ITEM TITLE:
Discussion Item: The Role of the Economic Diversification Commission in Child Care Crisis Task Force Recommendations
SUBMITTED BY: Elise Sorum-Birk, Deputy City Clerk
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: n/a
Unencumbered Balance: n/a
Funding Source: n/a
RECOMMENDATION:
n/a
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Child Care Crisis Task Force (CCCTF) identified the Economic Diversification Commission (EDC) as the best group to move forward CCCTF recommendations in the areas work force development and to design of grant programs to support the early childhood education sector in Valdez (both for providers and families).
In their February 20th work session, reviewing short term actions recommended in the CCCTF’s final report, the City Council tasked the EDC with developing the ECE Workforce Recruitment and Retention Plan suggested. Council also expressed a desire to draw on someone with expertise in the realm of early childhood development to make recommendations about a management structure and plan for an initial licensed child care center.
Deputy City Clerk Elise Sorum-Birk, who provided staff support to the CCCTF will give a brief overview of the work done by the task force, highlighting the areas of work force development and sustainable funding mechanism, as well as the next steps prioritized by City Council.
The conversation of the commission will focus on brainstorming ways in which the EDC can support the goal of developing a stable and professional work force in the field.
Attached is the Final CCCTF report for commissioners to review.