That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year agreement with Dr. Teresa Egan for professional consulting services related to the La Habra Child Development Program's continued effort to improve program operations through staff development, policy updates, and strategic planning at a rate of not to exceed $5,000 per month.

The City of La Habra operates a full-service, grant-funded Child Development Program that includes a State Preschool Program, a School-age Child Care Program, and a Licensed Family Child Care Nutrition Program. While all these programs are funded and in good standing with the California Department of Education and Department of Social Services, the City independently initiated a comprehensive review of the programs in July 2020.

While the review indicated that the La Habra Child Development program offers quality child care and education services, it also noted that the early education initiatives offered by the State of California were changing, and that the program could benefit from strategic modifications of curriculum, learning environment, and staff training to better ensure long-term compliance with the Sttate's anticipated education outcome requirements.  At the recommendation of Dr. Teresa Egan, who has served as a program consultant to the City's Child Development Division, the program has implemented a variety of enhancements, such as increased staff development, an overhaul of the classroom environment, and training on the California Department of Education requirements.

Dr. Egan, who served as the Associate Superintendent of the La Habra City School District (LHCSD), has served as consultant to the Child Development Program since July 2020 and has assisted the City with its program reorganization.  Dr. Egan earned Masters and Doctorate degrees in Educational Leadership and developed LHCSD's School Readiness Plan, and she currently serves as the Dissertation Chair for Concordia University.  Dr. Egan also coaches school principals through the State of California Licensing Division, and continues to mentor educators throughout Orange County. 

Community Services Department staff believe there is a continued need for monitoring of the program and training of the staff, particularly as the State of California implements Universal Preschool and other learning requirements that affect the program. If the consultant agreement is approved by the City Council, Dr. Egan will continue to provide support and guidance to our Child Development program, as well as provide staff training and policy suggestions that ensure compliance with the California State Preschool Program, the Nutrition Program, and General Child Care and Development Performance Standards.


 

The not-to-exceed amount for this proposed one year agreement is $60,000 and all costs associated with this contract will be paid from Child Development grant funds.  There is no financial support requested from the City of La Habra General Fund.