Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Dave Pine, District 1
Supervisor Carole Groom, District 2
Subject: Establish a grant program to support out-of-school programs during the 2022-2023 school year
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Approving an allocation of $2,562,500 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the 2022-2023 Out-of-School Care Grant Program to increase the availability of before and after school and school vacation programs for socioeconomically disadvantaged students in the County; and
B) Authorizing the County Executive, or designee(s), to enter into an agreement with SMCU Community Fund to administer the 2022-2023 Out-of-School Care Grant Program for an amount not to exceed $62,500, with a term ending November 30, 2022.
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BACKGROUND:
During and as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges accessing or affording out-of-school care have been widespread, with disruptions to early care and learning services similarly having negative impacts. Indeed, educators, after-school care providers and child development experts agree that children need out-of-school programs - prior to school, after school and during school vacations - that support both academic progress and social and emotional development. This need is particularly acute for socio-economically disadvantaged ("SED") students and families living in communities severely impacted by the pandemic.
SED students frequently had less access and support during distance learning because parents were unable to work from home, had less reliable internet access, had to share computers with other family members, and often did not have quiet places to study. Many SED students lacked access to opportunities for social and emotional growth provided through camps, tutoring, and other private programs that middle and upper-income families provided their children over the past two yea...
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