That the City Council:

A.  Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Block Grant Service Agreement for the 2023-2024 school year with the Orange County Department of Education for continuous quality improvements for the State Preschool Program operated by the City; and,

B.  Approve the appropriation of those grant funds to the Child Development Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget.

The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) has received the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Block Grant from the California Department of Education and the City of La Habra Child Development Division State Preschool program is one of the beneficiaries of this grant. If approved by City Council, the term of this grant agreement will be July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, and the total grant amount to the City is $28,500. The QRIS grant will provide funding for support and incentives for the La Habra preschool teachers and administrators to enhance the early childhood education program through a variety of resources and training, including teacher professional development.

If approved, the grant funds will also be used to purchase classroom materials that are connected to the STEM/STEAM Math activities for children. For example, prior grant funds were used to purchase iPads, which teachers use to complete educational assessments of children. The iPads are also used to receive information regarding QRIS program mandates, and the grant pays for the data plan needed to remotely access the QRIS system. Through this grant, staff will access materials and resources to assist in strengthening the program as identified by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) and observations conducted by the OCDE Coach and/or other staff who provide feedback and support to La Habra City staff. This funding will also provide support for the Kindergarten readiness program for preschool children and assist in ensuring the California State Preschool Funding Terms and Conditions and other program requirements are met.

If approved and appropriated by City Council, this agreement will provide $28,500 to the City's Child Development Division from the State's Quality Rating and Improvement System Block Grant. All Child Development Division funding is provided through State and Federal grants and these programs are entirely funded by the State Department of Education. These programs receive no General Fund support.