Q2 Update on Childcare Challenges and CollaborationsCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Consent Items # 1 S.
Copyrighted
May 17, 2021
ITEM TITLE: 2021 - Q2 Update on Childcare Challenges and Collaborations
SUMMARY: City Manager transmitting a quarterly update on the status of collaboration
efforts among partners in Dubuque to address a need for sufficient
quality, affordable childcare options in the community.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Type
Quarterly Update on Childcare Initiatives-MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
THE C
DUUB-.-*.-TE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: 2021 - Q2 Update on Childcare Challenges and Collaborations
DATE: May 12, 2021
Dubuque
*Awrin Cia
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Economic Development Director Jill Connors is transmitting a quarterly update on the
status of collaboration efforts among partners in Dubuque to address a need for
sufficient quality, affordable childcare options in the community.
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Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Jill M. Connors, Economic Development Director
THE CITY OF
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
AII•Amerin City
NniK���i rnz: u;v�ur
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Jill M. Connors, Economic Development Director
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
SUBJECT: 2021 — Q2 Update on Childcare Challenges and Collaborations
DATE: May 11, 2021
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum provides a quarterly update on the status of collaboration efforts
among partners in Dubuque to address a need for sufficient quality, affordable childcare
options in the community.
BACKGROUND
Through the work of multiple partners over several years, the lack of access to quality,
affordable childcare has been identified as a barrier to employment and economic
prosperity in Dubuque.
In FY2019 the City Council committed $80,000 to Greater Dubuque Development to
support a pilot program developed to provide free childcare to Opportunity Dubuque
students and graduates at Northeast Iowa Community College. Then in FY2020 a small
group including City staff, as well as staff from Greater Dubuque Development, Northeast
Iowa Community College, and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque,
participated in a National League of Cities program (Cities of Opportunity), using that
opportunity to discuss our local childcare challenges. The program is designed to provide
a framework for how to address community -wide issues in order to achieve
desired/needed outcomes.
During its annual goal setting, the Dubuque City Council identified "Childcare Initiative:
Outcomes, City Role, Partners, Direction and City Actions" as a 2020-2022 High Priority.
Stemming from and in tandem with the work with the National League of Cities, the small
group began to have a larger conversation with organizations better suited to be leading
the charge on childcare issues: namely, Dubuque County Early Childhood and Childcare
Resource & Referral. This local coalition is collaborating to address current challenges
and to identify next steps in this work for a community -wide approach to providing
sufficient affordable, quality childcare in Dubuque.
DISCUSSION
Since the February 18, 2021 memo to the City Council, the local coalition of partners has
continued to make good progress in their respective spheres of influence. The following
are updates from our partners.
City of Dubuque
At the invitation of Governor Reynold's Office, Mayor Buol sits on a statewide taskforce
focusing on the multiple facets of addressing the lack of quality, affordable childcare in
Iowa. The taskforce is comprised of representatives from employers, non -profits, local
government, rural economic development professionals, childcare providers, and
financial institutions. Mayor Buol has been assigned to the Working Group focused on
increasing employer investment and engagement opportunities in childcare. To this end,
the Mayor has convened a local advisory group to help him understand the challenges
and aspirations of the private sector in relation to addressing childcare and how it affects
our businesses.
Dubuque County Early Childhood
DCEC continues to work with Dubuque County on addressing needs of children ages 0
through 5 years and their families. Status on funding and several initiatives:
■ It is likely that Early Childhood Iowa funds will decrease this year by almost
$18,000 which has a significant impact on the programs DCEC funds. To help
offset the decreased funds, DCEC will hold its annual fundraiser in September.
■ DCEC is working with the Community Foundation on a children's book — "Healthy
Heart, Healthy Mind, Healthy Body" (a socio-emotional book).
■ Planning on moving forward with Kids Expo this fall — it will be a Drive-Thru
resource fair with 10,000 printed copies of Family Resources Guides available.
■ Planning on having a greater presence on legislative issues next year in
connection with the Early Childhood Iowa Association.
■ New In -Home Providers Grant — currently at 7 new providers.
Childcare Resource & Referral
CCR&R, a non-profit resource for childcare providers and for parents, is currently writing
annual grants to support salaries for its staff in several counties. It is also facilitating
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grants locally through Dubuque County Early Childhood and assisting childcare providers
with the Investing in Iowa's Child Care grants that are flowing through the organization.
**It is important to note that professional support for childcare providers and parents
(DCEC AND CCR&R above) depends on grant funding and unpredictable appropriations.
There is no guaranteed, reliable funding stream.
Northeast Iowa Communitv Colleae
NICC is strategically providing training to childcare providers using County Social
Services Grant dollars. These trainings have been offered to childcare providers at no
cost. These were provided to help support childcare providers in their training needs as
identified by childcare centers. NICC is also hosting a Moving Forward speaker series
for all essential workers (including childcare providers) in areas of brain health and
resiliency. These are offered at a reduced cost and scholarship opportunities are
available as needed.
Additionally, NICC is continuing to offer its childcare assistance program in partnership
with Greater Dubuque Development, the City of Dubuque, and the County to help provide
free childcare to Opportunity Dubuque participants during their training program and for
up to 1 year post completion. Childcare continues to be a barrier for NICC's students.
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
The Community Foundation has recently applied for a grant from the Iowa Women's
Foundation to support funding for rural childcare centers. Notification date for any funds
awarded is September 30, 2021. The Community Foundation and its affiliate foundations
in six rural counties will provide support and funding for eight childcare centers. These
centers will receive business coaching, ongoing technical assistance, and a $2,500
forgivable loan. Capital costs, payroll, and cash flow are barriers to sustainability for
childcare businesses, so this will give them some stability and support. The grant can be
used for any expenses that will improve viability, including equipment, staff training,
curriculum, salaries, etc. The Community Foundation will provide a $10,000 cash match
for the Iowa Women's Foundation funds.
Greater Dubuque Development Corp.
GDDC is monitoring State and Federal action to determine if the government is serious
about creating a positive environment for public/private collaborations and innovations on
workforce childcare. They will report to the City upon the close of legislative session.
The local business community remains engaged in the workforce childcare discussion.
GDDC's present efforts include:
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■ Support for pending legislation which would increase employer efforts and
investment in childcare.
■ Support for City efforts to improve childcare in Iowa and Dubuque, including an
advisory group to support the Mayor's work on the state taskforce.
■ Continuing discussions on the ability to increase childcare capacity and flexibility
in Dubuque, including potential new childcare models.
RECOMMENDATION/ ACTION STEP
I encourage City Council to continue its commitment of focus and resources to the issue
of mitigating the current dearth of quality, affordable childcare for our residents.
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