Council approves city applications for Prop 10 childcare funds, flags unlicensed Recreation and Parks preschools

The Los Angeles City Council approved three city applications to compete for County Proposition 10 childcare funds and directed continued collaboration among city departments and nonprofit partners ahead of a Monday deadline.

Councilmember Richard Alarcon (committee context) and Councilmember Mike Hernandez described the applications and noted a short timeline for submission. Hernandez asked the council to act immediately so applications could be filed by the deadline.

Councilmember Walters said a review of Recreation and Parks programs showed 18 state-licensed child-care centers for the city but 83 Recreation and Parks preschool programs overall; only one of the licensed centers served preschoolers. Walters said the department provided reasons why many programs were not licensed and called for steps to bring centers up to licensing standards.

Hernandez and Walters said the city has new positions coordinating childcare and commissions on children, youth and families, and that the mayor's office concurred with submitting the recommended applications. The council approved the report and the applications (vote recorded as 12 ayes). Members directed continued work on staff training and accreditation efforts and signaled further follow-up on licensing and compliance.