HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.KFAB.20220204.RegularKids 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, February 4, 2022 – 11:30 AM
In attendance: Stefan Reveal, Chad Schmit, Beth Cashdan, Rebecca Paschal, Michaela Idhammar-Ketpura,
Jessica Garrow, Matt Zubrod, Sue Way, Jim True, Diane Foster, Shirley Ritter, Nancy Nichols, and community
members.
Approved minutes from January 7, 2022: Sue moved to approve, Jessica seconded, MPU.
DESIRED OUTCOMES:
● Yellow Brick Building lease update and public comment
Stefan shared information with the group around the Yellow Brick Lease negotiations. A presentation
slide was shared that included lease requirements, Aspen Mountain Tots proposal, and response. Dawn
clarified a few items from Aspen Mountain Tots. The Kids First Advisory Board agreed to move
forward to consider Aspen Mountain Tots proposal. Jim True, the City Attorney, voiced his
understanding of the intent of the changes and would work on a document that could become an
addendum to the current lease. Shirley will present this document to Aspen Mountain Tots for review
and signing. The Kids First Advisory Board thanked Aspen Mountain Tots for working through the
lease and for offering quality Early Childhood Education to families in the community.
Stefan shared information and understanding of Playgroup’s intent which included the same proposed
changes without agreeing to opening 5 days a week. Kadi requested Kids First Advisory Board
members be polled regarding her proposal. Each member agreed that the request for Playgroup
remaining open only 4 days a week was not an option. The Kids First Advisory Board is willing to
make the same proposed changes that were approved for Aspen Mountain Tots if Playgroup agrees to be
open 5 days a week. The Kids First Advisory Board members all appreciate Kadi’s work and her quality
program. Each member asked Playgroup to allow the Kids First Advisory Board to assist her with
supports for her to be open 5 days a week.
Sue shared two additional options for Playgroup and Aspen Mountain Tots to consider. These included a
tiered approach to step up to 5 days a week or to share their space with another provider. These were
available as options moving forward for either program.
The floor was open for public comment. Stefan opened the discussion to people who had placed their
names in the “chat”. The public comments were recorded and will be reviewed and responded to by the
Kids First Advisory Board and/or city staff.
● Understand next steps to achieve council critical goal
Shirley shared updated information on the Burlingame design and CMC licensing and operation.
Burlingame design contract is set for city council approval on 2/22/2022.
Shirley shared information and support from the January 24th Aspen City Council work session. The
Aspen City Council members requested some additional information and data for future sessions, with
interests including childcare staff housing, county contribution, work force needs, births, and numbers of
children coming to Aspen area for care.
● Agree on programing/funding to support early childhood workforce
Kids First will be offering Early Childhood Teachers a new incentive that will be available to Early
Childhood staff in Pitkin County. The applications and details are being refined and will be shared with
licensed programs soon. The funding for this program has been approved by Aspen City Council. Kids
First Advisory Board and staff are excited to offer financial support to teachers who are currently
working and will continue to be working in Early Childhood Education.
• Kids First Advisory Board Members
Kids First currently has 1 alternative board member seat available, there are 3 applications pending,
Aspen City Council will interview the candidates on Monday, February 7th, 2022
Next meetings: - Kids First Advisory Board
Friday, March 4th
Friday, April 1st
Friday, May 6th