City Council Agenda Report
December 17, 2024
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Gabriela Regalado, Director of Social Services
Jose Melgoza, Program Supervisor
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 24-64 – CHILD CARE CONTINUED FUNDING
APPLICATION
Background:
Since 1980, the City has received annual funding from the State of California for providing an Alternative Payment Child Care Program for low-income families that live or work in Norwalk.
These funds are specifically allocated for current and/or terminated low-income California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) participants and low-income working parents in need of child care. Care of children is provided in locally established licensed centers or family day care homes. Parents contribute to the costs of the care according to their income and a fee scale set by the State of California.
In order to provide seamless child care services to allow participants to gain self-sufficiency, the State Department created the CalWORKs Stage 2, Stage 3, and General Alternative Payment program. Reimbursement rates for each program are based on specific formulas outlined by the State of California which include the following factors: hours, rate (part-time, full-time), and age brackets (zero to 2 years, 2 to 5 years and school age). Adjustment factors such as hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly pay must be considered and if care will be provided day or night.
The Stage 2 grant consists of one service contract in the amount of $1,542,182. This grant is an entitlement program. The purpose of the Stage 2 contract is to provide child care services to CalWORKs families who are considered stable and transitioning from Stage 1 into Stage 2 without experiencing a break in child care services. Currently the City is serving over 190 children in this program.
City Council December 17, 2024
Resolution No. 24-64 - Child Care Continued Funding Application Page No. 2 1 0
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The Stage 3 grant consists of one service contract in the amount of $2,109,420. The Stage 3 contract continues to provide child care services to families who are eligible for services and meet state requirements. Over 160 children are being served in this program.
The General Alternative Payment Program consists of one service contract in the amount of $1,489,790. This grant is set aside for low-income working families who live in Norwalk. There are currently over 215 children in this program.
In order to continue providing childcare services to Norwalk residents under the CalWORKs Stage 2, 3, and Alternative Payment Program, these contracts are being presented to City Council for approval. These grant funds will allow the enrollment of more than 560 children in the Alternative Payment Child Care Program.
Fiscal Impact:
Restricted grant funds will cover the entire cost of the program.
Citizens Advised:
N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
N/A
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council:
a. adopt Resolution No. 24-64, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORWALK APPROVING CHILD CARE CONTRACT AGREEMENTS WITH THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR FUNDING OF THE CALWORKS STAGE 2, STAGE 3, AND ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT CHILD CARE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026; and
b. authorize the City Manager to execute the continued funding application, contracts, and any amendments, provided there is funding in the budget, on behalf of the City, in forms approved by the City Attorney.
Attachments:
Resolution No.24-64