BACKGROUND:
The County was awarded a grant from the federal Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, on December 11, 2018 (c.25). The grant included a partnership with the Baby Yale Academy, Inc. for facilities improvements at facilities that provide services to children and families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Funds distributed by ACF to Head Start grantees that remain unobligated beyond Program Year 1 are re-programmed for ACF approved program activities, including facility improvement. ACF approved re-programmed funds for facility upgrades that insure healthy and safe facilities. These funds are distributed as a "Program Improvement Grant" to Head Start grantees. Contra Costa County is a recipient of this grant. The purpose of this board order is to approve the execution of a funding agreement to pass through federal funds from ACF to the Contractor in order for the Contractor to complete repairs and facility improvements. The Community Services Bureau’s Business Systems Team meets with the County’s Public Works Facility Project Assistant Managers monthly to review all facility projects and quotes. Public Works is also consulted to prioritize projects based on health and safety needs. The Department does not fund partner requests until costs have been determined realistic and reasonable. The funds are to be encumbered by Baby Yale Academy, Inc. by August 31, 2019. The agreement is not yet approved as to form by County Counsel of the County Administrator's Office.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If not approved, County will not be able to fully expend the grant for necessary health and safety practices for children enrolled in county-funded childcare programs.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Employment and Human Services Department Community Services Bureau supports three of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes - Outcome 1: Children Ready for and Succeeding in School, Outcome 3: Families that are Economically Self-sufficient, and Outcome 4: Families that are Safe, Stable, and Nurturing. These outcomes are achieved by offering comprehensive services, including high quality early childhood education, nutrition, and health services to low-income children throughout Contra Costa County.