HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 12 12 Regular 301
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
121205_ COMM_REgu1ar_Agenda_Item_30 I _ Coalition_RequesCFor_Funding
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COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 301
Consent
Informational
Public Hearin
Re ular
x
Mgr.
(l- / Dept.
AuthorIzatIOn
December 12. 2005
Regular Meeting
REQUEST: Mayor Bush requesting the Commission reconsider its decision to deny approval of
funding for the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County.
PURPOSE: This agenda item is needed for the Commission to reconsider its decision to deny
approval of funding for the Early Leaning Coalition of Seminole County.
CONSIDERA TIONS:
On November 14, 2005 the Commission voted to reject the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole
County request for funding in the amount of $7,150.
On November 15, 2005 a letter was sent to the Coalition advising them of the Commission's decision.
Apparently, the Coalition believes that by clarifying the fact that the Coalition is not a charitable
organization that the Commission will change its position.
FUNDING: This is not budgeted and would require a supplemental appropriation in the amount of
$7,150.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Commission reconsider the request of the Early Learning Coalition of
Seminole County and make a decision it deems appropriate.
A TT ACHMENTS:
1. Karen Willis, Director, Early Learning Coalition Letter of November 28, 2005.
2. City Manager Letter of November 15, 2005.
3. Board of County Commissioners, Carlton Henley, Chairman Letter of October 10,2005.
COMMISSION ACTION:
REC-:"'F~D
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MJ~ 3 0 2005
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
~: m/cc/un/CA-/~i(
239 Rinehart Road
lake Maryt Fl 32746
Phone: 407-871-1101
Fax: 407-871-1100
EARLY LEARNING
COALITION OF SEMINOLE
November 28, 2005
John Bush, Mayor
Robert Miller, Commissioner
Michael Blake, Commissioner
Donald Gilmore, Commissioner
Sally McGinnis, Commissioner
Joanne Krebs, Commissioner
City of Winter Springs
1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Attn: Ronald W. McLemore, City Manager
Dear Mayor and Commission Members:
We are in receipt of Mr. McLemore's letter to Commissioner Henley dated November 15,
2005. The letter stated that the decision to decline our request for matching funds is due to
the Commission's policy related to funding charitable organizations. Please consider this
letter as evidence that the Commission's charitable organization funding policy should not be
applied to the Seminole Coalition.
The Coalition was formed in 1999 by state legislation. Our charge at that time was to
~versee the newly merged subsidized childcare program for working poor families delivered
by private providers and the early intervention program delivered by Seminole County Public
Schools. In 2005, the Coalition's duties were expanded by state legislation to oversee the
new voluntary pre-kindergarten program.
Membership on the Coalition is set via Florida Statute as is the funding formula used to
distribute dollars to local Coalitions. The amount of matching funds to be generated for the
subsidized childcare program is also set by the state legislature.
The Coalition is the only entity that can receive funds on behalf of these critical programs, yet
we have no say in matters related to funding. Succinctly put, the Coalition must either raise
the required local match or forfeit dollars needed to help low-income children get ready for
school and to keep working poor families on the job.
Should the Coalition fail to raise the balance of the required match the impact on these
vulnerable families will be grave. As early as Janu~ry 2006, the Coalition could be faced with
www.seminoleearlylearning.org
The Coalition is funded in part by the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation Office of Early Learning
City of Winter Springs Mayor and Commission Members
November 28, 2005
Page 2
a $1.1 million reduction in funding which would mean a loss of services to over 350 children.
Thjs Joss of chjJdcare servjces affects more than the workjng poor famjJjes of SemjnoJe
County. It impacts the local businesses these parents work for and the community as a
whole. Your commitment of $7,150 safeguards over $114,000 of this $1.1 million.
Currently the Cities of Altamonte, Longwood, Oviedo, and Sanford have all answered our call
for matching funds. We will also renew our request to the City of Lake Mary who indicated
the potential for reconsideration after the first of the year.
I implore you to reconsider the applicability of your charitable organization funding policy in
regards to the Coalition. Should you need any further information to reevaluate our request, I
would be pleased for the opportunity to address the Commission at your next meeting.
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 407-871-1104 or via cell at 407-247-9546.
cc. Commissioner Carlton Henley, Founding Member
Mike Gotschall, Coalition Chair
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, Florida 32708
Telephone: 407-327-5957-l-'acsimile: 407-327-6686
Ronald W. McLemore
City Manager
November 15, 2005
Carlton Henley, Chairman
Board of County Commissioners
1101 East First Street
Sanford, FL 32771
Dear Chairman Henley:
This letter is to advise you that the City Commission voted unanimously to reject your
request for a contribution in the amount of $7, 150 for the Early Learning Coalition.
This decision was made in light of the Commission's long standing policy to refrain from
making monetary contributions to charitable organizations.
Although the Commission has responded from time to time to local community based
volunteer organizations, most of these responses have been ill the form of individual
personal donations.
If you need any further information regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me at
your converuence.
Sincerely,
/(Cr~j tv: 1J/~r~tf
,
Ronald W. McLemore
City Manager
Ijp
cc: Mayor and Commission
Karen Willis, Executive Director, Early Learning Coalition
C:\Documents and Sellings\jpalladino\Local Sellings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK II D\Early Learning Coalition Request for
Donation4.doc
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
October 10, 2005
RECEI"ED
OCT 1 2 2005
Ronald McLemore
City Manager
City of Winter Springs
1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, FL 32708
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
City Manager
Dear Mr. McLemore:
Annually over $9 Million flows into Seminole County from federal coffers to fund early
education and childcare services for children from low-income families. As a member of
the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole, the group that is charged to oversee this
money, I know first hand how critical these dollars are to our most impoverished
9hildren.
One-third of these funds are tied to a federal match ratio of $16.00 for every $1.00 raised
locally. Historically the match requirement has been $182,000. Annually, the Seminole
County Commission has committed $75,000 and the balance has come from Heart of
Florida United Way, the City of Altamonte, and several other periodic contributors.
This year a totally unexpected change in state budget proviso language requires the
Early Learning Coalition to raise at least $50,000 more which brings our total local match
requirement to $232,000. We do intend to work with our state legislative delegation to
amend this language during the next session. In the interim, however, we need to raise
these dollars to ensure children of low-income working parents have access to safe, high
quality early education and childcare services.
The purpose of this letter is to ask each municipality to contribute $7,150 towards
bridging this unexpected gap.
I am available for questions as is the Coalition's Executive Director Karen Willis. I can
be reached at 407-665-7201. Karen can be reached at 407-871-1104 or via cell at 407-
247-9546.
Your timely consideration of this request is appreciated. On behalf of the Coalition and
Seminole County low-income families, I look forward to your affirmative response.
Sincerely,
(!adAvL4.
Carlton Henley, Chairman
Board of County Commissioners
Founding Member, Early Learning Coalition of Seminole
1101 EAST FIRST STREET SANFORD FL 32771-1468 TELEPHONE (407) 665-7219 FAX (407) 665-7958
Date: December 12, 2005
The following document was provided by Ms.
Karen Willis on December 12, 2005 during
"Regular '301 ' ."
EAi~k~3~ LEAii~iNG
239 Rinehart Road
lake Mary, Fl32746
Phone: 407-871-1101
Fax: 407-871-1100
CCiiLlorIGN Of SE!\~rr~D'LE
November 28, 2005
John Bush, Mayor
Robert Miller, Commissioner
Michael Blake, Commissioner
Donald Gilmore, Commissioner
Sally McGinnis, Commissioner
Joanne Krebs, Commissioner
City of Winter Springs
1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, FL 32708
v1 J r~. ~~i tJ/~.
(jJ1\ 1 Al
VJ,IJ).A' '
Attn: Ronald W. McLemore, City Manager
Dear Mayor and Commission Members:
We are in receipt of Mr. McLemore's letter to Commissioner Henley dated November 15,
2005. The letter stated that the decision to decline our request for matching funds is due to
the Commission's policy related to funding charitable organizations. Please consider this
letter as evidence that the ~_o.~l]1ission's cfJpritable organilation fu,.QP4cy should not be
applied to the Seminole Coalition.
The Coalition was formed in 1999 by state legislation. Our charge at that time was to
oversee the newly merged subsidized childcare program for working poor families delivered
by private providers and the early intervention program delivered by Seminole County Public
Schools. In 2005, the Coalition's duties were expanded by state legislation to oversee the
new voluntary pre-kindergarten program.
Membership on the Coalition is set via Florida Statute as is the funding formula used to
distribute dollars to local Coalitions. The amount of matching funds to be generated for the
subsidized childcare program is also set by the state legislature.
The Coalition is the only entity that can receive funds on behalf of these critical programs, yet
we have no say in matters related to funding. Succinctly put, the Coalition must either raise
the required local match or forfeit dollars needed to help low-income children get ready for
school and to keep working poor families on the job.
,
Should the Coalition fail to raise the balance of the required match the impact on these
vulnerable families will be grave. As early as January 2006, the Coalition could be faced with
www.seminoleearlyiearning.org
The Coalition is funded in part by the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation Office of Early Learning
'City of Winter Springs Mayor and Commission Members
November 28, 2005
Page 2
a $1.1 milJion reduction in funding which would mean a loss of services to over 350 children.
This Joss of chjJdcare servjces affects more than the workjng poor famjJjes of SemjnoJe
County. It impacts the local businesses these parents work for and the community as a
whole. Your commitment of $7,150 safeguards over $114,000 ofthis $1.1 million.
Currently the Cities of Altamonte, Longwood, Oviedo, and Sanford have all answered our call
for matching funds. We will also renew our request to the City of Lake Mary who indicated
the potential for reconsideration after the first of the year.
I implore you to reconsider the applicability of your charitable organization funding policy in
regards to the Coalition. Should you need any further information to reevaluate our request, I
would be pleased for the opportunity to address the Commission at your next meeting.
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 407-871-1104 or via cell at 407-247-9546.
Sincerely,
"
./i:~.r,-'-:-/_,/"2<0
_ Karem WifJfs, CWDP
Executive Director
ce. Commissioner Carlton Henley, Founding Member
Mike Gotschall, Coalition Chair
.."
Early Learning Coalition of Seminole Fact Sheet
Winter Springs City Council Meeting
December 12, 2005
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary responsibilities of the Coalition mandated by the legislation are:
. The Coalition provides funding to subsidize the cost of childcare for children
of low income, working parents.
. The Coalition is charged to increase the quality of early education in childcare
programs.
. The Coalition oversees the implementation of the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten
program.
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. Our mission is 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
CURRENT BUDGET
. The Coalition's current budget is 8.9 million dollars for subsidized
childcare (funding for the children of low income, working parents) of
which we project the need for matching funds in the amount of $280,000.
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 9.7 million dollars of which match is not
required.
. With the help of Commissioner Henley we have approached each of the
municipalities in Seminole County.
o At present we have received contributions from Longwood,
Altamonte Springs, Oviedo and Sanford.
1
------------------------------------------ --- ----------------
WORKING POOR MATCH
. The Coalition is required to generate local match to pull down federal
child care subsidy funding.
. Each local dollar generated brings almost $16.00 in federal funding to
provide child care for low income families.
. Changes in the state budget have sufficiently increased the dollars we
must raise. This year we are required to raise $100,000 more than last
year to fulfill our match requirement.
o This $100,000 represents $1.57 million in funding.
. In an effort to reach this goal, and with the support of Commissioner
Henley, the Coalition is approaching each municipality. Our request is a
flat $ 7,150 from each city.
o Each contribution will bring in roughly $114,000 to help keep low
income families working.
VOLUNTARY PRE-KINDERGARTEN (VPK)
. Although match does not directly correlate to VPK funding, the statistics as to
children served in Winter Springs are impressive.
o As of December 8, 2005 there were 232 Winter Springs children
enrolled in the program.
· This represents almost 10 percent of all VPK children enrolled
in the county.
o There are 13 VPK sites offering 26 classrooms operating in Winter
Springs.
STATISTICS
. The following chart shows statistics on children served.
. The statistics show that while we are serving a great number of Winter
Springs children in VPK, it appears we may not be reaching all of the
children of the working poor in the Winter Springs area.
CITY
% OF TOTAL
(WORKING POOR)
CURRENT
17.91
5.98
7.68
4.34
44.24
5.39
3.57
% OF TOTAL (VPK)
CURRENTL Y
ENROLLED
11.65
15.90
8.01
7.61
17.42
9.76
8.83
AL T AMaNTE
OVIEDO
CASSELBERRY
LONGWOOD
SANFORD
WINTER SPRINGS
LAKE MARY
2
,
BOARD MEMBERS
· The Coalition Board of Directors is a public-private partnership composed
of 20 community leaders committed to achieving our vision.
· Three of the Coalition members are community members hand picked
and appointed by the governor.
BOARD MEMBERS
Michael Gotschall, Chair
Edwin Wright, Vice Chair
Brent Adamson, Treasurer
Bob O'Malley
Elizabeth Dorworth
Dick Van Der Weide
Dr. Linda Stone
Patricia Frank
Larry Martin
Tamara Tener
Cheryl Samon
Marjorie Murray
Rosemary Zigmond
M. Brady Lessard
Suzanne Tesinsky
Shannon Chambley
Roger Popp
Sylvester Chang
Velma Williams
Joyce Hinton
3
BOARD Of COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
';lOiHDA'i NATUkAl. CH(;iCI
October 10, 2005
Ronald McLemore
City Manager
City of Winter Springs
1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Dear Mr. McLemore:
Annually over $9 Million flows into Seminole County from federal coffers to fund early
education and childcare services for children from low-income families. As a member of
the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole, the group that is charged to oversee this
money, I know first hand how critical these dollars are to our most impoverished
children.
One-third of these funds are tied to a federal match ratio of $16.00 for every $1.00 raised
locally. Historically the match requirement has been $182,000. Annually, the Seminole
County Commission has committed $75,000 and the balance has come from Heart of
Florida United Way, the City of Altamonte, and several other periodic contributors.
This year a totally unexpected change in state budget proviso language requires the
Early Learning Coalition to raise at least $50,000 more which brings our total local match
requirement to $232,000. We do intend to work with our state legislative delegation to
amend this language during the next session. In the interim, however, we need to raise
these dollars to ensure children of low-income working parents have access to safe, high
quality early education and childcare services.
The purpose of this letter is to ask each municipality to contribute $7,150 towards
bridging this unexpected gap.
I am available for questions as is the Coalition's Executive Director Karen Willis. I can
be reached at 407-665-7201. Karen can be reached at 407-871-1104 or via cell at 407-
247-9546.
Your timely consideration of this request is appreciated. On behalf of the Coalition and
Seminole County low-income families, I look forward to your affirmative response.
Sincerely,
(!arLAvL4
Carlton Henley, Chairman
Board of County Commissioners
Founding Member, Early Learning Coalition of Seminole
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Introduction
Early Learning
Coalition of Seminole
2004 - 2005 Fiscal Year
Annual Report
For everything there is a season, and what a season it was. The begin-
ning of the 2004 - 2005 fiscal year saw the impact of no less than three
I major hurricanes in Seminole County. These hurricanes affected the
! homes, businesses and families of many in our community, including
. those in our provider network. In a time of uncertainty, parents
needed care, children needed routine, and our providers needed imme-
diate help to reestablish normalcy. We were there to offer financial sup-
port by providing over $21,000 in disaster relief grants.
Just like the old Timex commercial, "we took a lickin' but kept on
tickin." And the year that began with a bang didn't slow as the months
progressed.
Not only was the weather rocky, but the Coalition itself experienced
several changes. Probably the most evident is our name. In January
we formally adopted the public identifier "Early Learning Coalition of
Seminole", a change brought about to more clearly express our commit-
ment to early education for children ages birth to five. Our existing
board was restructured, and in April we welcomed new board leader-
ship appointed by the governor. We also made preparations to transi-
tion our contracted staff to full time employees.
We adopted seven curricula for use in school readiness-funded class-
rooms. Each of these were showcased at a provider fair and culminated
in hands-on training in the curriculum of choice. At the same time we
adopted and provided training on Lollipop, a diagnostic test, to help determine how successfully low-income 4
year olds were being prepared for kindergarten.
We were one of the first counties in Florida to launch the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program. Our staff, in
conjunction with 4C, diligently provided technical assistance and hosted numerous forums to explain the
brand new procedures and processes to our provider network. Both providers and parents applauded the
hard work and design behind the implementation of the program.
We are proud of the unprecedented successes experienced in 2004-2005 but know the job is not yet done. We
will begin the 2005 - 2006 fiscal year without an increase in funding for low income families and with the
challenge to double the amount of local matching funds required to maintain level funding. Nonetheless we
will rise to the occasion on behalf of Seminole County children.
We offer our thanks and appreciation to our faithful supporters. We welcome comments and questions from
old and new friends alike.
Michael Gotschall
Coalition Chair
Tamara Tener
Coalition Past Chair
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 deGisions 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
Coalition Staff
Karen Willis, CWDP
Executive Director
karen@seminoleschoolreadiness.org
Leonardo Almanza
Fiscal Specialist
leonardo@seminoleschoolreadiness.org
i
Linda LaFitte, MEd
Quality Enhancement Specialist
linda@seminoleschoolreadiness.org
I
Idalia Nunez
~
Executive Assistant
idalia@seminoleschoolreadiness.org
Debby Torres
Director of Community Mfairs
debby@seminoleschoolreadiness.org
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.
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
Page 4
Special Initiatives
Curriculum Fair and Trainings - the Coalition rolled out
approved curriculum for providers serving subsidized chil-
dren. A curriculum fair was hosted in January 2005 to high-
light the seven approved curricula. Following the fair, the
Coalition offered curriculum trainings in April, May and
June. Providers attended the training at no cost and received
basic curriculum to use back at their sites. Over 300 teachers
from 120 providers benefited from participating in the train-
mgs.
KinderKamp - in collaboration with Seminole County
Public Schools the Coalition offered a 2-week summer
initiative for incoming kindergarteners from low-
income families that introduced these students to the
kindergarten environment, helping to ease the trans i-
Providers participating in Curriculum training tion to school.
share their best practices with one another. Provider Mini-Grant Program the Coalition
. . funded competitive applications to support provider
initiated projects and to promote accreditation and CDA credentials. New this year was $45,000
in grants provided to accredited and licensed providers for program enhancement supplies and other
classroom materials.
Conference and Training Scholarships - the Coalition invested over $7,000 in support of
scholarships to the ECA and FFCCHA state conferences.
Coalition Approved 4-year-old Pre/Post Test - the Coalition selected Lollipop as the 4 year old
assessment tool for subsidized children. Training and assessment tools were made available at no cost.
Over 120 providers benefited from this initiative.
SRUSS Drill Down Study - the Coalition commissioned a study through the University of Central Florida
of subsidized 4-year-old children to determine how these children fared on the kindergarten readiness test
(SRUSS) in comparison to children who were not subsidized by the Coalition. The information used in the
study was blended between the Coalition's program subcontractor (4C) and the Seminole County Public
Schools. While the data analysis was not able to satisfy all of the questions presented, the results lead the
Coalition, Seminole County Public Schools, and 4C to move forward to create a task force to ease the flow of
information.
Transition to EFS - the Coalition completed the transfer to the state mandated data processing system de-
spite numerous set backs and delays.
First Annual Early Childhood Conference - in partnership with Seminole Community College the Coali-
tion committed over $4,500 in scholarships for the first ever Early Childhood Conference in Seminole County.
Of the 180 attendees, over 70 percent were from Seminole County.
Disaster Relief - in the wake ofthe three hurricanes, the Coalition provided over $21,000 in disaster relief
grants to providers. The money returned these critical businesses to safe, healthy environments for children.
Funded requests included replacing fences and playground equipment, yard cleanup, and tree removal.
Infant and Toddler Focus - blending hands-on training with key materials and equipment, the Coalition
invested over $40,000 to enhance infant and toddler classrooms and playgrounds. Items included age-
appropriate puppets, CD's, audio listening centers, tables/chairs, fences, and a variety of toys and manipula-
tives. Over $5,500 of these funds were used to purchase books to promote early literacy.
Website Launch - to communicate our mission and accomplishments, the Coalition funded the creation of a
dedicated website to share information and upcoming events with our community and provider network.
Early Learning Coalition of Seminole
2004-2005 Annual Report
Page ;j
Subsidized Childcare Outcomes and Achievements
Overall, the 2004-2005 fiscal year brought a season of success.
~
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Fiscal Accountability
. Coalition Admin - 1.6% (142 K)
. Key Provider Admin - 3% (272 K)
. Childcare Subsidy - 81.9% (7.5 M)
o Quality - 5% (457 K)
. fufantffoddler - 1.1 % (96 K)
. Non-Direct Services - 5.3% (483 K)
. VPK Implementation - 1% (92 K)
o Unexpended. .5% (48 K)
All but $48,000 of the $9,094,070 budget was invested on behalf of Seminole County children.
100 percent of local matching funds were generated.
Coalition administrative expenditures were less than 1.6 percent of total funds available.
Over 81% of total funding was committed to childcare subsidies.
Children by Eligibility Category
1200
Children by Ethnicity
2500
1000
800
600
400
200
o
TANF At Risk TCe Income
Eligible
2000
1500
1000
500
o
Black
White Hispanic Others
· On average the Coalition funded over 2085 children each month for a
total unduplicated count of 4215.
· More than 49 percent of all subsidized children were income eligible and
over 69 percent were minorities.
Early Learning Coalition of Seminole
2004-2005 Annual Report
Subsidized Childcare Outcomes and Achievements
Wait List by Age
.
. This year our provider
network made great strides
towards excellence.
. 22 more providers joined the
network.
. Of the 198 providers, 17
percent were accredited.
. Seminole County Public
Schools attained accredita-
tion through SACS.
. Our program subcontractor,
4C, also renewed their
accreditation.
Page 6
No child identified as
Coalition priority was denied
serVIce.
As of June 2005 there were
424 children on the waitlist.
45 percent of them were not
yet eligible to enter
kindergarten.
.
. Infants
.
. Toddlers
02 Year Olds
. Four Year
Olds
. Five Year
Olds
. School Age
Subsidized Childcare
Provider Type
.
. Gold Seal Centers
. Licensed Centers
o Exempt Centers
o Licensed FCCH
. Registered FCCH
. Informal Care
Early learning Coalition of Seminole
2004-2005 Annual Report
Page 7
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Outcomes and Achievements
On January 2, 2005, Governor Bush signed the statewide Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
program into law. The newly created Office of Early Learning projected 3,750 eligible four year olds
resided in Seminole County would apply for the program. Being one of the first counties in the state to
begin school in August, the Coalition rose to the challenge and contracted with a specialist to assist in
launching this program in less than 180 calendar days.
Provider recruitment began long before the Governor signed the 'bill and the state issued the VPK
Provider application. In November 2004 the Coalition conducted a survey of Seminole County provid-
ers to determine potential interest. That study indicated available slots for children might be a problem.
In February the Coalition culled through available data bases to identify providers who met the VPK
thresholds qualifications and initiated a GIS study to determine where these potential VPK providers
were located. A flurry of surveys followed by individual and group meeting spelled out the legal
provisions of VPK. Every step along the way the Coalition offered assistance to attain licensure, secure
credentials, and meet the myriad of other program requirements.
Simultaneous enrollment of providers and children began in late May immediately following the issu-
ance of application forms and eligibility certificates. Roundups were held for children at several elemen-
tary schools and the Seminole County Public Schools Educational Support Center. The Coalition office
and 4C's Seminole office continued to enroll children on an appointment and walk-in basis. By June 30,
2005 approximately 1700 children had completed the application process and had Certificates of
Eligibility in-hand. Over 100 providers with a combined 2,700 available openings stood ready to accept
those Certificates and begin Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten on August 1st.
.
.
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten by
Provider Type and Number of
Classrooms
. 40 percent of Voluntary
Pre-Kindergarten providers in
Seminole County are
accredited.
. Family Childcare
Homes
. Public Schools
o Private Centers
o Faith Based
Centers
Board of Directors
2004 - 2005 Fiscal Year
Michael Gotschall-Chair (from April 2005)
Alvarez, Sambol, Winthrop & Madson, P A
Tamara Tener- Chair (July 2004-April 2005)
Tener Family Child Care
Mark Rehder - Vice Chair (July 2004-February 2005)
Seminole County Sheriff Department
Stacie Webster-Vice Char (from February 2005)
The Sign Man
Barry Gainer- Treasurer (July 2004-November 2004)
Deco Blinds
Brent Adamson- Treasurer (from November 2004)
Rich-United Corporation
Shannon Chambley
First Years Pre-school & Kindergarten
Sylvester Chang
Chang's Car Care
Elizabeth Dorworth
Dorworth Property Group
Gary Earl
Workforce Central Florida
Jennifer Finch
Litigation Life Support, Inc.
Patricia Frank
Community Coordinated Care for Children
Carlton Henley
Commissioner, Seminole County
Pamela Mann
Esteem, Inc.
239 Rinehart Road
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: 407-871-1101
Fax: 407-871-1100
Ready for School.
Ready for Life.
Jeanne Morris
EARLY LEARNING
COALITION OF SEMINOLE
Seminole County School Board
Marjorie Murray
Seminole County Public Schools
Larry Martin, Ph.D.
University of Central Florida
Bob O'Malley
METRO Plan Orlando
Roger Popp
Seminole County Head Start
Karen Prasad
Department of Children & Families
Cheryl Salmon
Department of Children & Families
Mamie Shanbhag, Ph.D.
Seminole County Healthy Start
Suzanne Tesinsky
Seminole Community College
Velma Williams, Ph.D.
Edwin Wright
Commissioner, City of Sanford
Sprint
Susan Wojtowicz
Department of Children & Families
Rosemary Zigmond
Seminole County Health Department
Ron Zychowski
Community Based Care of Seminole