To: Board of Supervisors
From: First 5
Agenda Section: Departmental
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Update from First 5 Humboldt Child Care Listening Sessions
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive the presentation; and
2. Take appropriate action as needed.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
County of Humboldt Children and Families Commission, Prop 10 Tobacco Taxes
DISCUSSION:
During the spring and summer of 2022, the First 5 Humboldt Early Childhood Care and Education Community Advisory Committee (ECCE) discussed the devastation of the childcare workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on families, and the recovery efforts. Over a period of 15 months, the Community Advisory Committee held a series of listening sessions, concluding in February 2024. First 5 Humboldt Commissioners, committee members, and staff met with childcare providers from Garberville to Hoopa and points in-between.
First 5 Humboldt staff will present a summary of the experiences of childcare providers during that time, including how the Board's allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars continues to stabilize the workforce during a period of extreme upheaval. The Board will be updated on the ARPA project, known as the Humboldt Child Care Stabilization Fund, led by the Arcata Economic Development Corporation, later this year. This listening session summary serves as a check-in regarding a workforce that, while crucial to the overall success of Humboldt's working families, continues to experience challenges.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with accepting this report.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports the following areas of your Board's Strategic Framework.
Core Roles: Support business, workforce development and creation of private-sector jobs
New Initiatives: Engage in discussions of our regional economic future
Strategic Plan: 3.1 - Improve the economy of Humboldt Count...
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