Subject: Early Care And Education Emergency Grant - Measure C From: Human Services Department Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution Authorizing The City Administrator (1) To Apply For And Accept The First 5 Alameda County Early Care And Education Emergency Grant In An Amount Not To Exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) To Provide Stipends To Eligible Early Childhood And Family Services Division Staff And Other Allowable Early Childhood Expenditures Effective July 1, 2025, Through June 30, 2026; And (2) To Accept Additional Early Care And Education Emergency Grant Funding That Becomes Available For The Same Purposes During The Same Contract Term; And (3) To Enter Into An Agreement With California School Age Consortium (CalSAC) To Serve As The Fiscal Sponsor For The City Of Oakland Award From First 5 Alameda County’s Early Care And Education Emergency Grant, To Manage And Disburse Stipends To Eligible Early Childhood And Family Services Staff And Other Grant Related Expenditures

The City Council is considering a resolution to authorize the City Administrator to apply for and accept the First 5 Alameda County Early Care and Education Emergency Grant, not to exceed $500,000. This grant aims to provide one-time stipends of a minimum of $1,000 (up to $5,000 depending on the award) to eligible early childhood and family services division staff to address wage gaps. Funds can also be used for allowable early childhood expenditures, such as educational supplies. The City will also enter into an agreement with California School Age Consortium (CalSAC) to serve as the fiscal sponsor for managing and disbursing these stipends. The grant period is effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The urgency stems from a deadline of January 23, 2026, to submit the application to First 5 Alameda County.

This grant will provide direct financial support to early childhood educators and staff in Oakland, potentially improving retention and program quality. It also allocates funds for educational supplies to enhance early care and education services for local families.

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