Long Beach Early Childhood Education
Centralized Enrollment System: The Early Learning Hub
Early Learning Hub
•Background
•Hub goals and outcomes
•How the Hub works
•Progress, Opportunities, & Next Steps
Agenda
Presented by :
Christina Boatwright Karissa Selvester
DHHS Acting Collective Impact Bureau Manager Mayor’s Fund for Education Executive Director 2 Early Learning Hub
• 2018 Adoption of Long Beach
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Strategic Plan
➢Goal 2: Increase access to and affordability of infant through Pre-K early care and education services
➢Objective: Creation of a centralized enrollment system • 2020 Covid-19 Response & Recovery
➢Childcare and ECE deemed essential
➢City investments to ECE industry via CARES Act and Long Beach Recovery Act
• Childcare and ECE Prioritized in:
➢Long Beach Economic Blueprint
➢Long Beach 2030 City Vision
City ECE Prioritization Background
3 Early Learning Hub
Childcare System-Development Opportunity via
Long Beach Recovery Act Funding
• ~ $2.48 million allocated to Early Childhood Education, Childcare, & Literacy Development • $600,000 identified to support the stabilization of ECE industry and development of a community-led centralized enrollment system
• Mayor’s Fund for Education identified as ideal organization to lead the effort ➢ Already a trusted partner by ECE providers and LBUSD
➢ Proven track record via CARES Act response contracts (thousands of infant care supplies distributed) ➢ Expertise and history of successful implementation of community-wide shared-services programs, working with diverse stakeholders
➢ Capable of centralized administration in collaboration with City, LBUSD, ECE industry, business, community, and other stakeholders
➢ Ability to leverage both public and private investment for ongoing sustainability • Contract Finalized February 2023 → Investment in the development of the Long Beach Early Learning Hub 4 Early Learning Hub
Goals & Intended Outcomes of the Long Beach Early Learning Hub ACCESS Increase equitable access to quality childcare through centralized enrollment
CONNECT Connect families to available financial assistance and form new partnerships to support the ECE industry
STABILIZE Support childcare as an essential industry, facilitating families’ ability to go to school or work
LINK Provide linkage and coordination to ancillary services IMPROVE Improve provider capacity to meet the diverse needs of at-risk families
Powered By
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Current Childcare-Seeking Experience
Typical Tuition Costs
Center-based: ~$10,300 Family Childcare: ~$10,700 Nannies: ~$37,000-$52,000 6 Early Learning Hub
What is the ECE Enrollment Hub
www.LBearlylearningHub.org
@LBearlylearninghub
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Early Learning Hub Progress
✓ Stakeholder Advisory Committee………………. Formed & meeting regularly ✓ Technology & Universal Application…………… Developed
✓ Website……………………………………… ……………… Up and running
✓ Initial ECE partners…………………………………….. Identified & engaged ✓ LBUSD………………………………… ……………………… Committed
✓ $250,000 tuition support…………………………… Available via Original Contract ✓ Centralized Enrollment………………………………. Beginning 8/28!
Contract amendment will add……………………….$125,000 in tuition support; expanded technology access, expanded outreach, and family engagement
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Thank you
Christina Boatwright
Acting Collective Impact Bureau Manager
[email protected]
Karissa Selvester
Mayor's Fund for Education Executive
Director
[email protected]