BACKGROUND:
The Board approved receipt of funds on June 25, 2013 from California Department of Education (CDE) for the 2013-14 funding allocation for alternative payment / CalWORKS Stage 2 childcare services. This State program provides funding to reimburse a portion of the childcare costs incurred by CalWORKS Stage 2 participants through their participation in the CalWORKS program. The State routinely amends these contracts throughout the program year as more funding becomes available and school calendars are set. The board accepted additional funding (amendment #1) from CDE on October 15, 2013. Further additional funding (amendment #2) was also accepted by the board on March 11, 2014. On April 22, 2014, the Board approved another amendment #3 to change the days of operation from 251 to 250 days. Amendment #4 was approved by the Board on June 3, 2014 to accept additional funding. Amendment #5 was approved by the Board on January 13, 2015 to add funds to the contract to allow the County to seek further reimbursement for 2013-14 operation. This is an allowable action according to CDE guidelines, Item 6110-194-001 of the Budget Act of 2013 for CalWORKS Amendment Authority. The additional funding was due to the over earning of the 2013-14 contract. The State augments the Maximum Reimbursable Amount (MRA) provided that there is available funding. Contractors receive notification from the State of the augmentation amount, followed by a contract amendment to increase the MRA.
The department external auditors submitted audited statements in November 2014 which was the basis for the final determination of the contract amount. On August 29, 2015, the Department received contract amendment #6 from the State, increasing the 2013-14 funding allocation to $3,858,343. If not approved, the Department will not receive the additional funds.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If not approved, County will not be able to seek reimbursement for CalWORKS Stage 2 childcare program costs.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Employment & 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.