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Board approves $4.86M CalWORKs childcare agreement with SCOE amid public questions on outcomes
Summary
Supervisors approved a renewal agreement with the Shasta County Office of Education to administer CalWORKs stage‑1 childcare and related services through June 30, 2027, not to exceed $4,860,060. The contract is fully reimbursable by the state; several speakers questioned overhead and asked for outcome measures.
The Shasta County Board of Supervisors voted 4–0 Sept. 9 to approve a renewal agreement with the Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE) to administer state‑mandated CalWORKs stage‑1 childcare and related education services for an amount not to exceed $4,860,060 for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
John Taylor, deputy branch director for the Economic Mobility Branch of HHSA, told the board SCOE has historically been the only respondent to county solicitations for these mandated services and that the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) fully reimburses these provider payments and administrative costs. Taylor said the contract includes direct provider payments and budgeted positions (part‑time or percentage FTE) that allow a network of childcare centers and family childcare homes to serve CalWORKs participants.
Several members of the public urged the board to ensure outcomes and oversight. Speakers questioned overhead and asked how many families and children were served and what measurable outcomes exist; one public commenter calculated what she described as a high per‑child cost and asked for outcome reporting. Board members and staff said they would analyze contract budget detail, org charts and FTE allocations across SCOE contracts to ensure there are no duplicative charges and to provide clearer outcome metrics.
Supervisor Plummer moved approval and said the board would request follow‑up documentation on outcomes and FTE allocations. The board approved the contract 4–0. Staff said provider payments represent roughly half of the contract and that CDSS sets maximum reimbursement rates per county and child age group.
