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Approve a contract with Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District for up to $60,000 for the period of April 2, 2013 through June 30, 2014 to provide pre-kindergarten academy services in Fairfield; and Authorize the County Administrator to sign the contract and any future amendments within budgeted appropriations
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission recommend the Board of Supervisors approve a contract with Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District for up to $60,000 for the period of April 2, 2013 through June 30, 2014 to provide pre-kindergarten academy services in Fairfield and authorize the County Administrator to sign the contract and any future amendments within budgeted appropriations.
SUMMARY:
In January 201, First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission released a competitive solicitation (Request for Applications (RFA) #2013-01) for the provision of pre-kindergarten academy services in Solano County. Pre-kindergarten academies have been funded by First 5 Solano for the last 6 years, and support First 5 Solano's mission and strategic plan Result Area #8, "Children Have access to high quality early learning experiences in their community." This round of pre-kindergarten academy sessions is designed to support school readiness and is targeted to entering kindergarteners who lack prior preschool experience. The contract for services outlined in this Board Agenda Item is with Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District to provide 6 pre-kindergarten academy sessions over the summer 2013.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding of up to $60,000 for the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District contract has been approved by the First 5 Solano Commission and is funded by "Proposition 10" tobacco tax revenues. There is no impact the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission is dedicated to promoting, supporting, and improving early childhood development by fostering and partnering with community resources and programs that support healthy children, families, and community. The Commission recently completed its 2012 Strategic Plan Update and awarded funding for its FY2012-15 Funding Cycle. In its 2012-2015 Program Investment Plan, the Commission designated up to $80,000 annually to provide pre-kindergarten academy sessions for entering kindergarteners. The target populations for these academies include children who lack prior preschool experience, as evidence shows that children with little or no prior preschool experience have a more difficult time in comparison to their peers with preschool experience. Other target populations include children with special needs and English language learners.
In response to RFA #2013-01, First 5 Solano received 8 applications for pre-kindergarten academy services in 15 sessions, to provide these services to over 425 children in all cities in the county except Dixon, for a total of approximately $150,000. The First 5 Solano Commission allocated additional funds to fund all 8 applications. In addition, subsequent to this award the First 5 Solano Commission directed staff to conduct another solicitation in Dixon exclusively and to reach out to the Dixon community in an effort to ensure services are provided throughout the entire county.
The contract presented for Board approval in this item provides 6 pre-kindergarten academy sessions in the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District over Summer 2013.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could request additional information or remand the contract back to the Department for revision. This is not recommended because this will result in the delay of services benefitting children aged 0-5.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The contract has been reviewed by County Counsel and approved as to form.