STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Workforce, Education & Equity
AGENDA DATE: December 11, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Community Care and Empowerment
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) the implementation of the Drivers of Poverty Program (Childcare) that targets residents of the City of Dallas who are low-to-moderate income needing childcare assistance and meets two of the nine Drivers of Poverty, as outlined in the Mayor's Taskforce on Poverty, approved in the City's FY2024-FY2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan Budget, and as described in Exhibit A; and (2) the execution of contracts with fully-licensed childcare providers selected by eligible parents (that meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Exhibit A), and any and all documents required by the contract and to provide subsidy payments to these fully-licensed childcare providers for the period of January 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025 - Not to exceed $618,565.00 - Financing: 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant Fund
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BACKGROUND
The Texas Legislative Study Group posted on August 13, 2024, the following statical data regarding the need for affordable childcare for working families in Texas.
"Childcare programs provide children safe, nurturing environments to learn and grow, enabling parents to work to support their families and the state's economy.
Recent reports show Texas is home to about 2.3 million children under six, with 68% having two parents working."
"The shortage of affordable childcare is not just a family issue, it's a statewide economic problem. Working parents who struggle to find quality, affordable care may arrive late, leave early, miss promotions, delay professional development, or even leave the workforce altogether. A United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation report estimated that Texas loses $9.39 billion annually from its economy due to insufficient childc...
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