Title
Presentation on School Readiness and Child Care Programs, Including the Working Poor Child Care Subsidy Program (B)
This item is a presentation on various school readiness and child care programs in Alachua County and the City of Gainesville.
Explanation
The presentation by staff will provide background information on the importance of quality child care and early childhood education. In addition, general information on each of the following programs will be provided, including the purpose, target clients, numbers served and funding:
Success by 6
MomCare
Healthy Start
Healthy Families
Early Head Start
Head Start
Partnership for Strong Families
Early Learning Coalition
A special presentation will also be provided by Dr. Gordon Tremaine, Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition. Dr. Tremaine will provide more detailed information about the Early Learning Coalition, with a focus on the Working Poor child care subsidy program. This program provides child care assistance for working families who are earning up to 200% of poverty. With a local match of approximately $180 per child, funding can be accessed which provides a full year of child care. Until recently, this program had a waiting list of 300 children.
Fiscal Note
The Early Learning Coalition receives $20,000 from the City of Gainesville, $60,000 from United Way and $96,000 from Alachua County for the Working Poor child care subsidy program.
Recommendation
The City Commission receive a presentation on school readiness and child care programs and refer potential funding items to city staff for consideration during the budget process.