NSE AGENDA: 11/10/22
ITEM: (d) 6
TO: NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND FROM: Jill Bourne
EDUCATION COMMITTEE Jon Cicirelli
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: November 3, 2022
Approved Date
11/1/22
SUBJECT: CITY INITIATIVES ROADMAP - SPENDING PLAN FOR AMERICAN
RESCUE PLAN (ARP) FUNDING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH FOCUSED
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the status report on the spending plan for $10.5 million of American Rescue Plan (ARP) onetime funding to support children and youth focused programs and services as part of the approved City Initiatives Roadmap for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, and direct staff to return with an annual report in June 2023.
OUTCOME
This status report provides the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee an update on the $10.5 million of one-time ARP funding previously earmarked for children and youth services.
BACKGROUND
In response to the Mayor’s March Budget Message for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, adopted by City Council on March 15, 2022 and in alignment with the 2022-2023 City Initiatives Roadmap: Clean, Vibrant, and Inclusive Neighborhoods and Public Life Children Enterprise Priority - Youth Services Master Plan initiative, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) and San José Public Library (SJPL, Library), in coordination with the City Manager’s Office (CMO), developed a spending plan for the $10.5 million of ARP funding focusing on children and youth needs for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 through Fiscal Year 2023-2024. To mediate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, CMO, PRNS, and SJPL jointly identified the emerging needs and priority areas and developed a spending plan of ARP funding to ensure the most vulnerable and underserved children and youth in San José have increased access to childcare, recreation, and academic enrichment programming, as well as health and wellness support services, during the most critical times, summer, after school, and non-traditional hours.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
Through a collaborative and inclusive process, the development of the spending plan was also informed by the two Joint Special Meetings on Child Well-Being, with the City of San José Neighborhood Services and Education Committee and Committee of the Whole and the County of Santa Clara Children, Seniors, and Families Committee, on September 9, 2021, and March 25, 2022, respectively. The spending plan was also informed by recommendations from families and community stakeholders during these meetings. In addition, over the past year, City staff engaged in numerous conversations with families, grassroots and community-based organizations, and community stakeholders such as County of Santa Clara Office of Education, County of Santa Clara departments (e.g., County Executive, Behavioral Health, Social Services Agency, etc.), and FIRST 5 Santa Clara County to identify additional priority areas related to children and youth, and their families. On April 26, 2022, City Council approved the proposed $10.5 million ARP spending plan for children and youth programs and services.
Furthermore, the Mayor’s June Budget Message for Fiscal Year 2021-2022, adopted by City Council on June 15, 2021, the CMO was directed to develop a Children and Youth Services Master Plan utilizing a racial equity lens in partnership with City departments, as well as with community stakeholders, families, children, and youth. This collaborative approach will ensure that the Master Plan is reflective and responsive to the emerging needs of families and their children, and the lessons learned on the debilitating impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable communities will inform the development of the City of San José Children and Youth Services Master Plan. The Master Plan will provide a vision and strategic approach, coordinated, and responsive approach to ensure that all San José children and youth have equitable access to opportunity pathways, and appropriate supports, from cradle to career, to ensure positive life outcomes even during the most difficult circumstances.
The CMO will present to NSE and City Council the completed Master Plan in Spring 2023 with policy, programming, and funding recommendations for the $719,000 that remains unallocated from the $10.5 million of ARP funds.
ANALYSIS
On April 26, 2022, the City Council approved the spending plan for $10.5 million in ARP funds for children and youth services and programs proposed by CMO, PRNS, and SJPL. The spending plan ensures that families most in need have access to programming and scholarships to address the childcare gaps and the socio-economic, health, and educational disparities. All identified programs and services will have performance metrics, and outcome goals, based on the approved quality standards through a collaborative process with City staff, community stakeholders, and partners.
Furthermore, children and youth will have increased opportunities and experiences in the following areas:
• Academic recovery and achievement
• Social-emotional and mental health
• Mental and physical health, nutrition, and wellbeing
• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) • Positive peer-peer and adult-child relationships
• Community building
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
With the ARP funds, City departments have been able to increase access to recreation, enrichment. and learning opportunities for children and youth living in Equity Priority Communities (EPC), census tracts that have a significant concentration of underserved populations. 1 However, COVID-19
impacted children and youth in the EPC continue to experience challenges in accessing childcare, with extended hours, and/or are unable to participate in fun, interactive, skill-building activities with caring adults, consequently placing them at greater risk and vulnerable to harmful and negative influences and activities. Thus, City departments will continue to address the needs of families throughout the academic year, and Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Citywide Program Expansion and Enhancement (Focus: Summer and Fall Programs) In alignment with the 2022-2023 City Initiatives Roadmap: Clean, Vibrant, and Inclusive Neighborhoods and Public Life Enterprise Priority – Children and Youth Services Master Plan initiative and the City’s Education and Digital Literacy, Expanded Learning, and College and Career strategies, City departments continue to provide end-dated citywide expansion and enhancement of programming, with particular focus on the launch and implementation of summer and fall programs for low-income, vulnerable children and youth with limited to no access to childcare, summer camps, academic enrichment, recreation, and health and wellness opportunities.
Scholarship: Academic Year Programs
PRNS was allocated $1,710,000 of ARP funds to provide fully subsidized scholarships to cover 100% of the price of fee-based programs. The funding allows PRNS to meet the increasing demand for scholarships and childcare, academic, enrichment, and afterschool care programs for low-income working families and those recovering from the negative economic and overall impact of the pandemic (Table 1).
Update: The San José Recreation Preschool and the afterschool program Recreation of City Kids (R.O.C.K.) began in August 2022. Enrollment is ongoing and will continue to increase through the academic year.
1 https://abag.ca.gov/our-work/equity-prioritycommunities#:~:text=Formerly%20called%20%E2%80%9CCommunities%20of%20Concern%2C%E2%80%9D%20Equity%20Priority%20Commu nities,combination%20of%20additional%20factors%20helps%20define%20these%20areas.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
Table 1: Scholarships: Academic Year, Increase Access to 100% fee support PRNS Program
Supplemental ARP Funds
to Meet Additional Need at
100% Scholarship
Total Number
Proposed to Serve
Total Number of
Served, as of
9/16/22
R.O.C.K. Afterschool
(2022-2023) $838,000 374 402*
San José Recreation Preschool
(2022-2023) $693,000 215 87
School Year Holiday Camps $179,000 727 110
GRAND TOTAL $1,710,000 1,316 599
*Over the course of academic year enrollment, funds were shifted to meet customer interest and demand Childcare Program Staffing
PRNS was allocated $400,000 for 4.25 positions (1.0 Recreation Supervisor, 1.0 Analyst I/II, and three 0.75 Senior Recreation Leaders) to support the expansion and enhancement of citywide childcare programs, as well as address the program staffing needs and increasing citywide administrative responsibilities. The Recreation Supervisor oversees the planning and delivery of the childcare programs including summer camps, afterschool childcare, summer lunch, and teen programs. The Analyst I/II is responsible for tracking and managing the budget and other administrative tasks for childcare staff. To ensure effective staffing and a high-quality program the ideal staffing for R.O.C.K. afterschool program is to have a 0.75 Senior Recreation Leader position responsible for the supervision of two sites, averaging 60 children per site. Prior to the pandemic and ARP Fund allocation, R.O.C.K. sites were lacking proper supervision and Senior Recreation Leaders are stretched thin, with some supervising three sites instead of the recommended two.
Update: The requested positions addressed the staffing shortage and ensures afterschool programs are adequately supervised, meet the needs of staff and children and their families, and provide equitable services regardless of locations. The 4.25 positions support 248 youth across 6 R.O.C.K. Afterschool programs. Of the 248 youth, 101 qualified for and received full scholarships for the program, over $276,000 expended on scholarships ensured students and their families received the program at no cost. Furthermore, the additional staff ensure a high-quality and robust childcare program, in adherence to the Early Education and Expanded Quality Standards adopted by City Council.
Neighborhood Center Partner Program: High-Need/Underserved Communities PRNS was allocated $283,000 to continue the expansion and enhancement of programming in Council Districts 1 and 4, at Starbird Youth Center and Berryessa Youth Center (BYC), respectively.
The City assumed programming at BYC and Starbird to provide after-school care in Fiscal Year 2021- 22 after the departure of long-time providers. The requested staff, 3.93 positions (1.0 Recreation Program Specialist, 0.75 Senior Recreation Leader, and 2.18 Recreation Leader), develop, plan, and lead recreation and academic enrichment programs at Starbird and BYC, benefiting vulnerable and
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
low-income youth living in the neighborhoods adjacent to the community centers; there is a fee attached to programming at BYC for families that do not qualify for scholarships.
Update: During the Summer 2022, Starbird and BYC served 127 youth for eight weeks of full-day summer programming. Starbird participants were eligible for daily meals through the grant funded Summer Food Service Program and 1,796 healthy meals and snacks were served through the summer.
Throughout the 2022-23 academic year, PRNS will serve a combined total of approximately 100 youth daily after school.
The ARP Funds will continue to support non-personal and equipment expenses for special events and the activation and enhancement of programming at Neighborhood Center Partner Program locations including, but not limited to: Alviso, Alma, and Alum Rock Youth Centers, and Vietnamese American Cultural Center. To date, the Neighborhood Center Partner Program has hosted two events at Gardner, serving 315 community members, and one event at the Alviso Youth Center, serving 269 community members. Future events are being planned by staff.
Aquatics Programming
PRNS was allocated $194,000 to provide a more equitable and accessible aquatics program for the most vulnerable and low-income children and youth who have limited to no access to pools and aquatic activities. Aquatic programs are invaluable in that they provide pool safety education as well as swimming lessons and activities that promote physical health, exercise, and overall wellness.
Update: The funds provided PRNS the capacity to create an appropriate citywide organizational structure and staffing model to effectively manage and operate a high-quality Aquatics Program through the addition of a 1.0 Recreation Supervisor position. In preparation for the 2022 Summer season, the Recreation Supervisor conducted prioritized localized lifeguard recruitments and was successful in hiring 21 new lifeguards by recruiting at schools in close proximity to pools operated by PRNS. Additionally, the Recreation Supervisor leveraged partnerships through the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Taskforce Tech Team meeting to create awareness of the employment opportunities. Staff also conducted special events at the Mayfair Community Center to accept employment applications and conduct onsite interviews. Once applicants were offered conditional job offers, they were invited to attend an aquatics training program, which offered Lifeguard Training and Water Safety Instructor training at no cost to the candidates. Applicants are normally required to take these trainings on their own, which come with a cost. By PRNS offering the trainings to the applicants they removed the barriers to employment and eliminated the financial burden. The citywide Aquatics program opened on time and served 9,944 participants giving them access to recreation swim and 576 swim lessons with PRNS-funded scholarships. Increased access to the aquatics program was made available at Camden, Fair Swim Center, Mayfair, and Rotary Ryland pools.
Access to City Destinations: Social and Recreational Opportunities
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
PRNS was allocated $499,000 to provide vulnerable and low-income families, children, and youth the opportunity to experience and enjoy local community assets, while fostering community building and strengthening family connections. Unfortunately, for many families the cost of entrance, parking, reservation, and transportation fees pose a financial barrier that prevent them and their children from the opportunity to experience and enjoy some of the City’s most popular destinations, amenities, and facilities managed by PRNS. The funds will provide access to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and Lake Cunningham Action Sports Park. PRNS and Library staff will work collaboratively with communitybased organizations, school districts, schools, and other partners to identify low-income families, children, and youth to access and experience these destination opportunities.
Update:
Table 2: City Destination, Increase Access to PRNS Managed Amenities
LOCATION
ARP
FUND
REQUEST
DESCRIPTION PROPOSED ACTUALS
as of 9/15/22
Happy
Hollow Park
& Zoo
$296,000 Covers cost of
1-day admission to the
park and a parking pass.
Serve 3,750
youth and
their families
• 2,100 passes have
been distributed.
• 1,650 will be
distributed by
12/15/2022
Happy
Hollow Park
& Zoo
$30,000 Covers cost of an annual
membership for up to 4
family members, includes
annual parking pass.
Serve 100
families
100 will be
distributed by
12/15/22
Happy
Hollow Park
& Zoo
$28,000 Covers cost of admission,
transportation, and picnic
reservations for Camp San
José participants.
Serve 600
Camp
San José
participants
214
Lake
Cunningham
Action
Sports Park
$104,000 Covers cost of
1-day admission to the
park including equipment
rental and a parking pass.
Serve 4,000
youth
*4,000 will be
distributed by
12/15/22
Lake
Cunningham
Action
Sports Park
$29,000 Covers cost of
1-year membership, annual
parking pass, and 10-day
equipment rental.
Serve 100
youth
*100 will be
distributed by
12/15/22
Lake
Cunningham
Action
Sports Park
$12,000 Covers cost of admission,
equipment rental, and
transportation for FIT
Camp participants.
Serve 200
FIT Camp
participants
200 children/youth
will participate in
fieldtrip throughout
the academic year.
GRAND
TOTAL $499,000
8,750 Youth/
Families
Served
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
* There was delay in developing a new voucher process.
Roosevelt Roller Rink Access
PRNS was allocated $50,000 for the activation of the outdoor Roller Rink at the Roosevelt Community Center through the months of July – October 2022.
Update: Children, youth, and adults were offered innovative programs and activities that introduced, exposed, and taught the fundamentals of hockey and skating skills. Throughout this period, PRNS created 9 new programs for the community and served more than 900 customers through Learn to Skate, Street/Roller Hockey Camps, and multiple Open Skate Nights. PRNS developed a number of new partnerships; San José Sharks Foundation Street Team, One Step Beyond Inc, San José Special Sharks, and SJ Roll Call. Utilizing ARP funds, PRNS purchased 190 sets of quad skates, 12 skate trainers and skating safety gear for programs and for families to rent. To date, PRNS has awarded $44,995 in scholarships to 34 participants.
Summer Trips and Experiences: Vulnerable Teens
PRNS was allocated $36,000 to provide vulnerable, low-income, and marginalized youth the opportunity to participate in eight summer field trips through the teen/youth programs at, but not limited to, Project Hope sites, Seven Trees, Roosevelt, Mayfair, and Bascom Community Centers.
Due to financial constraints and multiple factors, many of these youth have little to no access to positive, enriching activities in their community.
Update: During Summer 2022, PRNS provided one field trip to California’s Great America for 45 youth. The field trips included transportation, entrance fees, food and drink, and appropriate staffing.
The remaining $29,000 will be used on field trips for vulnerable teens throughout Fiscal Year 2022- 2023.
Leisure Classes: Recreation Programming - High Need Communities PRNS was allocated $200,000 to expand recreation and enrichment programming through its vendorled Leisure Program. Higher fees and reduced scholarship opportunities are associated with these programs, thus creating barriers and limiting opportunities for youth and families in Equity Priority Communities. The approved funds not only provide full scholarships for children and youth from low-income communities, but also increases the amount of Leisure Programs offered at, but not limited to, Roosevelt, Mayfair, and Seven Trees Community Centers, thus ensuring equitable access to vendor-led and fee-based leisure (e.g., recreation, STEAM, enrichment, etc.) programs during nontraditional hours throughout the fall, winter, spring, and summer seasons.
Update: These funds have allowed 190 unique customers to access to high quality programs without the financial burden of activity fees. As of mid-September 2022, PRNS has awarded approximately $19,200 of the ARP funded scholarships. The Leisure Program will continue to award scholarships to income-eligible children and youth throughout the fiscal year until all ARP funds have been exhausted.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
Reading Programs at Library
The Library hosts several reading programs (Summer Learning, Winter reading and Halloween Booktacular) throughout the year. Summer Learning is the flagship program that provides children and teens with resources, support, and skills to prevent summer learning loss and to better prepare academically for the school year. This eight-week literacy initiative, which begins each year on June 1, offers participants, children and youth of varying ages, engagement activities and incentives (books) for reading and learning. The Library was allocated $157,000 to expand its reading programs by purchasing a wide variety of books that include diverse genres and reading levels. The books are also instrumental in extending the reading programs throughout the school year. This funding allocation will be split between Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Funds will be expended by June 30, 2024.
Update: As of September 2022, Library staff have been planning and developing the 2023 Winter Reading and 2023 Summer Learning programs, identifying partners, choosing books in a variety of titles, characters, and reading levels. Sunday, October 23, through Monday, October 31, 2022, kids and teens (ages 0-18) can stop by any library location and pick out a free book as part of SJPL’s Halloween Booktacular.
Classroom Bundles for Educators
With few school libraries in San José, classrooms and educators become the nexus for students to access books. Therefore, the Library was allocated $25,000 to provide 5,000 books to K-12 educators with a focus on diverse and bilingual titles. The Classroom Bundles appeal to a wide variety of readers and include a diversity of titles, genres, characters, and reading levels for K-12. SJPL will use current demographic and income data to connect with low-resourced schools with high needs and disproportionate number of low-income children, particularly schools that have not participated in the program before.
Update: Immediately after the funding was approved, the Library selected and purchased 7,494 diverse and bilingual titles featuring a variety of genres, characters and reading levels. The Library used the equity index to identify schools for this project and prioritized schools near branches with Family Learning Centers as well as branches that qualify for the free Summer Lunch program. The Library also ranked branches with high percentages of youth under 18 years old, low access to advanced education on the Social Progress Index, and a high score on SJ’s Equity Atlas for income and racial barriers. As of October 2022, 37 classrooms, not previously served, have received 3,700 books in the following school districts: Alum Rock Union, Berryessa, Evergreen, Oak Grove, San Jose Unified, and East Side Union High School District.
Early Education: Enrichment Programs
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
Libraries are trusted community spaces welcoming all children and families to explore, play, connect, and grow. In the city of San José, where more than 50% of households speak a language other than English at home, culturally and linguistically competent programming is essential to the Library's mission of providing high-quality programming to communities of all backgrounds. Thus, the Library was allocated $30,000 to support multilingual, culturally competent early learning programming designed for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. The funds enhance the Library’s effort to develop targeted outreach to diverse communities and offer free access to high-quality early learning programming that is: 1) culturally sustaining, in which families' knowledge (including their language, history, and ideas) are solicited and incorporated into program design and implementation; 2) strength- and asset-based, in which families are recognized as the experts of their cultures and experiences; and 3) led by individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and awareness to provide culturally competent, responsive, and sustained service.
Update: In fall 2022, the Library hosted a series of programs at branches serving lower-resourced communities by Eric Hayslett (celebrating Black Voices) and Kathryn Otoshi (celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Voices). Eric Hayslett is a City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs 2022 Creative Ambassador and facilitated "Re-Percussions: When Art Meets Recycling," an all-inclusive workshop that inspired creative ways of recycling and taught children and families how to repurpose recycled containers into musical percussion instruments. Programs were offered at 5 Library branch locations (Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Educational Park, Edenvale, Bascom, and Calabazas). Kathryn Otosh is the award-winning author and illustrator of the children’s book series, “Zero,” “One,” and “Two,” and her latest “Calling the Wind”. In October she shared her books and spoke to children and their caregivers about the importance of self-acceptance, kindness, forgiveness, family, and the healing power of hope. Kathryn presented her program at 4 library locations (Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Educational Park, Mt. Pleasant, and Calabazas). Between January and June 2023, SJPL will host a variety of presenters each month in support of culturally sustaining and inclusive early education programming.
Early Education: Summer Learning Program
The Early Education Summer Learning program is a twelve-week literacy initiative that celebrates the importance of early literacy and the lifelong impact that it has on educational and occupational success. The Library was allocated $147,000 to provide as part of its broader Summer Learning program a focus on supporting children ages 0-5 and their caregivers (parents, childcare providers).
The funding supports one Literacy Program Specialist position and books for home libraries. Targeted promotion and outreach were conducted to engage caregivers with limited resources and opportunities for enhancing and supporting their children’s early learning and emerging literacy.
Update: This year SJPL reconnected with several childcare centers throughout the city to support literacy and learning with the Early Education Childcare Summer Learning Program. This program is designed to meet the needs of childcare providers and the children in their care. This year, the library reached over 50 childcare centers and nearly 2,000 children between ages 0-5, regaining to pre-pandemic participation levels. The library partnered with thirteen Family Resource Centers, nine Camp San Jose sites through PRNS, and dozens of other childcare and family daycare centers
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
throughout the city. The selected title Wonder Walkers by Misha Archer, encouraged curiosity, imagination, and exploration through carefully curated activity sheets and curriculum for use in the classroom. Each facility that registered was paired with a local branch library, further solidifying the connection between SJPL and the community. Branch libraries visited their designated sites to deliver prizes, present a Storytime, and make connections with the childcare providers in their local communities.
Additionally, SJPL debuted Give Me 5 program this summer at nine library branch locations as part of its Early Education Summer enrichment programming. Participating library branch locations included: Almaden, Berryessa, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Evergreen, Joyce Ellington, Mt. Pleasant, Pearl, Santa Teresa, and West Valley. Give Me 5 is a structured 5-week play-and-learn series for caregivers and their children ages 3-5, designed to support kindergarten readiness for children and engage caregivers in providing hands-on support in their children’s development. The Give Me 5 format consists of small groups and a supportive and intentional space for families to return weekly and build connections with each other and with library staff. This first round of Give Me 5 served 750 children and caregivers between June and September 2022. According to post-program survey data, 91% of respondents indicated they increased the amount of quality early literacy experiences they share with their children at home as a result of attending Give Me 5 (25% indicated "A little more" and 66% "A lot more"). 97% of respondents reported feeling more supported as a parent or caregiver in their community as a result of attending Give Me 5 (22% indicated "A little more" and 75% "A lot more"). Library staff noted in their weekly reflective practice that Give Me 5's small group structure provided abundant opportunities for one-on-one engagement with families, resulting in an increase in comfort, confidence, and learning in both children and caregivers as the series progressed.
After integrating this round of caregiver and staff feedback into the program design, SJPL plans to offer Give Me 5 again in Spring 2023.
Expanded Learning: Enrichment Programs
The Library was allocated $30,000 to increase free access to enrichment programs, allowing for out of school learning and safe socializing opportunities through performances and STEAM/STEM activities for children and families. This funding will be split between two fiscal years. Programming will include art activities to teach children about local indigenous cultures, visits from wild animals, astronomy and aerospace presentations, magic shows, and Juneteenth speakers among others.
These funds will also supplement supplies needed for the popular monthly Grab & Go STEM kits that enable families to take home supply packs with included instructions for a fun, educational science experiment, thereby continuing the learning at home. This is particularly important for families with limited resources and inability to purchase educational and enrichment materials for home learning. Kit instructions are provided in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese and include links to YouTube videos made by staff for students to follow along. Beginning in June 2023, different kits will be offered weekly during SJPL’s 2023 Summer Learning program.
Update: As of September 2022, SJPL staff are planning and scheduling these programs including the monthly distribution of STEM kits.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
Expanded Learning: San José Learns Grant Program
Launched in 2015, the San José Learns Initiative (SJ Learns) provides Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with resources that leverage their own expanded learning program budgets, as well as that of any provider(s) they select, to increase the number of students, experiencing multiple challenges, the opportunity to attend high-quality expanded learning programs. Additionally, SJ Learns facilitates dialogue among participating LEAs, school sites, program providers, and the broader learning community to inform understanding around best practices and shape policy. This includes aligning program curriculum with LEA-led learning programs and the California Expanded Learning Quality Standards, developing strategies to scale successful programs, and building sustainable funding streams.
The Library was allocated $500,000 to provide existing SJ Learns grantees with funds for Academic Year 2022-23 and Summer 2023 Programs. The funding allows the Library to increase access to expanded learning programs to mitigate adverse impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable and marginalized youth through the following:
• Expand number of students served;
• Enhance services for students who are identified as highest need (e.g., through Social Emotional Learning);
• Provide targeted professional development for staff and/or initiate strategies to ensure quality staff recruitment and retention;
• Strengthen program-to-school connections (e.g., pay for program staff to work during the school day and/or for teachers to support programs); and, • Strengthen program-to-home connections (e.g., engage families through technology or other means).
Update: As of September 2022, SJPL and the San Jose Public Library Foundation staff have identified current eligible grantees with funds anticipated to be encumbered by December 2022.
College Readiness Programs
SJPL supports a meaningful path upon graduating from high school, whether that path is developing valuable trade skills, attending a two or four-year college, or launching a small business. The Library was allocated $20,000 to support programming based on the results of the TeenHQ and Youth Commission annual surveys, feedback from previous youth programs, and an equity analysis.
Programs include college preparation classes with Study Smart Tutors as well as career panels and mental health programs in partnership with community stakeholders and service providers. The Library will promote programs through City departments and community partners to target youth, particularly those most vulnerable and low-income and with limited to no access to college readiness and career exploration activities and opportunities.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
Update: As of October 2022, the Library has hosted four classes with 19 attendees (Self-Advocacy:
Understanding and Promoting Self-Advocacy, Interview Skills Part 1, Interview Skills Part 2, Time Management Skills).
Mayor’s March Budget Message
The proposed spending plan, with identified programs and services, was developed as directed by the Mayor’s March Budget Message for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
San José Learns Tutoring Expansion Program
The disruption of school learning, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, has had lasting impacts on San José students and their families. While all children faced challenges related to academic growth during this time, many students were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, particularly children in neighborhoods that are traditionally lower-resourced, English learners, homeless or foster youth, and youth of racial or ethnic communities experiencing generational socioeconomic, health, and criminal justice disparities. Many families are unable to afford or access tutoring services for their students to ensure they are academically successful and remain engaged in school. Thus, quite too often students with limited resources lack the support to progress academically which results in frustration and detachment from school.
To offset the impact of pandemic-related learning loss and uplift children to higher levels of academic success and achievement and school engagement, the SJ Learns program will implement a two-year expansion, providing high-need K-12 students in San José with an opportunity to access high-quality tutoring services and accelerate growth towards academic goals. The program will be funded with $2 million allocated from ARP funds; grants will be made available to qualified agencies and organizations that demonstrate the capacity to engage with schools, families, partners, and students to provide 1:1 or small group tutoring and academic recovery support. This will include access to high-quality virtual tutoring opportunities for students enrolled in afterschool programs at various PRNS sites.
Update: As of September 2022, the SJ Learns Advisory Committee met and approved three awards.
These grantees will include services to several PRNS sites. An estimated $1.7 million in ARP funds will be granted over the next two years, with the following distribution for the initial programs (Table 3). If outcomes from grantees are met, and they remain in good standing, total requested funds will be awarded in a subsequent award distribution in Spring 2023. The remaining $922,431 will also be awarded/granted through an updated request for proposal in Spring 2023.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
Table 3: SJ Learn Tutoring Expansion Grant Awards – First Phase Conditional
Grantees
Amount
Requested
Year One
Conditional
Award
Students Served Tutoring Focus
Alpha Public
Schools
$120,000 $60,000 100
9th –12th graders
Algebra 1, Geometry, and
Algebra 2, Precalculus, and
AP Calculus
Elevate
Tutoring
$469,871 $188,000 650 Middle
Schoolers
Pre-Algebra and Algebra
Santa Clara
County Office
of Education
$187,698 $94,000 45
4th –6th graders
Math and English
(Reading and Writing)
Total $777,569 $342,000 795
The SJPL Foundation will partner with the Library and Innovate Public Schools (Innovate) to implement the tutoring program evaluation. Innovate will provide expertise on the data collection and evaluation plan. Grantees will work with Innovate on an ongoing basis to ensure best practices are followed related to tutoring quality standards outlined in the RFP and reporting and data collection.
Program evaluations will include parent satisfaction metrics as well as student success metrics.
Eastside Education Initiative/Silicon Valley Education Foundation As part of the ARP Funds spending plan, $200,000 is allocated to fund the Silicon Valley Education Foundation as referenced in the Mayor’s March Budget Message to support a pilot program, Eastside Education Initiative for students and their parents at Mt. Pleasant High School in the Eastside Union High School District and at two feeder junior high schools. The program goal is to increase academic achievement and prepare every student for a lifetime of success. This initiative is designed for students in 6-8 grades attending under-resourced schools with a disproportionate number of lowincome and vulnerable students.
Update: City staff are currently in the process of contract development with Silicon Valley Education Foundation, and, as part of the partnership, is ensuring that there is alignment with the City’s Education and Digital Literacy and College and Career Readiness strategies. More information, with data and metrics, will be available in Spring 2023.
Affordable Housing Childcare Tenant Improvement Fund
Based on the understood nexus of need for both affordable housing and affordable quality childcare, City Council established the Affordable Housing Childcare Tenant Improvement Fund. The Housing Department was allocated $900,000 to support the development of childcare facilities in ground floor retail spaces of new City-supported affordable housing developments Update: Prior to ARP funding approval, in December 2021, the Housing Department issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for $150 million, seeking proposals for the development of housing
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
that meets the City’s affordability requirements. In March 2022, the NOFA responses were reviewed and staff identified proposals that have either included a potential childcare space onsite or would be appropriate for the addition of childcare facilities within the proposed development. On June 21, 2022, City Council approved the first allocation from this fund in the amount of $247,500 to Danco Communities. The grant will be used to cover costs associated with the development of the proposed 3000 ftsq childcare center to be located at 777 West San Carlos, which is intended to serve up to 50 children.
The Housing Department will seek City Council approvals for additional projects as they are ready to move forward with funding commitments.
Childcare Facility Improvements
Essential to economic recovery is the availability of affordable, reliable, and quality childcare for low-income, working families who often are faced with choosing between their basic needs such as housing, food, and childcare, all-day and/or aftercare, for their children. PRNS and the Library have been working collaboratively with County of Santa Clara Office of Education, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, Santa Clara County administrators and elected officials, and community stakeholders to identify creative and innovative opportunities to expand the availability of childcare spaces for families most in need. As a result of these collaborative efforts, the Housing Department, Library, and PRNS have identified, and propose, to expand the availability and accessibility of childcare spaces. In response to this need, and in alignment with City Council direction, staff recommends the allocation of $1.1 million, of which $200,000 for PRNS (which is $100,000 more than originally allocated) and $900,000 for Housing (discussed above), as approved by City Council on November 2, 2021, for childcare facilities improvements and the creation of an Affordable Housing Childcare Tenant Improvement Fund.
PRNS was allocated $200,000, for facility improvements to its Recreation Preschool spaces at two community centers. Allocated funds will support the enhancement of the interior and exterior of the facilities to meet “license-ready” or “license-able” childcare standards. The capital improvement assessment completed by PRNS and Public Works Department in 2020 and the Priority 1 Communities information, as defined by Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE), will determine the selected facilities. This adjusted allocation will allow PRNS the ability to effectively identify and build-out appropriate locations to expand full-day childcare for low-income and vulnerable families. The facility enhancements will adhere to both the City’s Early Education Quality Standards and the California State childcare licensing standard, and in consultation with Santa Clara County Office of Education.
Update: PRNS staff has been working closely with SCCOE on the potential upgrades of two facilities as licensed childcare facilities, Mayfair and Roosevelt Community Centers. Since the inception of this project, PRNS has provided SCCOE with draft floorplans that include facility improvements as well as an enclosed fence for an exterior play area as required by licensed childcare facility guidelines.
Currently, City staff are awaiting SCCOE’s review and response on the plan submittals before moving project forward.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
Neighborhood Services and Education Committee/Previous City Council Direction The approved spending plan, with identified programs and services, was developed from previous Neighborhood Services and Education Committee and City Council direction.
Mental and Physical Health Screenings and Referrals
As part of this spending plan, $500,000 was allocated to provide mental and physical health screenings for children and youth as directed by City Council on November 2, 2021. The pandemic over the past two-years has greatly impacted families, and in particular families that were already struggling to meet their basic needs, exasperating food insecurity, job or income loss, housing instability, and acute COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. The move to distance learning, further compounded the stress, isolation, and desperation for families and their children. Thus, many children in low-resourced communities experienced multiple challenges, thereby impacting their mental and physical well-being. As we emerge out of the pandemic, it is difficult to know the long-term impact on children. Therefore, it is critical to support families through post-pandemic recovery by addressing the mental and physical health needs of their children as this can have long-term consequences for themselves and the community if neglected.
The goal is to provide mental and physical health screenings for children and youth, K-12 grade, in high-need, underserved, and low-income communities in partnership with families, school districts, schools, and service providers. The serves will be funded with $500,000 allocated from ARP funds, $250,000 per year over a two-year period. Grants will be made available to qualified agencies and organizations that demonstrate the capacity to engage with schools, families, and service providers to conduct mental/social-emotional and physical health screenings, as well as a “warm-handoff” (connection) to appropriate, and affordable, follow-up services for the identified children, youth, and their families. Funding approval for mental and physical health screenings for children and youth will facilitate a two-year grant period beginning in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 through Fiscal Year 2023- 2024.
Update: City staff are currently in the process of contract development with Healthier Kids Foundation, to conduct mental/social-emotional and physical health screenings at identified school districts in high-need, underserved and low-income communities. Depending on the outcome of the screening, families will be referred and connected to services and supports to address identified needs.
The City is leveraging Santa Clara County and school district funding and partnerships to ensure expansion and enhancement of services. More information, with data and metrics, will be available in the spring of 2023.
Citywide Community and Family Support Grants
As part of this spending plan, $1 million was allocated to provide grant funding opportunities for trusted grassroots, community-based organizations, and other providers that serve families and their children living in communities, particularly geographic areas, that are disproportionately disenfranchised, underserved, and marginalized, and are frequently overlooked due to their proximity to more affluent neighborhoods and/or distance to City facilities. Families in these communities, have
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
little to no access to resources and support services and are struggling in the areas of, but not limited to; social-emotional healing, academic achievement, workforce development, economic recovery, self-sufficiency, and health and wellness, etc. In early Fiscal Year 2022-2023, City staff, through a racial equity lens, will combine analysis of trends and data as well as the lived experiences and voices of families, community stakeholders, school districts and schools, non-profit organizations and other providers to identify other areas of emerging and unmet needs and gaps in services. This will be instrumental in identifying areas of need that have not been previously addressed and/or require additional investments and supports for resources. Funding approval for Citywide Community and Family Support will facilitate a one-year grant period in Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Update: To ensure the ARP funds effectively address identified gaps in services and needs of families and their children and youth, City staff are engaging educational leaders community stakeholders, parents/caregivers, and youth/young people in community conversations. This information will inform the development of the Children and Youth Services Master Plan as it will include a citywide strategy with recommendations and guidance on policy priorities, investments, and alignment of programs to create an integrated and coordinated continuum service delivery model. This in turn will identify investment priorities to create new, expanded, and enhanced services that provide all San José children and youth/young adults (birth through age 24) pathways and supports from cradle to career. More information will be available in the spring of 2023 on the identified programs and services to be funded.
CAST (Cross Agency Service Team) and Technical Assistance and Support As part of this spending plan, $300,000 has been allocated to develop a partnership with the County of Santa Clara, community-based organizations, services providers, and families to support the expansion and enhancement of a coordinated system of support through Cross Agency Service Team (CAST). CAST is a collaborative network of County of Santa Clara health and human service departments, the Superior Court Judiciary, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, Santa Clara County Office of Education, school districts, and numerous community organizations dedicated to improving the service delivery system for families and children. The purpose of CAST is to create and leverage opportunities, funding, and resources for cross-systems coordination to achieve sustainable, positive life outcomes for children and families through a “no wrong door” service delivery approach. It is particularly important for vulnerable, low-income, and marginalized families to access resources, supports, and services so that they can properly heal and recover from the pandemic. CAST is committed to racial and social equity with the goal of dismantling systemic barriers and implicit biases. Transforming the County’s systems of care to promote trauma-informed, healing-centered policies, practices and resourcing decisions is integral to serving families. City staff will work collaboratively with CAST members and partners to ensure that priority areas, services, and practices are reflective of the voices and the emerging needs of San José children, youth, and their families Update: City staff have identified the consultants RDA (Research Development Associates) and Collective Impact Solutions to provide City staff strategic planning, research, evaluation, and community engagement support throughout the development of the Children and Youth Services
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
Master Plan. City staff recognize the importance of a whole child approach,2 supporting a child’s development from birth to adulthood, across systems, and in partnership with all those that touch a child and youth, and their families.
Therefore, on a parallel process, staff from across City departments are working closely with the consultants and County of Santa Clara department representatives and CAST (Cross-Agency Services Team) partners to develop a coordinated and integrated single-system of support to ensure a “nowrong door” entry to critical services. To create a truly effective and responsive coordinated and integrated single-system service delivery model takes time. Thus, City staff will provide on-going progress reports to City Council as the service delivery model continues to evolve and develop.
Next Steps
City staff will continue to work collaboratively across departments and with community partners to ensure that the proposed programs and services funded by $10.5 million of ARP funding for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, approved by City Council on April 26, 2022, continue to meet the needs of children and youth, particularly those most vulnerable and underserved. The spending plan proposed for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 will be presented to City Council for consideration as part of the budget process. In addition, the CMO will continue to lead the development of the Children and Youth Services Master Plan, which will include recommendations, and a proposed coordinated and strategic approach for future investments and outcomes on the unallocated fund balance of $719,000 of the $10.5 million of ARP Funds.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommend the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee approval of the status report on the spending plan for $10.5 million of American Rescue Plan (ARP) one-time funding to support children and youth focused programs and services. CMO will return to City Council in spring 2023 with the completed Children and Youth Services Master Plan and with an additional status update on outcome and impact from the $10.5 million of ARP funds.
EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP
Evaluation and data-driven decision making are the cornerstones of the Education and Digital Literacy, Expanded Learning, and College and Career strategies and respective quality standards, as approved by City Council. In addition, all identified programs and services will have performance metrics, and outcome goals, based on the approved quality standards through a collaborative process with City staff, community stakeholders, and partners. Implementation of the programs including alignment to quality standards and regular assessments in each area and will be the subject of future reports to the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee. 2 https://www.ascd.org/whole-child
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
The CMO will return to City Council in spring 2023 with the completed Children and Youth Services Master Plan and with policy, programming, and funding recommendations for the remaining $719,000 balance from the $10.5 million of ARP funds.
CLIMATE SMART SAN JOSE
The recommendation in this memorandum does not have any impact on Climate Smart San José energy, water, or mobility goals.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
This memorandum will be posted on the City's website for the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee November 10, 2022, meeting.
COORDINATION
This memorandum has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and the City Manager’s Budget Office.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION/INPUT
No commission recommendation or input is associated with this action.
COST SUMMARY/IMPLICATIONS
The 2022-2023 costs for items from the spending plan were included in the 2022-2023 Operating Budget which was released on June 7, 2022. Funding allocations specified for 2023-2024 will be included in the development of the 2023-2024 Proposed Operating Budget. The remaining balance of $719,000 will be allocated at a future date in alignment upon completion of the Children and Youth Master Plan.
CEQA
Not a Project, File No. PP17-009, Staff Reports, Assessments, Annual Reports, and Information Memorandums that involve no approvals of any City action.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 3, 2022
Subject: City Roadmap - Child Care: Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Funding for Children and Youth Focused Programs and Services
/s/ /s/
JILL BOURNE JON CICIRELLI
Library Director Director of Parks, Recreation
and Neighborhood Services
For questions, please contact Maria De Leon, Deputy Director (PRNS), at [email protected], Michelle Ornat (Library) at [email protected], or Laura Buzo (CMO) at [email protected].