Subject:
Title
Funding Agreement with Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. to support for the Pinellas County Literacy Ecosystem Initiative.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Funding Agreement with Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. (Lutheran Services) to increase teacher, parent and youth access to literacy tools.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
This Agreement provides funding for a full-time Literacy Coach to provide services under the Pinellas County Literacy Ecosystem Initiative (Initiative). The Literacy Coach will provide on-site assistance and professional development to Head Start teachers and teacher assistants as well as individualized instruction for parents and children in the program.
Background/Explanation:
The Initiative supports at-risk, low-income children from birth to 5 years old as they strive to become successful readers and lifelong learners. The initiative provides a digital library through myON, a literacy platform that is personalized and easily accessible from multiple locations. Lutheran Services will utilize myON in conjunction with a Literacy Coach to expand access to literacy tools for teachers, youth and parents involved in the Head Start program. Lutheran Services serves approximately 1,600 children under the age of five (5) with approximately 320 staff in Pinellas County.
The Literacy Ecosystem initiative was initially submitted as a decision package during the FY18 budget development process, and at the time, the Board of County Commissioners requested that there be coordination with the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB). Pinellas County is collaborating with JWB to support the Lutheran Services’ Initiative. JWB is funding licenses for access to the myON website, and computer tablets for Head Start classrooms to expand access and decrease barriers to learning for children and families. Lutheran Services will operate the program and provide additional engagement and technical support for participants.
Fiscal Impact:
One-time funding in the amount not to exceed $36,800.00 has been identified in the Human Services’ Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) General Fund appropriation.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Daisy Rodriguez, Healthcare Administrator, Human Services
Partners:
Lutheran Services Florida
Juvenile Welfare Board
Pinellas County Head Start/Early Head Start Program
Early Learning Coalition
Pinellas County Schools
myON
Attachments:
Funding Agreement
Attachment 1- Literacy Coach Job Description
Attachment 2- HIPAA BAA
Attachment 3- Certificate of Insurance