HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.KFAB.20210409Kids First Mission: Promote the availability of quality, affordable early childhood care &
education, and provide access to early childhood information and resources.
Kids First Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Friday, April 9th, 2021 – 11:30 AM
Attendees: Chad Schmit, Stefan Reveal, Rebecca Paschal, Michaela Idhammar-Ketpura, Beth Cashdan, Sue
Way, Adley Larimer, Nancy Nichols, Shirley Ritter
• Approved Minutes from March 12, 2021 - Stefan moved, Rebecca seconded, MPU
DESIRED OUTCOMES:
• Quality Improvement grants review and approvals:
Shirley shared some pre-grant review information. In the past Kids First has not funded Handwriting
without Tears materials or trainings. After some discussion it was agreed that the quality grants for 2021
would not support funding for this program, based on approved curriculum for Colorado Shines.
Additionally, Shirley shared that in the past Kids First Advisory Board approved funding for 2 college
level classes per individual. Adjustments have been made to the staff recommendation to reflect funding
for just 2 classes per person, initially. If a staff person completes two classes and would like to take
additional classes, funding will be considered.
Grant approval summary:
Wildwood -- $11,271 Sue moved to approve, Rebecca seconded, MPU.
Little Red Schoolhouse -- $1,866 Sue moved to approve, Beth seconded, MPU.
Growing Years -- $13,713 - Shirley will work with Growing Years to apply for Colorado Shines capital
improvement grant for concrete. Beth moved to approve, Rebecca seconded, MPU.
Early Learning Center -- $14,468 Sue moved to approve, Beth seconded, MPU.
Aspen Country Day -- $5,102 - Beth moved to approve, Rebecca seconded, MPU.
Aspen School District – The Kids First Advisory Board requested that Shirley and the coaches review
this grant further with Simone and review which materials are necessary and where the materials will be
used. Then the Cottage grant will be presented to the Kids First Advisory Board via email for review
and approval.
• Government Funding for Childcare
Shirley shared some great news about funding for Education in Colorado.
The CRRSAA funding for CO is $119 million dollars and will be used for supporting early education
through work force grants such as ECE101 and ECE103 offered for no charge through community
colleges, sustainability grants to childcare programs, funding for early childhood councils and R&R,
early childhood mental health (ECMH), and CCAP rates and absences to allow more flexibility for
families.
There is also more funding under The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPC). Colorado is expected to
receive $530 million dollars. More details to come on this funding.
This is exciting news and is great support for our community, early education, and families. We hope to
participate in some of this decision making, to guide funds to places that our community and programs
will benefit. Shirley is on the newly formed EC Governance Coalition to help support a bill to be
introduced concerning a new, cabinet level, department for early childhood that would be the
governance structure for the Universal Pre-K funding and bring the other existing programs for young
children under one department. This would prepare for future federal funding for young children.
Next meetings: - Kids First Advisory Board
Friday, May 7
Friday June 4
Friday July 9
Friday August 6