Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Early Childhood Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rules Committee forwards emergency recovery program to aid early‑childhood providers
Summary
The committee recommended an ordinance to create an Early Education Economic Recovery Program providing grants and interest‑free loans to early care providers struggling during the COVID‑19 pandemic; OECE staff described survey findings showing many programs face increased costs, depleted reserves, and potential closures.
The Rules Committee recommended to the full Board an ordinance to establish an Early Education Economic Recovery Program that will provide grants and interest‑free loans to early care and education providers to cover COVID‑19–related costs. President (Yee) presented the measure and introduced Denise Carvino of the Office of Early Care and Education (OECE), who summarized early survey results indicating widespread financial strain among providers.
Denise Carvino told the committee OECE’s survey found that about half of respondents said they could benefit from grants or loans to sustain operations and that over 20 respondents were likely to be unable to sustain operations for the next three months. Carvino cited increased costs for PPE and other COVID‑linked expenses and reduced capacity as drivers of financial stress. President Yee and supervisors including Stephanie and Marr praised the proposal as time‑sensitive relief for providers.
Public commenters representing provider groups urged that grants be awarded in ways that reach the most financially challenged providers, including those outside the ALS system, and requested assistance with business planning and insurance costs. Speakers included Maria Vistore (Parent Voices), Pat Sullivan (Family Child Care Association of San Francisco), and Gabriela Judd Cerelli (Primedos Fasos). After public comment, Supervisor Stephanie moved to forward the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation as a committee report; the motion passed without objection.
The item will go to the full Board for final action; OECE staff said they aimed to release applications by January and, if the schedule holds, begin issuing checks by February, subject to budget committee actions and other implementation steps.
