Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve the First 5 Alameda County (First 5) Memorandum of Understanding that Provides Funding to the San Leandro Public Library (Library) in the Amount of $10,200 and to Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Documents Related to the Agreement and Appropriate Funds for Early Childhood Learning Community Events and Multilingual Programming and Materials in Celebration of Dia de los Niños
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Community Engagement and Outreach
• Race and Equity Initiatives
SUMMARY
The Library has worked in partnership with First 5 since 2013. In 2013, the Library received a two-year neighborhood partnership grant from First 5. This grant was renewed for an additional two years. Following that initial 4-year neighborhood partnership grant, the Library has worked with First 5 around kindergarten readiness, receiving funding, materials, and equipment through Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) annually.
Under this MOU ending June 30, 2024, the Library would receive $10,200 in funding to organize one or more programs for Dia de los Niños/Dia de los Libros (the Day of the Child/the Day of the Book), an annual celebration held in April honoring young children and literacy, including hiring performers and purchasing multilingual and/or monolingual children’s books for distribution at the event(s). In addition to the program funds, Library staff receives training from First 5 in early childhood development education best practices. Lastly, the Library receives funding to purchase and install materials to enhance the outdoor spaces for young children at the Main Library by June 30, 2024. The result of these activities will be to increase kindergarten readiness opportunities for children not in licensed childcare and increased access for children 0-5 years old to developmental services.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution to agree to the terms set forth in the MOU between First 5 and the Library for the dates of February 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024, whereby the Library would receive $10,200 for early childhood literacy services rendered to the community. Staff further recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute all documents and appropriate the funds.
BACKGROUND
First 5 is an innovative public entity created by passage of the California Children and Families First Act (Proposition 10) in 1998, which added fifty cents per pack of cigarettes to help fund early childhood care, development, and education for children 0-5 (see Attachment C - Proposition 10 Statutes and Attachment D - Bylaws California Children and Families Commission). To achieve First 5’s goals of developing a comprehensive system of early intervention services for children birth to 5 years of age and families in Alameda County, First 5 partners with agencies that engage in the business of providing services that increase the quality of early childhood development and education. The Library is one such agency they partner with.
Analysis
For FY 2023-2024, the MOU# PS-ECE-2324-270 (Attachment B) provides $10,200. The award will be in two payments:
Initial Payment:
• $7,000 upon execution of the MOU
Final payment:
• Balance due based on deliverables completed, not to exceed $3,200.
• This will be payable in July 2024.
Library will submit invoices based on deliverables completed and the firm fixed price outlined in the budget of Attachment C. All expenditures are tracked by the Senior Librarian for Youth Services, who reports expenditures to First 5 and tracks performance targets in the Results Based Accountability (RBA) plan in the First 5 database, HIGH5, by July 12, 2024.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• GOAL CSF-3 Sustain and expand a public library system that provides a destination for exploration and discovery, knowledge and information, leisure and cultural enrichment, and life-long learning opportunities for persons of all ages.
o Policy CSF-3.4 Libraries as Neighborhood Centers. Promote programs and events that affirm the role of the City’s libraries as community and neighborhood gathering places and that reflect the City’s diverse population.
o Policy CSF-3.5 Resources for Self-Improvement. Ensure that San Leandro’s libraries and other community institutions provide a setting for the open exchange of ideas and information and provide an opportunity for residents of all backgrounds to improve their skills and knowledge.
• GOAL CSF-5 Provide recreation and human service programs and activities commensurate with identified community needs.
o Policy CSF-5.2 Child and Family Services. Support the development of child and family services and programs that encourage safe and healthy environments for children and families.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
By the nature of this program, the Library conducts outreach to the community to find what programs are most appropriate for the community. In this case we are in contact with the school districts, daycares, and parents.
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney reviewed these documents and agreements and approved them as to form.
Financial Impacts
Acceptance of this grant does not impact the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund budget. Special grant funding will be awarded and deposited into the 150-3617 Revenue Account and expended as follows:
• First 5 Grant Fund, Account 150-68-034: $10,200
• Total $10,200
First 5 money is earmarked and to be solely used for children’s services to support ongoing kindergarten readiness efforts based on each annual MOU. All expenditures are tracked by the Senior Librarian that oversees Youth Services and reported to First 5. First 5 issues payment upon receipt of invoices, expense reports, and a results-based accountability report from the Library.
Funding through the MOU must be spent according to the guidelines within the MOU (see Attachment B).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution of the City of San Leandro City Council to Authorize the City Manager to Accept and Execute All Documents Related to the MOU Funds Awarded by First 5 Alameda County to Fund Early Learning Community Events and Multilingual Programming and Materials in Celebration of Dia de los Niños in the Amount of $10,200
Attachment B: MOU - First 5 Alameda County - San Leandro
Attachment C: Proposition 10 Statutes
Attachment D: Bylaws California Children and Families Commission
Please note: a fully executed agreement will be attached to this legislative file following approval of this action.
PREPARED BY: Kelly Keefer, Senior Librarian for Youth Services and Brian Simons, Library Director, Library Services Department