Early Learning and School Readiness AmeriCorps Program (ELSRAP)
RFA Workshop ELSRAP Purpose and Background ELSRAP RFA Specifications Program Requirements and Application
Guidance Application Instructions and Forms Key Dates Contact Information Questions and Answers
ELSRAP – Purpose and Background ELSRAP
Integrates the educational, student support, and workforce development vision and program resources of the TANF-CDC Program with the community service, civic education, and community strengthening strategies and resources of AmeriCorps
Prepares children for success in kindergarten and beyond by providing early learning and school readiness services to low income children and their parents
Prepares community college students for a life-long career as an early childhood educator
Establishes, expands and improves school readiness services for children ages 0-5, their parents and families
Low income children and parents, and English Language Learners (ELL) who are not receiving school readiness services are targeted for participation.
ELSRAP - Need
School readiness includes: health and physical well-being, social and emotional development, approaches to learning (curiosity and persistence), language usage, and general knowledge about the world
2/3 of all California’s children enter kindergarten without school readiness skills, and less than 10% demonstrated basic school readiness competencies (First 5 Commission Report)
Children who are unprepared to transition into kindergarten continue to perform similarly in later years: California’s 4th grade student reading scores are lower than students from 47 other states
Limited access to preschool; lack of sound preschool placements Need for more and better qualified early care educators. Three of four publicly funded California preschool programs have waiting lists High costs of preschools Voucher programs only reach 43% of eligible 3-5 year olds Poverty, the mother’s level of education, inadequate health care or poor
health, and being raised by a teen parent tied to poor school success Engaging parents in their child’s early educational development is a key
strategy for academic achievement Research suggests the critical window for learning language sounds and
vocabulary is at ages 0-3, as a child’s brain completes 90% percent of its growth by age three
ELSRAP – Purpose and Background (2)
Joint venture between FCCC AmeriCorps and TANF-CDC Units
TANF-CDC Advisory Team approved moving ahead on the proposal (Sept., 2005)
Program Concept and Letter of Intent (10/31/2005)
Program Design Team ( 2 mtgs., October 2005) AmeriCorps Application (Nov. 2005) Interview Team (Jan. 2006) Proposal is high on the CSC priority list Early June – funding announcement
ELSRAP – Purpose and Background (3) Support from:
FCCC TANF-CDC and AmeriCorps Units State First 5 Commission (Workforce
Development) First 5 Association of California California Head Start Association Orange County First 5 Commission Child Development Training Consortium California Early Childhood Mentor Program COCCC – CalWorks and Child Development
ELSRAP - The Role of the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC)
Legal applicant, fiscal agent, state intermediary Private, nonprofit corporation with IRS 501(c) (3)
status; public agency status FCCC supports and enhances the missions of the
Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, the Chancellor’s Office of the CCC, and the colleges, districts, and foundations of the CCC system, and is the sole auxiliary to these organizations
Grants, donations, services, cooperative purchasing programs for colleges
ELSRAP – FCCC Role FCCC AmeriCorps Unit will administer the
program - will collaborate with FCCC TANF-CDC Unit
Develop funding for campuses Select campuses Program leadership and coordination Grant administration Training, technical assistance, support Program evaluation Program and fiscal reporting Partnership Development Resource Development (forms, funding, partnerships) Liaison with California Service Corps (CSC)
ELSRAP – AmeriCorps and Community Colleges
Chancellor’s Office Programs (1997-2003)
FCCC AmeriCorps Programs (1994-now) AmeriCorps Local Emergency Readiness
Teams Project (5 campuses, 184 members) Foster Youth Mentoring Project (11
campuses, 340 members) Teacher, Reading and Math Development
Partnerships Program (13 campuses, 490 members)
Background on AmeriCorps and National Service National and Community Service Act of 1990
(Bush) National Service Trust Act of 1993 (Clinton) Corporation for National Service (1993)
AmeriCorps (1994) Approximately 75,000 in 2004/2005
State Commissions (1993) California Service Corps (renamed in 2004) 6,100 Members in 2004/2005 Citizen Corps Service and Volunteerism Role
Corporation for National and Community Service Programs
AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps State and National,
NCCC Learn and Serve America
K-12, Higher Education, Community-based National Senior Service Corps
RSVP, Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents
AmeriCorps National Service Priorities
Education Health and Other Human Needs Public Safety Environment
AmeriCorps National Service New Priorities
New - War on Terrorism/Homeland Security/Disaster Preparedness Public Safety Public Health Disaster Relief and Preparation
Volunteer Mobilization Community and faith-based
initiatives
Goals for AmeriCorps Programs
A strategy to address unmet local community needs, and that strives to: Get things done – mobilize for direct service Strengthen communities – unite individuals
and institutions to improve communities Encourage responsibility – become part of
the solution, civic responsibility, lifelong service ethic
Expand opportunity – professional skills, experience, education award
AmeriCorps Member Benefits Provides participants an education
award ($4,725, $2,363, $1,250) Education awards paid as vouchers ; 7
years to pay current education costs or pay back qualified student loans already incurred
Living allowance, health and child care benefits for full-time members
Worker’s compensation Other benefits
Common AmeriCorps Program Design Considerations
Direct benefit Added value Engage volunteers (non-AmeriCorps members) Citizenship, civic engagement, ethic of service Supervision, training, education Support services Community involvement and consultation Diversity and inclusiveness Linking with other service and volunteer
programs National days of service
ELSRAP – Campus Funding
$960,740 for campuses Proposal based on 480 members at 20
campuses Funding becomes available August/September
2005 Available Funding – campus grants are based
on a cost per member basis ELSRAP - $8,006/Member Service Year 4 quarter-time members (450 hours) = 1
MSY Match Requirement – 38% cash and/or in-kind
ELSRAP – Partnership Requirements
Signed letters of support from key partners and member placement sites
County First 5 Commission, School Readiness Coordinator
Campus ECE and CalWorks Head Start, State Preschool, Non-Profit
Childcare Centers, Campus Child Development Center, School Readiness Centers (First 5)
ELSRAP - Program Requirements and Guidance
Campus Participation 17 Month Grant Award/12 month Program Design Member Enrollment Expectations Campus-Community Partnerships Federal and CalWorks Work Study Service-Learning Common Performance Measures Program Management and Supervision Program Activities Program Evaluation
ELSRAP – Term of Grant and Program
17 month grant award – 12 month program design
Grant Period – August 2006 – December 2007
12 month program for members – campuses would choose their start/end dates; start date of program = date of first member service or training hours
Encourage a September – August program
ELSRAP – Member Enrollment
10 member minimum TANF-CDC participants receive
priority Non TANF-CDC students may
participate All TANF-CDC participant programs
will receive extra points on the application
ELSRAP – Member Enrollment (2) Must be least 17 years old, US citizen or national, lawful permanent
resident alien of the US (documentation) Background Check (DOJ, FBI, Child Abuse
Index) Application, interview, member contract Campus can establish additional
enrollment requirements for members (e.g. GPA)
ELSRAP – Member Enrollment (3) Enroll members as a cohort Do not enroll members on an open
entry/open exit basis Fall and Spring enrollment okay (same
12 months for all members) Member Commitment - 450 hours of
service and training; term of program 80%/20% rule (360 hours/90 hours) No more than 10% of the 80% for
national days of service (36 hours)
ELSRAP – Campus- Community Partnerships California Local Area Service Partnership (CLASP) Advisory Board/Management Team comprised of
key program stakeholders Helps develop ELSRAP application Develops program policies and administrative
systems Assists in funding and resource development Program evaluation/continuous improvement Supports the overall functioning of the program
(kick-off, graduation ceremonies, member recruitment and enrollment)
Meets on a regular basis
ELSRAP – Service Learning Develop a service-learning design for ELSRAP member
education and training (integrate community service with academic instruction, vocational development critical thinking, service, and civic education)
Positively impact student’s academic understanding, sense of civic responsibility, personal or career growth, and/or understanding of larger social issues
Structured time for reflective/critical thinking to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility
Goal - For-credit course framework for all member education and training
Pre-Service Orientation and Training On-going Training ECE courses that are directly related to the service can
count toward member training
ELSRAP – Service-Learning (2) Pre-Service Orientation and Training
8-24 hours Provided prior to start of member service AmeriCorps/National Service background; integration
with TANF-CDC program Program policies, expectations, rules, rights,
responsibilities, member contract and handbook ELSRAP goals, performance measures Early learning and school readiness; ROR Service-specific training, service site expectations Competency checklist for program participation Civic education, conflict resolution, teambuilding
ELSRAP-Service Learning (3)
On-going Training and Support Meet weekly or bi-weekly 1-2 hours per meeting Build upon PSO topics Improve member knowledge, skills, and
performance; remove barriers to service; increase commitment to program
ECE and School Readiness topics; ROR; volunteer management; civic education; CPR/First Aid
Other Related ECE courses, TANF-CDC activities
ELSRAP – Common Performance Measures
Standard performance measures for all campuses
Must include all performance measures in application
Scale pms to size of campus program Performance measures can change from
year to year based on lessons learned and what works
Campuses can include additional measures but must address standard measures
ELSRAP – Performance Measures (2) Needs and Services
Early Care and Education Neighborhood School Readiness Centers Parent Training Member Training
Community Strengthening Volunteer Recruitment and Management
Member Development ELSR General Training Civic Education Volunteer Management
ELSRAP – Early Care and Education Performance Measure
Early Care and Education Measure Outcome measure that focuses on providing 1-1 and
small group school readiness services to preschool children (see performance measure specifics)
Majority of members (60%) would perform this service activity
Each member works with at least 4 children and measures their school readiness progress
Pre-post Behavior Assessment Guide (behavior focus) Pre-post Child School Readiness Index (skill focus) FCCC will help develop the pre-post observational
instruments
ELSRAP – Neighborhood School Readiness Center Performance
Measure Outcome measure that focuses on building the
capacity of current and/or new Neighborhood School Readiness Centers
NSRCs - designed to provide essential services to meet the developmental needs of children and their parents, including parent and family early care and education/school readiness services and resources, educational services for parents, and an information and referral system that links residents to health and human services and support.
Child care, in some cases In place in varying degrees in many California counties Many counties have plans for expanding services or
developing new centers.
ELSRAP – Neighborhood School Readiness Center Performance Measure (2)
10% of the members would perform this activity
Activities include: Develop new early learning and school readiness
program and educational materials for the NSRC Help develop and provide new services for parent
and children Recruit parents and their children to participate Promote the program in the community Assist volunteers in providing service at the NSRC
Outcomes include Increase the resource base of the NSRC Expand services to parents and families
ELSRAP – Parent Training Performance Measure
Outcome measure that focuses on providing early learning and school readiness information and education to parent and families
Help develop new parent training programs where they do not currently exist; enhance existing programs
10%-20% of members will provide this activity Activities and outcomes include:
Identify, develop, and educate parents about early learning and school readiness materials, teaching strategies, health and social services
Reach Out and Read Services Helping parents develop and implement an early
learning and school readiness plan
ELSRAP – Volunteer Recruitment and Management Performance Measure
Output measure that focuses on recruiting and engaging volunteers in providing early care and school readiness services to the community
2 members maximum per campus Engage 16 volunteers who provide 40 or more
hours of service Placed at NSRCs with NSRC members Develop recruitment flyers, brochures,
presentations Enroll, train, and support volunteers in providing
various early learning and school readiness services
ELSRAP – Member Training and Education Performance Measures
Early Learning and School Readiness
Civic Education Volunteer Management
Included as part of PSO and On-going training
Build upon TANF-CDC resources For-credit course design
ELSRAP – Program Management and Supervision Complex program requires strong and consistent program
management and supervision – Strong community interface – Service impact
Full-time, dedicated campus coordinator is encouraged for larger programs
Support staff for WBRS data entry and other support activities Leadership Program Management and Coordination Integration of ELSRAP with other Campus Administrative,
Academic, and Student Services Partnership development and convening Service site selection and support Member enrollment management, supervision, training,
support (WBRS data entry) Program reporting, budget monitoring and monthly billing Member recognition, swearing-in and graduation ceremonies Public relations
ELSRAP – Program Elements and Activities
Applications need to address the “what, when, where, and how” of the following: Member Recruitment and Selection Member Site Selection and Responsibilities Member Service Activities Program Partnerships Member Education, Training and Support Data Collection and Program Evaluation Program Funding and Resources
ELSRAP – Program Evaluation and Reporting Quarterly Progress Reports Monthly billings to the FCCC Third Party Evaluator provided by FCCC Program Coordinator/Monitor WBRS – all profile member data, member
enrollment/exit dates, hours (time logs), education award
Campus performance is assessed on progress made toward stated performance measures
Seek high enrollment and retention of members
ELSRAP – Application Forms, Narrative and Instructions
Face Sheet Contact Page Form Executive Summary Program Narrative Program Performance Measures CLASP Certification Form 2005-06 CLASP Form Budget Summary Form Budget Narrative Form Certifications and Assurances Partnership Support Letters
ELSRAP– Program Narrative No more than 10 single spaced pages,
or 20 double spaced pages Executive Summary Program Narrative
Introduction Needs and Service Activities Member Development Strengthening Communities Organizational Capacity Budget/Cost Effectiveness
ELSRAP – Program Narrative Introduction – brief introductory
paragraph Needs and Service Activities
Needs Description of Activities Accomplishments in Proposed Activity
Area Involvement of Community Prohibited Service Activities
ELSRAP – Program Narrative (2)
Member Development Recruitment Member Support Civic Education
Strengthening Communities Developing Community Resources Community Partnerships Capacity Building Sustainability Federal Work Study
ELSRAP- Budget Corporation Share – cannot exceed $8,006 per MSY Grantee Share – must have a minimum 38% cash or in-
kind match Two budget worksheets – the Budget Summary Form
and the Budget Narrative Form - enter data onto the Budget Narrative Form first – data will automatically populate the Budget Summary Form
To calculate the total CNCS grant amount, multiply the number of MSYs requested x the cost per MSY; Example – 32 members requested = 8 MSYs
8 MSYs x $8,006 = $64,048 – This is the campus budget total.
Spread the total budget through Sections I, II, and III on the Budget Narrative Form
ELSRAP – Budget (2) CNCS share - member uniforms, background checks, project
staff, supplies, computer, staff and member training costs, staff and member travel and transportation, worker’s compensation, supplies, materials, space rental, telephone, web site, other direct costs for operating the program
No CNCS funding for living allowances (TANF cash assistance disincentive)
Grantee share (38% match)- consider BOG waivers, FTES generation, staff and management salaries and benefits, facility and supply costs, equipment costs, other operating costs, administrative costs (up to 10%) or Federally Approved Indirect Cost Rate, partner contributions (resources, space, supervision, materials, staff-time, etc.)
Keep the match simple (easy documentation/access) for audit purposes!
No reason to provide an excessive match
ELSRAP – Partnership Support Letters
Should be submitted on the letter head of the partner
Should include specifics of the partnership commitment, e.g. cash, resources, placement site, supervision, specific activities that will be provided
Should be signed and dated by the organization Director or designee
ELSRAP–Application Submittal
5 copies of the application, 2 with original signatures
Mail applications to: Foundation for California Community Colleges
c/o AmeriCorps Unit, Attn: AmeriCorps RFA Enclosed, 1102 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95814-6511
Applications must be received at the FCCC by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2006
ELSRAP – Key Dates
Application Submission May 11, 2006 Application Review Period May 12- 19, 2006 Campus Application Rankings Late May, 2006 CSC Funding Announcement Early June 2006 Campus Funding Announcements Early June 2006 ELSRAP Training July 2006 AC Fall Institute August 2006 Projects Become Operational August 2006
ELSRAP – RFA Contacts and Web Sites RFA Contacts
Brad Duncan – [email protected] – 916-325-8561
Hillery Gladden – [email protected] – 916-325-8563
Colleen Ganley – [email protected] – 916-325-8572
RFA Web Sites http://www.foundationccc.org/FCCC/new/whatsnew.h
tml http://www.foundationccc.org/FCCC/Americorps/amer
icorps_WhatsNew.html http://www.foundationccc.org/FCCC/TANF/tanf_downl
oads.html
ELSRAP – Additional Web Sites
Foundation for California Community Colleges http://www.foundationccc.org/
California Service Corps - http://www.csc.ca.gov/index.asp
Corporation for National and Community Service http://www.nationalservice.org/
California First 5 Commission - http://www.ccfc.ca.gov/
Reach Out and Read - http://www.reachoutandread.org/
California Head Start Association http://www.caheadstart.org/index.html
Top Related