Title
Adopt a Resolution to Accept and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Documents Related to the First 5 Alameda County Memorandum of Understanding, Funding the San Leandro Public Library (Library) in the Amount of $5,000, and to Authorize the City Manager to Appropriate $5,000 for Resources Supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers at the Library’s Stay & Play early learning program.
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Quality of Life
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 MOUs annually. First 5 desires to leverage Library institutions to reach Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers (FFN) with quality improvement activities through enhanced storytimes/playtimes.
Under this MOU ending June 30, 2026, the Library would receive $5,000 in funding to promote developmental screening and play activities to FFN providers through the developmental screening mobile application designated by First 5 at the ten (10) bi-weekly Stay and Play sessions by June 30, 2026; purchase early learning equipment to enhance the Stay and Play session space appropriate for young children and their caregivers; and distribute free incentives to children and their caregivers using the Sparkler app by June 30, 2026.
The result of these activities will be to increase kindergarten readiness opportunities for children not in licensed childcare through expanded engagement of parents/caregivers in home activities; increased access for children 0-5 years old to developmental services; and increased knowledge of best practices for early care and education at library institutions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution to agree to the terms set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between First 5 and the Library for the dates of January 6, 2026 - June 30, 2026, whereby the Library would receive $5,000 for resources and training supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers at the San Leandro Public Library’s Stay & Play early learning program. Staff further recommend 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 that added fifty cents per pack of cigarettes to help fund early childhood care, development, and education for children 0-5. 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, they partner with agencies who engage in the business of providing services that increase the quality of early childhood development and education. The Library is one such partnering agency.
Analysis
For FY 2026, the MOU# PS-ECE- 2526-447 (Attachment B) provides $5,000 awarded as one payment:
Final payment:
• Invoice based on deliverables completed, not to exceed $5,000
• This reimbursement will be payable in July 2026 and applied to expenditures in FY 2026
Library will submit invoices based on deliverables completed and the firm fixed price outlined in the budget of Attachment B. All expenditures are tracked by the Supervising 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 15, 2026.
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 the Library is in contact with the City’s two school districts, daycares, caregivers, and parents.
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney reviewed the relevant documents and agreements and approved them as to form.
Financial Impacts
Acceptance of the funding will be received and deposited into the Special Grant Fund, under Revenue Account 150-3617, and expended as follows:
• First 5 Grant Fund, Account 150-68-036: $5,000
• Total $5,000
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 results-based accountability reports from the Library.
Funding through the MOU must be spent according to the guidelines within the MOU (see Attachment B).
This Council action will not impact fund balance because there are funds available in the FY 2026 adopted budget.
Acceptance of this grant does not impact the General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Resolution - First 5 Alameda County MOU FY 2026
B: First 5 MOU Agreement - San Leandro Public Library MOU # PS-ECE-2526-447
PREPARED BY: Supervising Librarian Kelly Keefer and Library Director Brian Simons, Library Department.