Approve agreement with First 5 Yolo in the amount of $1,300,000 of American Rescue Plan funds for the period of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023 to provide grants that will support and stabilize up to 250 currently open non-public providers in the childcare sector who have been essential workers during the pandemic. (No general fund impact) (Pinedo/York)

On September 28, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the initial American Rescue Plan (ARP) Expenditure Plan, which included $5,500,000 for the Children, Youth, and Families Priority Category. The Board then subsequently reviewed and provided direction on specific Child, Youth, and Families funding at the February 22, 2022 board meeting and expressed support for funding First 5 Yolo's proposed Child Care Recovery package. Staff has worked with First 5 Yolo to develop the final contract, which is recommended for approval with this staff report. Additional information on the scope of the contract with First 5 Yolo and performance measures are described below:

Over the course of the pandemic, the childcare sector has experienced significant rising costs. There is a clear economic impact on childcare providers who are small business owners. Increased barriers to entry into the industry for those looking to open new childcare small businesses, all licensed non-public childcare providers, and individuals seeking new childcare licensure are eligible to seek grant funds under this agreement. Funding this contract with First 5 Yolo will help support and increase needed childcare capacity throughout Yolo County through infrastructure grants. The performance measures and outcomes associated with this project include tracking the number of childcare providers awarded by city, the number of additional child providers that are licensed to serve, the number and percent of grants awarded, and tracking the number and percent of providers who receive a new license, expanded an existing license, or reactivated a license. More information about this contract, including a statement of work, budget, and performance measures, may be found in Attachment A.

No competitive bid is required. The countywide ARP funds were allocated as part of the Board's FY2021-22 budget hearing on September 28, 2021. The Board provided direction of ARP funds set aside for Child, Youth, and Families at the February 22, 2022 Board meeting.