attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Donna Sundstrom, Cindy Gamez, and Michelle Rodriguez CALL TO ORDER – Chair McHorse called the meeting to order at 8:37 a.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizen communication. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from January 12, 2022, meeting – Member Demby moved to approve the minutes from the January 12, 2022, regular meeting. The minutes were approved by a unanimous vote of 9-0 (Member Schennum not on the dais at time of vote). 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Update from the Community Engagement and Policy Workgroups on a response to the Workforce Solutions Capital Area letter to the ECC that was discussed at the January 12, 2022, meeting Member Gordon said the Community Engagement Workgroup has discussed potentially offering their support to Workforce Solutions (WFS) in the development of a community engagement group, which was one of the recommendations the ECC members made to WFS in 2021 to improve customer service. Member Conlin, Chair McHorse, and Member Huston shared that the Policy Workgroup discussed responding to WFS with some follow-up requests, including: 1) a regular monthly update to the ECC concerning WFS progress on the recommendations the ECC made; 2) that the ECC have a representative on the WFS Tiger Team or that WFS consult with the ECC members on what community members to include on the Tiger Team; and 3) an opportunity to discuss interpretations of the customer service data that WFS shared with the ECC members. Member Conlin noted that the City is in the process of incorporating performance measures into contracts with WFS that incorporate customer service satisfaction. Member Hedrick posed the idea of including Baker-Ripley, the company WFS contracts with for child care services, in the conversation about customer service improvement. Member Hosking Pulido asked that the response to WFS include a request for a list of the onboarding training that child care services staff receive. Chair McHorse encouraged ECC members to review the spreadsheet that WFS provided to the ECC, which includes the customer service data for child care services. McHorse plans to send a follow up email to WFS with the additional requests discussed at today’s meeting. 3. NEW BUSINESS AND …
Agenda — original pdf
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL January 12, 2022, 8:30 A.M. CITY HALL, BOARD AND COMMISSION ROOM #1101 301 WEST SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from November 10, 2021, meeting 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Review and discuss Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s response to the ECC memo approved at the November 10, 2021, meeting 3. NEW BUSINESS AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS a. Policy Work Group proposed actions- Anna Lisa Conlin i. Resolution to ask the City to acknowledge the challenges and stress of child care service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to acknowledge the impactful contribution of the child care sector to the City’s economy ii. Discuss draft proclamation and ECC letter honoring Leonor Vargas and her contribution to early childhood education, children, families, and the public school system b. Joint Inclusion Committee updates- Raul Alvarez i. Appointment of 3 ECC members to attend the Joint Inclusion Committee budget meeting on January 29, 2022 c. Community Engagement Work Group updates ECC Budget Forum on February 19, 2022 i. ii. Community Advancement Network (CAN) Expanding Opportunity Forum on “Building a Family-Friendly Workplace” on February 9, 2022 d. Discuss ways ECC members can promote the Best Place for Working Parents campaign (January 10 - February 11, 2022) – Cathy McHorse 4. STAFF UPDATES a. COVID-19 updates b. KinderCare at Bergstrom Tech opening and enrollment updates FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Update about Head Start from Child Inc b. Child care staffing shortage in Austin 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 call Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or email: Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Early Childhood Council, please contact Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or email: Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov.
Backup — original pdf
BE RECOGN IZED AS A Gain a COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE with this INNOVATIVE BUSINESS DESIGNATION! 2022 open enrollment begins January 10. Take the self-assessment at bit.ly/bestplaceforworkingparentsatx to be elig ibl e for a Best Place for Working Parents® designation award. 3- MINUTE SELF-ASSESSMENT FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, AND ONLINE AVAILABLE TO ALL LOCAL BUSINESSES Be recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents® Business! Qualifying businesses will receive unique branding opportunities, including: • Best Place for Working Parents® 2022 badge • Listed in a press release sent to local media outlets • Logo on Early Matters Greater Austin website, and LinkedIn and Twitter channels • Logo in bimonthly email that goes to 100+ leading Austin businesses * Businesses who participate by February 11 will be recognized in the ways listed above. Being family-friendly is business friendly The Best Place for Working Parents® self-assessment highlights ONLY the family-friendly policies that also have research-proven benefit to businesses’ bottom line. Each question in the self-assessment ties to policies that positively impact employee attraction, retention, satisfaction, and productivity. To learn more, email Cathy McHorse at Cathy.McHorse@uwatx.org or visit bit.ly/bestplaceforworkingparentsatx. Early Matters Greater Austin mobilizes and unites the business community around the goal that all children in Greater Austin enter Kindergarten prepared for school success. United Way for Greater Austin
Draft Recommendation 20220112-3ai — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20220112-3ai: Recommendation to acknowledge child care workers as essential workers and express gratitude for their service to the Austin community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic WHEREAS, Austin's housing and property values have increased dramatically in recent years; and WHEREAS, essential workers in the childcare industry are finding it nearly impossible to live in Austin with the rapidly increasing cost of living, especially in the housing market; and WHEREAS, the displacement of these essential workers to suburban and exurban communities will have long-term, harmful impacts on childcare options in Austin; and WHEREAS, Austin has long suffered from a severe shortage of affordable, quality childcare options; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted Austin’s child care industry, leading to the permanent closure of untold numbers of childcare facilities; and WHEREAS, according to a 2021 NAECY survey, in Texas, 86% of child care centers are experiencing a staffing shortage. Further, 53% of programs impacted by staffing shortages are serving fewer children; 33% have a longer waitlist; 35% are unable to open classrooms; and 20% have reduced their operating hours (https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/user- 74/naeyc_survey_statedatawithquotes_sep2021.pdf); and WHEREAS, according to the Center for Study of Child Care Employment, The poverty rate for early educators working in the childcare industry in Texas is 18.6%, nearly twice as high as for Texas workers in general (9.7%) with a median wage of $10.15 (https://cscce.berkeley.edu/workforce-index- 2020/states/texas/); and WHEREAS, a shortage of childcare options has a severe and detrimental effect on the Austin economy, with lack of access to childcare being one of the primary reasons why people delay or avoid seeking employment; and WHEREAS, a recent report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Texas Chamber of Business and Industry, and Early Matters indicates that poor options for childcare in the State of Texas costs our state economy an estimated $9.39 billion annually (https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/article/building-strong-foundations-future). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council requests that the Austin City Council pass a resolution acknowledging that workers in the childcare field in Austin are essential workers who have experienced serious burdens and stress over the past few years, and are deserving of admiration and gratitude for their service to our community; and FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council encourages the Austin City Council to identify ways to alleviate the financial burden that is leading to the increasing displacement of these essential …
20220112-3ai: Recommendation to acknowledge child care workers as essential workers and express gratitude...throughout the COVID-19 pandemic — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20220112-3ai: Recommendation to acknowledge child care workers as essential workers and express gratitude for their service to the Austin community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic WHEREAS, Austin's housing and property values have increased dramatically in recent years; and WHEREAS, essential workers in the childcare industry are finding it nearly impossible to live in Austin with the rapidly increasing cost of living, especially in the housing market; and WHEREAS, the displacement of these essential workers to suburban and exurban communities will have long-term, harmful impacts on childcare options in Austin; and WHEREAS, Austin has long suffered from a severe shortage of affordable, quality childcare options; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted Austin’s child care industry, leading to the permanent closure of untold numbers of childcare facilities; and WHEREAS, according to a 2021 NAECY survey, in Texas, 86% of child care centers are experiencing a staffing shortage. Further, 53% of programs impacted by staffing shortages are serving fewer children; 33% have a longer waitlist; 35% are unable to open classrooms; and 20% have reduced their operating hours (https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/user- 74/naeyc_survey_statedatawithquotes_sep2021.pdf); and WHEREAS, according to the Center for Study of Child Care Employment, The poverty rate for early educators working in the childcare industry in Texas is 18.6%, nearly twice as high as for Texas workers in general (9.7%) with a median wage of $10.15 (https://cscce.berkeley.edu/workforce-index- 2020/states/texas/); and WHEREAS, a shortage of childcare options has a severe and detrimental effect on the Austin economy, with lack of access to childcare being one of the primary reasons why people delay or avoid seeking employment; and WHEREAS, a recent report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Texas Chamber of Business and Industry, and Early Matters indicates that poor options for childcare in the State of Texas
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, January 12, 2022 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MINUTES The Early Childhood Council (ECC) convened on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse, Vice Chair Worthington, Council Members Alvarez, Demby, Hedrick, Huston, Paver, Schennum, and Wren Staff in attendance: Rachel Farley, Michelle Rodriguez CALL TO ORDER – Chair McHorse called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. Introductions of all members. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizen communication. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from November 10, 2021, meeting – Member Huston moved to approve the minutes from the November 10, 2021, regular meeting. The minutes were approved by a vote of 9-0. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Review and discuss Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s response to the ECC memo approved at the November 10, 2021, meeting Chair McHorse summarized the steps the ECC has taken to understand barriers to accessing the child care system. In May 2021, community members provided public comment on the challenges they have had with navigating the system. ECC then invited Workforce Solutions (WFS) Capital Area to present at an ECC meeting in 2021. In November 2021, the ECC responded to the WFS presentation with a memo with specific requests to WFS. WFS responded in December 2021 and the response was discussed at an ECC Policy Workgroup meeting in January 2022. Last week, the Policy Workgroup sent a letter to WFS with follow-up questions. The WFS response to the Policy Workgroup letter includes the following updates: • Data spreadsheet of customer responses to survey- 2018 to present • Launched their texting feature to communicate with families in 2021 • Training on trauma informed care, team culture, and communications are scheduled for staff • Working on training videos in English and Spanish to help parents navigate system • All flyers for special projects/funding are available in English and Spanish • Online application form is available in at least 100 languages • New workflow system launched in October 2021 • Provider payment portal being discussed to ensure there are not security vulnerabilities • Tiger Team meetings are set to resume January/February 2022 • Created and convening a workgroup under a new contract with the City Members discussed the information provided by WFS. Vice Chair Worthington would like to know more about the survey and the steps WFS takes to remedy application errors. Council Member Tovo’s office told Chair McHorse that Austin Public Health has included expectations over …