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HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.council.worksession.20250623AGENDA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 23, 2025 4:00 PM, City Council Chambers 427 Rio Grande Place, Aspen I.Work Session I.A Council Early Childhood Education Goal - Kids First Overview and Budget I.B Housing Summit II.Council discussion of items published in the most recent information update, as needed Zoom Meeting Instructions Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88944410221?pwd=Um2QW9g4lYGUR21RaufR13PhBlRftB.1 Passcode:81611 Join via audio: +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 889 4441 0221 Passcode: 81611 International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kuobJ7BHF 6.23.25 MEMO Council Early Childhood Education Goal - Kids First Overview and Budget - FINAL.pdf Kids First Provider Survey and Annual Report.pdf June 23rd Work Session - Housing Summit.docx 1 1 Page 1 of 3 MEMORANDUM TO: Aspen City Council FROM: Megan Monaghan and Nancy Nichols Co-Managers, Kids First THRU: Pete Strecker, City Manager, Diane Foster, Assistant City Manager MEETING DATE: June 23, 2025 RE: Council Early Childhood Education Goal - Kids First Overview and Budget PURPOSE: Where City Council has established Early Childhood Education programmatic enhancement and optimization as a Council goal, the purpose of this memo and subsequent work session is to provide the Aspen City Council with a program and budget overview of Kids First and to make a few recommendations in support of Council’s goal. The mission of Kids First is to promote the availability of quality, affordable early childhood care and education, and provide access to early childhood information and resources. Kids First achieves these outcomes by providing direct financial and material support to: a. Early Childhood Education programs; b. Early Childhood Education teachers; and c. Families who need early childhood education services. While every Kids First program is evaluated each year for possible improvements and efficiencies, staff welcomes the opportunity to talk with City Council about other ideas Council members may have. SUMMARY & BACKGROUND: Kids First is funded by a dedicated 0.45% sales tax approved by voters in 1989 and renewed through 2040. This tax generated approximately $4.2 million in 2024. These funds assist families with childcare costs, particularly those who earn too much for state subsidies but still struggle with expenses. Additionally, the program invests in quality improvements for childcare providers, including grants for infant and toddler care, professional development, and operational support. Through this initiative, Aspen demonstrates a profound commitment to its youngest residents and their families, ensuring that early childhood education remains 2 Page 2 of 3 accessible and of high quality. The continued success of Kids First underscores the community's dedication to fostering a nurturing environment where children can thrive, and families can find the support they need. When the tax was first established, the Aspen City Council, and voters understood the direct connection between the need for workforce housing and the need for childcare in our community; fortunately, this understanding and support continues today. In light of Aspen City Council elevating early childhood education to a council goal, staff appreciate the opportunity to provide an overview of Kids First programs and Budget. The overview includes Kids First Mission, Goals, staff organization and roles, childcare program funding, and our work in key programming areas. Early childhood concerns and intentional solutions tend to be grouped in three overall buckets: 1. Availability/Capacity; 2. Quality; and 3. Affordability. Kids First budget and programming reflect this, with teacher recruitment and retention goals included to broaden our ability to engage a wider base of the community in these three areas. Our community continues to grow and change; we are fortunate to have dedicated funding that can be used to address current issues and anticipate future needs. We will cover the following information in our presentation on June 23: • Kids First Mission, Staff Organizational Chart and Compass Work Plan Goals: o Capacity- Regional Partnerships, Community Childcare Needs Assessment o Workforce-Teacher and Director trainings and the Kids First Housing Initiative Plan o Stewardship-Optimizing use of city resources and maintaining Yellow Brick Building o Internal Excellence-Using Compass Goals, City Values, customer service, communication standards to drive continuous quality improvement, through team reflection, collaboration, and process optimization. • Kids First 2025 Budget Overview • Kids First five key programming areas: o Quality: Kids First programs that maintain and increase childcare quality:  Coaching, Mental Health and Nurse Consultant  Grants for Quality Improvement and Professional Development  Quality benchmarks, research-based tools for measurement of quality  Evaluation of programs for continuous quality improvement  Year-to-date childcare program funding o Affordability:  Financial Aid and Emergency Financial Aid  Infant and Toddler Grants  Education and training for directors 3 Page 3 of 3  Yellow Brick Building Rent Waiver o Availability:  Infant Toddler Subsidies  Start-up Funding  Resource Teacher or substitute teacher  Enrollment Supports  Wage Enhancement  Capacity- • Burlingame Early Childhood Education Center • Kids First Community Childcare Needs Assessment o Education and public awareness:  Teacher education, coaching, parent workshops  Saturday Market, 2024 Provider Survey and Report, aspenkidsguide.org  Teacher Credentials o Work Force Supports:  Wage Enhancement • City of Aspen Wage Supplement • Pitkin County Wage Enhancement  VIP  Workforce Funding  Training and Professional Development for Teachers • RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff have recommendations in three areas:  Continue the Yellow Brick Building Rent Waiver Pilot Program  Extend Kids First Wage Supplement for all childcare programs in Pitkin County at or before the expiration of the current wage supplement program  Create dedicated housing and other housing support options for early childhood educators Staff Summary: Staff welcomes an Aspen City Council discussion and looks forward to providing an overview of our programs and budget. Staff are open to ideas about program enhancements. Looking ahead to 2026, we aim to expand these supports, introduce additional programs tailored to the needs of families, childcare staff, and centers. 4 2024 PROVIDER SURVEY AND ANNUAL REPORT 5 AVAILABILITY WORK FORCE SUPPORTS MISSION Promote the availability of quality, affordable early childhood care & education. Provide access to childcare information and resources. Maintain affordability of programs and provide information regarding the true cost of childcare. In scholarships provided by Kids First in 2024 to families with children attending 12 of the 13 childcare programs in Pitkin County. $615,409 This includes emergency financial aid and funding for high needs families in the summer. Increase the quality of early childhood education and care. Nurse Consultant for all childcare providers in Pitkin County. In Quality Improvement grants and Professional Development grants to childcare providers and teachers. $44,000+200 HOURS of Quality Improvement coaching with credentialed coaches. Funds Mental Health Consultant providing wellness supports to 15 families in need. Increase and maintain the availability of childcare programs. In Infant and Toddler Subsidies provided by Kids First.$281,514 Provided in start-up funding for a new program.$30,000 GOAL 1 QUALITY GOAL 2 GOAL 3 GOAL 4 GOAL 5 EDUCATION & PUBLIC AWARENESS Support the recruitment and retention of qualified early childhood education teachers. Kids First funds teacher growth and sustainability. Funds: TEACHER WAGE ENHANCEMENT | STAFF STIPENDS | HIRING BONUS | SUBSTITUTE TEACHER For VIP Staff Incentives to 89 teachers based on professional growth. $467,107 Increase public education and awareness about the importance of early childhood education. TEACHER TRAININGS PARENT WORKSHOP MONTH OF THE YOUNG CHILD READ WITH ME DAY CHILDREN’S PARADE SATURDAY MARKET COMMUNITY PICNIC ADVERTISING AND PROMOTING CHILDCARE AVAILABILITY 2024 AFFORDABILITY Kids First is supported by a dedicated sales tax that provides funding for affordable housing and childcare. 6 2024 Pitkin County Early Childhood Program Survey and Funding Summary 3 CHILDCARE STAFF There are a total of 128 FULL-TIME STAFF MEMBERS in the Childcare Centers within Pitkin County. 66 people are lead teacher/ECT Qualified- Level 2 and up 20 people are Director Qualified 42 people are assistant teacher/ Qualified- Level 1 QUALITY Kids First supports quality childcare staffing. What do you consider on your salary scale when you hire new staff? Check all that apply. (10 responses) Level of education Job duties - role Years of Experience working with young children Specialized training PDIS Credential Level Time worked with us 8 (80%) 9 (90%) 6 (60%) 1 (10%) 7 (70%) 7 (70%) How often are staff formally evaluated? (10 responses) Once a year Twice a year Quarterly Monthly There is not a set schedule for evaluations 60% 10% 30% 7 2024 Pitkin County Early Childhood Program Survey and Funding Summary 4 Kids First Financial Aid awarded $615,409.00 in 2024. Kids First Childcare Financial Aid supports families that live or work in the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary up to 600% of the Federal Poverty Level. Kids First Financial Aid begins where CCCAP stops. In Nov 2024 the CCCAP poverty level was raised to 300%. This increase will allow for more families to qualify. Without these programs families would be facing childcare costs that are higher than rent. In some cases, childcare costs are 55% of a family’s gross income. All licensed Pitkin County childcare centers receive financial assistance for families in the community. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Kids First Financial Aid 12 programs receive financial aid from Kids First with 50 children currently receiving financial support. 9 programs have CCCAP fiscal agreements with Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield Counties, 43 children are currently receiving financial support. 10 programs participate in UPP 4 years with 115 children currently receiving 10-30 hours of funded care. 10 programs participate in UPP 3 years with 27 children receiving 10-30 hours of funded care. $281,514.00 Awarded to 6 qualified childcare centers for operational support through the Infant/Toddler grant. Infant Toddler Grant AFFORDABILITY Kids First provides financial supports to childcare programs and families in the community. 8 2024 Pitkin County Early Childhood Program Survey and Funding Summary 5 INFANT CARE | Up to 18 months • There are currently 7 infant classrooms • Staff ratios 1:3 to 1:5 • Licensed capacity is 8-10 children • Desired Capacity ranges from 8-9 children CURRENT NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS AND COST OF CARE Range $82.00 - $100.00 Average cost $86.28 COST OF CARE FOR ONE DAY TODDLER CARE | 18 to 36 months • There are currently 13 toddler classrooms • Staff ratios 1:4 to 1:6 • Licensed capacity is 10-15 children • Desired capacity ranges from 8-14 children Range from $82.00 to $95.00 Average cost $86.28 COST OF CARE FOR ONE DAY PRESCHOOL CARE | 3-5 years • There are currently 17 preschool classrooms • Staff ratios 1:6 to 1:10 • Licensed capacity is 8-25 children • Desired capacity is 8-18 children Range $76.19 - $95.00 Average cost $84.52 COST OF CARE FOR ONE DAY Do you have an infant room(s)? Serving children under 18 months 10 responses Do you have a toddler room(s)? Serving children 19-36 months 70% Yes 30% No 10 responses Do you have a preschool room(s)? Serving children 3-5 years 70% Yes 30% No 10 responses 40% No60% Yes AVAILABILITY Kids First supports programs to maintain and increase available space for children. 9 2024 Pitkin County Early Childhood Program Survey and Funding Summary 6 TRACKING AVAILABILITY IN PITKIN COUNTY CHILDCARE PROGRAMS 11 of 12 programs maintain a waitlist ON AVERAGE THERE ARE 4.8 unborn children on the waitlist 19.6 children under 18 months on the waitlist 18.1 children 18-36 months on the waitlist 11.8 children between 3-5yrs on the waitlist Childcare providers continually review and update their waitlists. This would include things like calling families, removing families, etc. (9 responses) 45%33% 11%11% Weekly Daily Only when we have an opening Monthly 10 2024 Pitkin County Early Childhood Program Survey and Funding Summary 7 WORKFORCE BENEFITS Childcare programs reported a large variety of paid benefits including: ;Paid time off ;Paid holidays ;Paid planning time ;Childcare discounts ;All or partial health benefits ;Life Insurance benefits ;Retirement benefits ;Background checks ;CPR/First aid certification ;Ski pass ;Bus pass Which benefits do you offer to all staff at your program? Check all that apply. (10 responses) Health Insurance - partially paid by program Paid sick time off Paid vacation time off Paid time off (PTO) in place of sick and vacation time off Paid Holidays Meals provided during work hours Staff meals or after hours activities (dinner, a show, or other team building activity) Paid Planning time Life insurance Retirement plan - no program contribution Retirement plan including a % contributed by the program HSA or FSA pre-tax plan Paid education - above what is required, and that the staff person may choose Ski Pass Childcare discount Bus pass = paid for in part by the program Background check, CPR/1st Aid paid for by the program Other 6 (60%) 8 (80%) 8 (80%) 8 (80%) 8 (80%) 4 (40%) 4 (40%) 5 (50%) 6 (60%) 4 (40%) 3 (30%) 7 (70%) 6 (60%) 6 (60%) 7 (70%) 10 (100%) 2 (20%) 0 (0%) WORKFORCE SUPPORTS Kids First increased the focus on workforce issues in 2024. 11 2024 Pitkin County Early Childhood Program Survey and Funding Summary 8 Hiring Bonus: Individual hiring bonuses are paid to individual teachers once they have worked for 30 days in a program. During 2023, 43 individuals received a hiring bonus with 21 of these receiving the second pay- ment. This means that 21 of the new hired individuals were still employed 6 months after hiring. In 2024 there were 10 new hire bonuses, down from 21, which reflects a decrease in staff turnover. Conference Stipend: 3 childcare centers received conference stipends in 2024. 12 staff members attended The Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference with total funds of $5,770.69 awarded. WORKFORCE SUPPORTS Wage Supplement: Pitkin County and Kids First support individual childcare staff members through a wage supplement program. This program awards full-time and part-time staff with a monthly payment of $500 or $400 for full time employees and $250 or $200 for part-time staff. Funding varies based on the funding source, either Pitkin County or The City of Aspen. The program has supported 184 teachers for the past two years. VIP Award: Childcare staff members are awarded for professional development efforts twice a year through the VIP Incentive. This award is designed to support childcare staff in their pursuit to become highly quali- fied early childhood educators. 89 individual teachers received the award with a total payout of $162,200.00 in 2024. Fall 2024 VIP Payout by Program $0 $8750 $17500 $26250 $35000 $43750 $52500 $61250 $70000 Woody Creek Kids WildwoodJCCLittle Red School House Growing Years First Steps College Early Learning Center Basalt Preschool Aspen School District Aspen Mountain Tots Aspen Country Day Ajax Cubs Early Learning Center Aspen School District Growing Years Wildwood Ajax Cubs Aspen Country Day Woody Creek Kids Basalt Elementary Preschool Aspen Mountain Tots Little Red Schoolhouse JCC First Steps College 36.4% 16.9%12% 9% 7.1% 4.9% 4.9% 1.3% 2.7% 2.1% 1.7%0.8% 12 2024 Pitkin County Early Childhood Program Survey and Funding Summary 9 WORKFORCE QUALITY Quality Improvement Grants: Childcare providers receive Quality Improvement Grants on a yearly basis. Each program that participates in Colorado Shines can complete the grant application and include requests for materials and supports. A large portion of the grant funding is applied towards materials that are referenced in a childcare center’s Colorado Shines Rating. Grant funding is allocated in the six targeted areas: 1. Family Partnership, 2. Leadership, Management and Administration, 3. Learning Environment, 4. Child Health, 5. Other Quality Improvements, 6. Bus Passes. In 2024 grant funding was approved for 7 programs with a total of $30,437.15. Professional Development Grants: Professional Development funding is a partnership between Kids First and the Pitkin County childcare centers. Childcare staff members complete a professional development plan for the year. This plan can include college level classes, workshops, trainings and on-line learning. Each staff member’s plan is evaluated, and the costs are determined. Childcare programs can be reimbursed for costs associated with staff workplans. In 2024 Kids First awarded $13,723.00 in professional development grants. Kids First annual in-service provides childcare professionals in Pitkin County with a day focused on learning and celebrating their hard work and dedication to the early childhood profession. Participants enjoy specialized training led by an experienced childcare expert, along with food and gifts to mark the occasion. This unique event is highly anticipated each year by childcare staff, with 80-100 teachers participating annually. Health Consultant and Mental Health Consultant: Aligned with the Colorado Strengthening Families Framework, Kids First employs an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant and a Nurse Consultant for childcare centers, staff, and families to access for all necessary wellness supports. These resources are available to childcare centers and families to ensure each program has guidance with licensing regulations, state regulations, mental health and day to day childcare health and wellness. Resource Teacher: This individual demonstrates best practices while substitute teaching and supporting educators in childcare centers throughout Pitkin County. In 2024, the Kids First resource teacher dedicated over 1,600 hours substitute teaching. Intern Teacher: This is a temporary, supervised learning role aimed at training and supporting an individual in gaining qualifications to become an early childhood teacher. Once the intern shows readiness, they step in as a substitute teacher, allowing full-time teachers release time. After achieving their qualifications, the intern is encouraged and incentivized to seek employment in a local childcare center. Quality Improvement Coaching: Kids First employs two Early Childhood coaches who perform certified assessments, offer coaching and training, and organize professional development opportunities for early childhood educators and directors. Furthermore, the coaches help strengthen families by offering workshops for parents and caregivers. In 2024, Kids First provided over 200 coaching hours in 10 childcare programs. 13 2024 Pitkin County Early Childhood Program Survey and Funding Summary 10 CHILDCARE STAFF SURVEY RESULTS HOUSING - Where do you currently live? 63 people | Pitkin County 23 people | Garfield County 27 people | Eagle County EMPLOYMENT - Why did you take your current job? Pick your top 3 reasons. 27 responded most important reason was, “Better working conditions than my former job.” 26 responded most important reason was, “Better schedule.” 18 responded most important reason was, “I have my own young child and wanted to work with this age group.” 17 responded most important reason was, “I received my degree in early childhood.” STAYING - What are the most important reasons that you stay in your current job? Pick your top 3 reasons. 60 responded most important reason was, “I look forward to coming to work every day, working with young children gives me great satisfaction.” 13 responded most important reason was, “I like the hours, it works for me.” 12 responded most important reason was, “I’ve studied brain development and to support that day to day is exciting.” 12 responded most important reason was, “I like the people I work with.” 12 responded most important reason was, “The wages and benefits are good.” LEAVING - Have you considered leaving your job? What are the biggest reasons you would consider leaving your job? Pick your top 3 reasons. 37 responded most important reason was, “I need to make more money to help support my family.” 13 responded most important reason was, “I don’t feel listened to when I have a question or concern.” 11 responded most important reason was, "It’s too far from my home to work, the commute is too hard." Low High Average Current Directors Hourly (reported and figured based on 40hr/52weeks)$21.63 $45.00 $35.87 Current Directors Salary (reported and figured based on 40hrs/52weeks)$45,000.00 $93,600.00 $74,605.00 Assistant Teacher ECT Level 1 $20.00 $27.00 $22.20 Lead Teacher or ECT Level 2 or higher $22.00 $30.00 $26.42 Substitute/Float $20.00 $35.00 $24.90 WORKFORCE SALARY 14 2024 Pitkin County Early Childhood Program Survey and Funding Summary 11 EDUCATION & PUBLIC AWARENESS Kids First supports learning by holding parent workshops and teacher trainings like the annual in-service to increase knowledge and skills to benefit young children and families. The state of Colorado promotes the Colorado Shines Professional Development System and credentials teachers. Our programs help teachers to increase their state credentials. Teachers who have an increased understanding of child development provide a higher quality of care in their classrooms. Teachers statewide receive credential levels based on experience, formal education and trainings. The statewide average of teachers with a credential level 3 or higher is close to 50% whereas 61% of teachers in Pitkin County have earned a credential level 3 or higher. EDUCATION What is your current PDIS Credential Level? (Colorado Professional Development Information systems) Credential Level 1 Credential Level 2 Credential Level 3 Credential Level 4 Credential Level 5 Credential Level 6 In Process None PUBLIC AWARENESS Kids First actively works to raise public awareness by engaging the community by hosting activities, and initiatives such as Month of the Young Child, events like Read with me Day, Annual Children's Parade, the Community Picnic, and the Saturday Market. Kids First supports professional development and recognizes the importance of increasing the community's awareness of early childhood development. 32% 16%16% 15% 9% 5% 4% 3% 15 Kids First is committed to providing each childcare center with essential resources and funding. This support positively impacts workforce quality of life, strengthens and sustains high standards in childcare centers, and makes care more affordable through family scholarships. Looking ahead to 2025, we aim to expand these supports, pursue new funding sources, and introduce additional grants and programs tailored to the needs of families, childcare staff, and centers. We are also conducting a Community Childcare Needs Assessment to evaluate demand for the Burlingame Early Childhood Education Center and exploring housing solutions as part of our early childhood educator housing initiative plan. We welcome your input and look forward to collaborating with the Aspen/Pitkin community for shared success. FUTURE Questions or feedback? KidsFirst@aspen.gov 16 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Liz Axberg, Housing Policy Analyst THROUGH: Diane Foster, Deputy City Manager MEMO DATE: June 17, 2025 MEETING DATE: June 23, 2025 RE: Housing Summit _____________________________________________________________________ REQUEST OF COUNCIL: The purpose of this work session is to receive direction from Council on the goals and structure of a possible Housing Summit. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: During the 2025 City Council Retreat, Council expressed interest in exploring a Housing Summit. The most recent other local housing summit was hosted by Habitat for Humanity in 2022 at the Aspen Institute. This event had included stakeholders from Aspen through Glenwood Springs. Staff have various questions for Council to assist in establishing goals and parameters for the potential event to ensure a successful event which meets Council’s goals. DISCUSSION: For the Housing Summit, Staff have the following recommendations:  Solution-focused and outcome orientated  Little to no discussion of the problem, as this has been covered in other conferences and in many other venues (Council & BOCC work session throughout the valley, newspaper articles, etc.)  Fewer speakers “talking at” the attendees and instead workshop structured  Not a “one and done” event o Pre-scheduled follow-up meetings  Partner-focused: Limit the participants to those who are able to take action on affordable housing  Hire a facilitator who knows about affordable housing to lead the event All of the above recommendations are up for Council input or questions. In addition to the recommendations, Staff have the following questions for Council: 17  What outcomes do you want to see? o Immediately after Housing Summit o Six Months out o One Year out o Five years out  Focus: Where should discussion be focused? o New affordable housing, including development neutral solutions o Maintenance of existing affordable housing units o Both or Other  Geography/Partners: Who should be included in this Summit?  Timing: When would you like this to happen?  Location: Do you have any preferences on where you would like this to happen? FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Hosting or co-hosting a Housing Summit would have financial impacts. The size and scope of the housing summit would influence the cost of the event. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: There are no direct environmental impacts. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: 18