HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.KFAB.20210108Kids 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, January 8, 2021 – 11:30 AM
Attendees: Chad Schmit, Matt Zubrod, Stefan Reveal, Sue Way, Beth Cashdan, Nancy Nichols, Shirley
Ritter
• Approved Minutes from November 6th, 2020
Beth moved, Chad seconded, MPU
DESIRED OUTCOMES:
• Agree on changes to infant and toddler funding.
Shirley presented information about the current Infant and Toddler funding which included an infant
rent subsidy and an infant and/or toddler subsidy which is based on enrollment numbers and a programs
Colorado Shines rating. The presentation included history and information around why the program
exists, who received what kind of funds, and what the impact has been upon programs.
The discussion focused on where and when there should be changes made to this program. The focused
question was should the infant rent subsidy be reduced or stay the same; and should the infant/toddler
subsidy be increased and by how much over what period of time? Shirley shared slides that showed
three different scenarios that reflected data to support decreasing rent subsidy and increasing
infant/toddler percentages. These slides also help to demonstrate the ability to stay within the current
budgeted dollars for this program as well as the individual impact on programs.
The direction from the discussion include:
• Intentionally look at the next 3 years rather than just a one-year scenario
• Look at numbers that represent a 10% increase beginning Jan 2022 and an additional 3% over the next 3
years
• Check on the extent to which the rent subsidy is helping
• Shirley will have a discussion with each program director to see what parts of this program work and
what they think their needs are
Shirley will report out on answers to these questions at a future Kids First Advisory Board meeting
➢ Chad moved to keep the Kids First Infant and Toddler subsidy as it stands for the year 2021 and
plan on changes to made before the year 2022. Sue seconded, MPU.
• Formalize new Kids First Advisory Board Bylaws
Shirley presented the final Kids First Advisory Board Bylaws and updated the group on the status of
member applications and interviews completed by Aspen City Council. We are currently waiting to
hear if the Aspen City Council has approved the applicant they interviewed in December.
➢ Chad moved to approve the New Kids First Advisory Board bylaws as presented. Sue seconded,
MPU.
• Understand continued programming for childcare recovery
Yellow Brick leases – Shirley presented current enrollment information from the programs in the
Yellow Brick and shared the lease language. The board discussed the current COVID situation and
agreed to extend the lease clause (which does not require 75% enrollment) until May 31st, 2021. The
Yellow Brick tenants will be notified of the extension on/or before January 31st, 2021 which meets the
requirements in the lease.
➢ Chad moved to extend the current lease capacity clause in the Yellow Brick lease thru May 31st,
2021. No other changes to the written clause. Beth seconded, MPU.
COVID Funding for Childcare programs: The current reimbursement programs, PPE, cleaning and
supplies and Covid closure reimbursement, for Pitkin County childcare programs will be extended as
long as Aspen City Council approves the budget for the Covid Relief funds granted in March of 2020.
The Kids First Advisory Board also discussed vaccinations and the desire to have all childcare staff
included in the 1B tier. Kids First staff is working closely with Pitkin County Public Health and
participating in vaccinations planning.
• Agree on quality improvement and start-up funding – this item was tables for the February
meeting.
Next meetings: - Kids First Advisory Board
Friday, February 5
Friday, March 5
Friday, April 2
Friday, May 7
Friday June 4
Friday July 9
Friday August