Item No. 11.
| MEETING DATE: 04/05/2021 |
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| TO: | HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS |
| FROM: | JIM SADRO, CITY MANAGER By: Kelly Fujio, Director of Community Services |
| SUBJECT: | APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH DR. TERESA EGAN FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE CONSULTANT SERVICES |
RECOMMENDATION:
That City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Dr. Teresa Egan for professional consulting services related to the La Habra Childhood Development Program's methodology and staff development, on-site assessment and curriculum development, and strategic planning at a rate of not to exceed $5,000 per month to improve program operations.
DISCUSSION:
The City of La Habra operates a full-service grant funded Child Development Program that includes a State Preschool and a School-age Child Care Program. While both programs are in good standing with the California Department of Education, the City independently initiated a comprehensive review of its childhood development program to assess the effectiveness of its professional standards and methods of operations.
The assessment was conducted in response to a First 5 Orange County study of students which indicated that many Orange County children entering kindergarten are not making sufficient development progress and, that specifically, children entering kindergarten in the La Habra City School District (LHCSD) were trailing their peers. Because approximately one-third of LHCSD's kindergartners transition from the City's Preschool Program to the local school districts, and because an emphasis on early academic achievement can increase the likelihood of success later in life, an assessment of the City's program can identify operational weaknesses, pinpoint areas of improvement, and help improve student performance.
The California State Preschool program operated by the City provides full-day preschool to 72 children and part-day preschool to 120 children in La Habra. The full-day program provides 246 days of service per year while the part-day program operates 180 school days per year. The General School-age Child Care program operated by the City provides before and after school care for 155 school-age children and 65 infants/toddlers in partnership with Family Child Care Homes throughout Orange County for 246 days during the school-year. With support from both LHCSD and First 5 Orange County, the City continues to address the issue of kindergarten readiness for children in its programs, as well as train and educate parents and staff about how they can help students succeed. In addition, the City's program provides parents and caregivers with guidance on how to create an environment most conducive to childhood learning and healthy development.
In order to assess the City's program, the La Habra Child Development Division sought to retain the services of a consultant who would be well versed in early childhood development as well as kindergarten/elementary school educational standards, so that they could provide professional services necessary to address the programs needs and assist with a potential reorganization to improve program effectiveness. The specific criteria sought by staff included technical skills, knowledge of the community and local school districts, understanding of program requirements, and compassion for participants.
Dr. Teresa Egan retired as the Associate Superintendent from the La Habra City School District in 2020 after serving nine years in that position and eleven years as a Principal of three different K-2nd grade schools in the City. She possesses a Masters and Doctorate in Educational Leadership and developed the School Readiness Plan that the District currently uses. Dr. Egan serves as the Dissertation Chair for Concordia University, teaches Coaching to Principals through the State of California Licensing Division, and is mentoring Principals throughout the County. Dr. Egan is very involved in the La Habra Community and currently serves as the Incoming President for the Friends of the Children's Museum. She is very well regarded by students, parents and teachers and is well qualified to offer much needed training, assessment and insight to the City's child development programs.
The assessment was conducted in response to a First 5 Orange County study of students which indicated that many Orange County children entering kindergarten are not making sufficient development progress and, that specifically, children entering kindergarten in the La Habra City School District (LHCSD) were trailing their peers. Because approximately one-third of LHCSD's kindergartners transition from the City's Preschool Program to the local school districts, and because an emphasis on early academic achievement can increase the likelihood of success later in life, an assessment of the City's program can identify operational weaknesses, pinpoint areas of improvement, and help improve student performance.
The California State Preschool program operated by the City provides full-day preschool to 72 children and part-day preschool to 120 children in La Habra. The full-day program provides 246 days of service per year while the part-day program operates 180 school days per year. The General School-age Child Care program operated by the City provides before and after school care for 155 school-age children and 65 infants/toddlers in partnership with Family Child Care Homes throughout Orange County for 246 days during the school-year. With support from both LHCSD and First 5 Orange County, the City continues to address the issue of kindergarten readiness for children in its programs, as well as train and educate parents and staff about how they can help students succeed. In addition, the City's program provides parents and caregivers with guidance on how to create an environment most conducive to childhood learning and healthy development.
In order to assess the City's program, the La Habra Child Development Division sought to retain the services of a consultant who would be well versed in early childhood development as well as kindergarten/elementary school educational standards, so that they could provide professional services necessary to address the programs needs and assist with a potential reorganization to improve program effectiveness. The specific criteria sought by staff included technical skills, knowledge of the community and local school districts, understanding of program requirements, and compassion for participants.
Dr. Teresa Egan retired as the Associate Superintendent from the La Habra City School District in 2020 after serving nine years in that position and eleven years as a Principal of three different K-2nd grade schools in the City. She possesses a Masters and Doctorate in Educational Leadership and developed the School Readiness Plan that the District currently uses. Dr. Egan serves as the Dissertation Chair for Concordia University, teaches Coaching to Principals through the State of California Licensing Division, and is mentoring Principals throughout the County. Dr. Egan is very involved in the La Habra Community and currently serves as the Incoming President for the Friends of the Children's Museum. She is very well regarded by students, parents and teachers and is well qualified to offer much needed training, assessment and insight to the City's child development programs.
FISCAL IMPACT/SOURCE OF FUNDING:
If approved, Dr. Egan will provide professional consulting services to include an in-depth assessment of all program operations, staffing and licensing requirements, professional development goals, individual and group training of staff, and an overhaul of core curriculum, at a rate of not to exceed $5,000 per month. The proposed professional services agreement is for 12 months and will not exceed $60,000. The Child Development Program Fund Reserve has adequate funding to pay for all costs associated with these professional development services. There is no cost to the General Fund.
GENERAL PLAN RELEVANCE:
Goal LU 17.1 Adequate Community Supporting Uses
Goal CI 5.1 Programs for Youth
Goal CI 5.2 Programs for Families
Goal CI 5.3 Working Parents
Goal CI 5.1 Programs for Youth
Goal CI 5.2 Programs for Families
Goal CI 5.3 Working Parents