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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 08 14 Regular 305 Early Learning Coalition CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS 081406_ COMM _Regular _305_ Early _ Learning_Coalition_Funding Page 1 of 1 COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 305 Regular August 14, 2006 Regular Meeting Mgr. / Dept. Authorization REQUEST: City Manager requesting the City Commission to consider the request of the Seminole County Early Learning Coalition's request for FY 07 funding. PURPOSE: This agenda item is needed for the Commission to decide if it desires to continue funding to the Early Learning Coalition. CONSIDERATIONS: On December 12, 2005 the City Commission approved a supplemental appropriation for the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County in the amount of $7,150. It was my understanding that this was to be a one time contribution based upon a possibility of the State increasing funding. However, the Legislature refused to increase funding for FY 07. However, the Coalition is requesting funds for FY 07 in the amount of $7,500. FUNDING: The Commission would need to add this to the FY 07 Budget for General Fund appropriations under the Commission budget. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Commission take one of the following actions. 1. Delay action on this matter and add it to the Commission's planning list for budget consideration. 2. Approve the item now and have staff to add it to the Commission budget. ATTACHMENTS: 1. May 31 and July 24, 2006 letters from the Early Learning Coalition. 2. December 12, 2005 Commission minutes. COMMISSION ACTION: Karen Willis, F.xecutive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Michael Gotschall, Chair ASWM. FA Edwin Wright, Vice Chair Embarq Brent Adamson, Treasurer Rich Phn Tamara Tener, Fast Chair Tener Family Child Care Shannon Chambley First Years Preschool and Kindergarten Velma Wtlliams. Ph.D. Commissioner. City o{Sanford Coalition Member.. Sylvester Chang Chang's Car Care Eli7.abeth Dorworth Dorworth Propert)' Group Patricia Frank Community Coordir.ated Care fir (JJildren Joyce Hinton WorkfOrce Cmtrai f10rida Bob O'Malley MetroPhn Orhnd() Larry Martin, Ph.D. University of Central Florida M.arjorie Murray Seminole County PublI.'c Schools Roger Popp Head Start Chervl Salmon Depamnent afChildren & Families Dr. Linda Stone Develapmental Center fOr ["ft.nts and Children at Arnold Palmer Medical Center Suzanne Tesinsky Seminole Community College Dick Van Der Weide Commissionel; BOtlrd of County Commissioners Rosemary Zigmood Seminole County Health Dcpartmmt EARL.}," LE/~~RNI~C C()Al.IT~():< ()f SEMI -----;:;::., heg/J:!li,';gs fi1,i: C /;f('t;n:c~ July 24, 2006 The Honorable John F. Bush Mayor City of Winter Springs 1126 State Road 434 Winter Springs, FL 32708 Dear Mayor Bush: Please consider this as follow up to the May 31, 2006 letter submitted on behalf of the Early Learning Coalition by Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C). In that letter, the City of Winter Springs is asked to contribute $7,500 towards the local dollars needed to pull down over $4 Million in federal childcare funds for working poor families. Considering that each local dollar brings almost $16.00 in federal funds, the return to our community of over $117,000 makes this an extraordinary investment of City funds. And as an added benefit, your entire contribution will be used solely for the direct cost of childcare. The Coalition does not retain any local dollars for administration or any other service-related expenses. Last year, the parents of over 3,761 Seminole County children were able to go to work knowing their children were in a safe and healthy environment. These parents, who make up our community's low wage workforce, are dependent on subsided childcare to make ends meet. Your support this year will allow these vulnerable families to remain part of the economic fabric of our community. We are pleased to respond to any questions and look forward to your affirmative response. 6 Sincer~(' . .-- /.'. ,// / / / // // ,.. // '// " / /;; //" ~a:;~lwinf~:< C~DP'c,' Executive Director CC: Commissioner Robert S. Miller Commissioner Donald A. Gilmore Commissioner Joanne M. Krebs Commissioner Michael S. Blake Commissioner Sally McGinnis / Ronald McLemore, City Manager 239 Rinehart Road Lake Marv, FL 32/46 407.871.1101 phone. 407.871.1100 fax. U'ww...eminoleea,'lylearning.org fun.ded in part b..,v the Agerll.:V for 1Vorkforce Innovation. Office of Ear!.)' Learning 4C receives funding in full or in part from the following: City of Altamonte Springs City of Kissimmee City of Orlando City of St. Cloud Florida Department of Children & Families Florida Department of Health Heart of Florida United Way Orange County Government Orange County Citizens' Commission for Children Orange County Citizens' Review Panel Osceola Board of County Commissioners Seminole County School Board The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County I AWl The Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County I AWl U.S. Department of Health and Human Services IAWI Orange 3500 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (407) 522-2252 Fax: (407) 445-7341 Community Coordinated Care For Children, Inc. Central Florida's Most Trusted Family and Children's Resource www.4ccentralflorida.org May 31, 2006 RECEIVED JUN 0 1 2006 Ronald McLemore, City Manager City of Winter Springs 1126 E. S.R. 434 Winter Springs, FL 32708 CITY OF WjNTaR SPRINGS City Managltr C L K0l.. D.\ .. \~ ~, \, Dear Mr. McLemore: As the City of Winter Springs makes plans for the 2006-2007 budget year, Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc. (4C), at the request of the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole (Coalition), is asking for your support for children from working families in need. On behalf of the 239 Winter Springs city residents who received child care and financial assistance in 2005, it is our hope that the City of Winter Springs will consider a contribution of$7,500 to be used to draw down State matching funds. Every dollar 4C raises for the Early Learning Program draws down $15.67 in State dollars. Your much-needed assistance will help the Coalition and 4C to continue the effort to provide low- income children with the quality care tools they need to begin school ready to learn. If the required local match dollars are not raised, nearly 500 Seminole County children could potentially face disenrollment. For 37 years 4C has been helping low-income working families achieve self- sufficiency by overcoming financial barriers to quality early learning child care programs. Child care financial assistance and related early care and learning services enable low-income working families to accept and retain stable employment knowing that their children are cared for in a safe and loving environment learning invaluable skills that will help assure their future success. Since its inception in 1969, 4C has continued to fulfill its mission, "to empower the community to provide for its future through developing, coordinating and strengthening programs that care for children." The National League of Cities (NLC) survey of officials from 501 cities nationwide shows that municipalities such as yours are dedicating funds to early childhood development programs. The top five reasons community leaders gave for this shift in funding are: . When children enter school healthy and ready to learn, they are more likely to achieve better grades and have fewer behavioral problems (74%); . When children have positive early childhood experiences, they have a reduced chance of becoming juvenile delinquents (74%); . When children have positive early childhood experiences, their likelihood of needing social services as adults is reduced (66%); Osceola Seminole 2232-2236 Bronson Hwy. Kissimmee, FL 34741 (407) 846-5311 Fax: (407) 846-5307 1414 Celery Avenue Sanford, FL 32771 (407) 324-9999 Fax: (407) 342-4185 . When quality, affordable child care is available to working parents, they often experience improved job performance and economic stability (64%); and "It's the right thing to do"; a moral responsibility to take care of young children exists (60%). The future costs of low-income children being unprepared to enter school can be extreme. For every year a child lives in poverty, the child's future productivity decreases by $9,000. Cost-benefits analysts estimate that for every dollar spent on quality preschool, the community saves more than $7 in future costs. Furthermore, according to the NLC, "If working families do not get the help they need.. .their problems eventually land on the cities' doorstep through growing homelessness, uncompensated care in public clinics and hospitals, and rising demands on soup kitchens." Your contribution will make a significant and positive impact for the neediest of citizens in our community by helping to maintain at-risk children in programs that prepare them for a better future while helping their parents maintain employment and remain contributing members to the community's economy. Your support is critically needed. Please join us in "caring for our future today." Sincerely, C ~ 'i'. // ')~ ", . . --// _-:~.. .-......... '--"'_'~" Leslie H t-Delllll:> -Resource Development Mall ger cc: Karen Willis, Executive Director, Early Learning Coalition of Seminole CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING - DECEMBER 12,2005 PAGE 6 OF 23 VOTE: DEPUTY MAYOR BLAKE: AYE COMMISSIONER MILLER: AYE COMMISSIONER McGINNIS: AYE COMMISSIONER KREBS: AYE COMMISSIONER GILMORE: AYE MOTION CARRIED. REGULAR 301. Office Of The Mayor Requesting The Commission Reconsider Its Decision To Deny Approval Of Funding For The Early Learning Coalition Of Seminole County. Mayor Bush commented on this Agenda Item. Ms. Karen Willis, Executive Director, Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County, 239 Rhinehart Road, Lake Mary, Florida: addressed the City Commission on this issue. Discussion. Ms. Willis stated, "We would appreciate any support we could get with our State Legislative Delegation." Mayor Bush stated "Yes, 1 think that is something we should take up with the [Florida] League of Cities." Commissioner Joanne M. Krebs noted, "I do too." Mayor Bush added, "Definitely in this coming Legislative Session." "I MOVE THAT WE FUND THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION IN THE AMOUNT OF SEVEN THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS ($7,150.00) FOR ONE YEAR - TO END IN THE YEAR [20]'06." MS. WILLIS NOTED, "JUNE [20]'06." MOTION BY COMMISSIONER McGINNIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GILMORE. DISCUSSION. VOTE: COMMISSIONER McGINNIS: AYE COMMISSIONER MILLER: NAY COMMISSIONER KREBS: AYE COMMISSIONER GILMORE: AYE DEPUTY MAYOR BLAKE: AYE MOTION CARRIED. Date: August 14, 2006 The attached document was distributed to the City Commission during Regular Agenda Item "305" at the August 14, 2006 City Commission Regular Meeting. Early Learning Coalition of Seminole 2004 - 2005 Fiscal Year Annual Report Early learning Coalition of Seminole 2004-2005 Annual Report Page 2 Vision and Mission Statement The Vision of the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole is for every Seminole County child to enter school ready and prepared to learn. Our Mission is to be the recognized authority in Seminole County for information regarding high quality school readiness and child care services which allow parents to make informed choices when selecting childcare providers. The Coalition will make informed decisions when faced with funding service investments. We carry out our mission through collaborative partnerships with early education and care professionals and concerned community leaders to: . enhance the quality of school readiness services in Seminole County . promote community awareness of critical factors regarding early learning . provide scholarships for eligible Seminole County children to attend child care centers with proven standards . oversee the successful implementation of the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program Idalia Nunez History of the Coalition Incorporated in 2000, the Early Learning Coalition is recognized by the State of Florida as the local policy body, under Florida Statute, responsible for overseeing school readiness, childcare services and the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program in Seminole County. Comprised of a board of 23 community lead- ers, the Coalition works collaboratively with its key service broker and a network of over 300 public and private providers to ensure children from birth to 5 years of age receive high quality, developmentally appropriate services grounded in the skills needed to en- ter school ready to learn. To the extent resources allow, the Coalition also funds before and after school services for children under the age of 13. Coalition Staff Karen Willis, CWDP Executive Director karen@seminoleschoolreadiness.org Leonardo Almanza Fiscal Specialist leonardo@seminoleschoolreadiness.org Linda LaFitte, MEd Quality Enhancement Specialist linda@seminoleschoolreadiness.org Executive Assistant idalia@seminoleschoolreadiness.org Debby Torres Director of Community Mfairs deb bY@seminoleschoolreadiness.org Early learning Coalition of Seminole 2004-2005 Annual Report Page 3 What does the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole do? The Coalition does not deliver services directly. Rather we oversee the delivery of ser- vices via contract with Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C): . Child Care Resource and Referral- a professionally staffed, comprehensive data- base of area childcare providers. Available to any parent in need of childcare services, CCR&R allows parents to customize their childcare provider search and access informa- tion regarding factors associated with quality care. . Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten - a program instituted by state legislature providing two options; 540 hours of instruction during the school year or 300 hours of instruction during the summer. The program is available to all 4 years who are residents of the State of Florida at no charge. The Coalition oversees the funding for this program and children are registered and directed to participating providers by 4C. . Simplified Point of Entry and Subsidized Childcare Wait List - a "one stop shop" for parents seeking childcare subsidies. While many of our providers offer pre- liminary screening intended to identify potential low income families, the Coalition maintains a single official access point for all families seeking financial subsidies. Mter a family is determined eligible, qualifying children are placed on a waitlist according to Coalition priority. Once funding is available, parents of priority children are contacted. . Eligibility Determination for Childcare Subsidies and Childcare Slot Budget Forecasting - a process intended to ensure public resources are invested according to state and federal law. Prior to receiving a voucher, all families must present documen- tation to substantiate income, child age, and work status. A 50% random sample is con- ducted monthly, to ensure continued eligibility. A monthly forecast is presented and managed by the Coalition Executive Director under the supervision of the Coalition's Fi- nance Committee to ensure full utilization of Coalition resources. . Childcare Provider Recruitment, Provider Agreement Management, Pro- gram Evaluation, and Technical Assistance - the process used to ensure adequate availability of childcare options and quality. The Coalition works with both start-up and established providers to expand supply when demand exceeds available openings. Those providers willing to accept Coalition subsidies sign an agreement outlining specific qual- ity indicators, receive an on-site program review, and can access technical assistance to enhance childcare services. . Child care Provider Mini-grants, Training/Conference Scholarships and In- centives -used to advance provider credentials, promote accreditation, and share best practices. Annually the Coalition releases applications for small grants for provider- directed projects and conference scholarships. These are open to any provider in Semi- nole County, although the Coalition gives special consideration to those accepting Coali- tion - funded children. Early Learning Coalition of Seminole 2004-2005 Annual Report Early Learning Coalition of Seminole 2004-2005 Annual Report Subsidized Childcare Outcomes and Achievements Early Learning Coalition of Seminole 2004-2005 Annual Report Subsidized Childcare Outcome and Achievements Early Learning Coalition of Seminole 2004-2005 Annual Report Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Outcomes and Achievements Board of Directors 2004-2005 Fiscal Year 239 Rinehart Road Lake Mary, Florida 32746 Phone: 407-871-1101 Fax: 407-871-1100 Early Learning Coalition of Seminole Winter Springs City Commission Meeting August 14, 2006 Match Generation · Changes in the state budget have sufficiently increased the dollars we must raise. For the past two years the Coalition has been required to raise $100,000 more than in previous years to fulfill our match requirement. - $100,000 represents $1.57 million in funding. · The Early Learning Coalition of Seminole has approached each of the Municipalities in the County requesting a contribution of matching funds in the amount of $7, 500. - Each contribution would provide $117, 450 to help keep low income families working. - The City of Oviedo has already committed this amount. The Coalition is scheduled to present to the other municipalities in the upcoming weeks. Who is the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole? The Early Learning Coalition of Seminole is recognized by the State of Florida as the local policy body, under Florida statute, responsible for: - Providing funding to subsidize the cost of child care for children of low income, working parents. - Increasing the quality of early education in child care programs. - Overseeing the implementation of the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program. The mission of the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole is to ensure all children receive QUALITY early education services and programs so that they can succeed in school and in life. Current Budget · The Coalition's current budget is $8.96 million for subsidized child care (funding for the children of low income, working parents). - We project the need for matching funds in excess of $285,000. - Each dollar received is matched at about $16.00 by federal funds. · Our budget for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten which is available to all 4 year olds regardless of income is $11.45 million of which match is NOT required. Working Poor Served by Subsidized Child Care · During the 2005 - 2006 Fiscal Year there were 214 individual children of the Winter Springs working poor receiving subsidized child care. · As of July 2006 there were currently 106 Winter Springs children participating in subsidized child care funded by the Coalition and we expect that number to rise. Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) · Although match does not directly correlate to VPK funding, the statistics as to children served in Winter Springs are impressive. - During the 2005 - 2006 Fiscal Year there were 371 Winter Springs children enrolled in the program. · Currently there are 14 sites offering 31 classrooms operating in Winter Springs. - This equates to 434 slots for Winter Springs four year aids to participate in free Prekindergarten to increase school readiness. Statistics on School Readiness · While Seminole County itself has higher School Readiness scores, based on standardized testing, than the state average (820/0 of Kindergarteners rate "ready" statewide while 840/0 rate ready in Seminole) the City of Winter Springs falls well below both the State and County averages with the same school readiness tests reporting that only 71 % of Winter Springs kindergarteners are ready for school. · This proves that while Coalition services are reaching many children, there is still much work to be done. What are the Benefits of Quality Child Care? High quality child care and early learning have been found to help children ACHIEVE: - Increased graduation rates - Significantly higher levels of schooling - Higher levels of literacy Participants in quality early care and education programs demonstrate LOWER: - % of participants receiving social services - Arrest rates (juvenile and adults) - Rate of violent crimes - Grade retention and need for remediation or special education programs Participants in quality early care and education programs demonstrate HIGHER: - Monthly earnings - Rates of home ownership Employment rates Contact Karen Willis Executive Director Early Learning Coalition of Seminole Phone: 407-871-1104 karen@seminoleschoolreadiness.org website: www.seminoleearlylearning.org Times have Changed More than 60% of parents work outside the home. The demand for high quality child care and early learning programs has increased. Parents want want is best for their children but also have to balance competing demands of work, family responsibilites and limited budgets. Where children spend their time, what they do, and with whom they spend it is an important decision. It is one decision, however, that families do not have to make alone. What did you want to be when you grew up. Early Learning Coalition if Seminole 239 Rinehard Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746 WE CARE The Early Learning Coalition of Seminole is comprised of community leaders who: work to determine the needs of young children in the community develop plans to ensure children are ready for school evaluate the quality of early childhood services provided administer funding for Florida's FREE Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program available to all Seminole County children who are four-years-old on or before September 1st. administer funding for the school readiness program which provides assistance for low-to-moderate income working families by paying a portion of the child care costs on a sliding fee schedule. . help families make informed choices of their child's early care provider . coordinate training for child care and early learning providers . monitor the community's progress in helping every child become ready for school CAN WE HELP? The Coalition works to ensure that programs and services are available to assist families with young children during their formative years. Information on programs available, how to choose and use quality child care and early learning services are only a phone call or mouse click away. For information or help in choosing quality child care, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, school readiness or early learning programs, call: (407) 324-9999, ext. 4414 or (407) 522-2252, ext. 4292 or visit us online: www.seminoleeorlyleorning.org What they learn today will shape their future. COALITION FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COALITION, CAll: (407) 871-1101 Funded in part by the Agenry for Workforce Innovation, Office of Early Learning What they learn today will shape their future. Funded in part by the Agency for Workforce Innovation, Office of Early Learning For information or help in choosing quality chil care, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, school readiness or early learning programs, call: 407-324-9999 ext 4414 or 407-522-2252, ext 4292 or visit us online: www.seminoleearlylearning.org lips on Reading to Children Begin reading simple books to infants. They will associate reading and books with positive experiences with warm, nurturing adults. Introduce the book by reading the title, author and illustrator. Expand vocabulary by explaining terms and words they may not understand such as author and ill ustrator. Young children love repetition and will ask to read the same book numerous times. This is very appropriate and an important step in developing pre-reading skills. Expand critical thinking skills by asking questions such as, "what would happen if. . ." and allow children to imagine different scenarios and endings. Enjoy! Adults who enjoy reading will transfer their enthusiasm and love of reading to children. Today trading toys. Tomorrow trading stocks. WHAT THEY LEARN TODAY WILL SHAPE THIER FUTURE. Early childhood matters. Quality experiences during the first five years of a child's life provide the foundation for success in school and charts the course for the future. For help in choosing a quality child care program or preschool contact 407-324-9999 ext 4414 or 407-522-2252 ext 4292 or visit us online www.seminoleearlylearning.org