DEPARTMENT: Pre-K 4 SA
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Sarah Baray, Ph.D.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Acceptance of up to $103,000 to fund one Professional Learning Specialist to support development and implementation of the Culinary Health Education for Families (CHEF) program at Pre-K 4 SA.
SUMMARY:
This item requests Board approval for Pre-K 4 SA to accept up to $103,000 from CHEF to fund a Professional Learning Specialist to implement age-appropriate Pre-K CHEF curriculum at Pre-K 4 SA Education Centers and throughout San Antonio.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Pre-K 4 SA features a “Garden to Table” curricular innovation. This feature aims to improve health and wellness among citizens of San Antonio by equipping young children and families with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to develop habits that support life-long health and wellness.
Beginning in the 2018-19 school year, Pre-K 4 SA has moved to further build upon existing initiatives to integrate a comprehensive health and wellness focus into all components of Pre-K 4 SA. This change will impact curriculum and instruction in Pre-K 4 SA classrooms, internal and external professional learning, family support and education, and Pre-K 4 SA’s support of other learning programs through grants and professional learning. In order to accomplish this next step, Pre-K 4 SA relies on partnerships with organizations including CHEF, the San Antonio Food Bank, the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, and the City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department.
ISSUE:
Pre-K 4 SA and CHEF have been in discussion to identify the most feasible and effective option to help further adapt the CHEF curriculum to align with developmentally appropriate practice for early learning. CHEF has proposed to provide up to $103,000 for Pre-K 4 SA to hire a Professional Learning Specialist to focus on health and wellness. This proposed Professional Learning Specialist position would specifically assist with revising the existing CHEF curriculum to implement in Pre-K 4 SA classrooms and throughout schools in San Antonio. This role would support providing health and wellness training for early childhood educators in San Antonio.
Current funding is for one year of services from a Professional Learning Specialist. Pre-K 4 SA will evaluate the outcomes of this initiative to determine whether there is a continued need for the position beyond the initial year.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the Board chooses not to accept funding, Pre-K 4 SA will be unable to incorporate the CHEF curriculum into health and wellness programming at Pre-K 4 SA and will be unable to support partner school districts in doing so.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, this contribution would increase Pre-K 4 SA’s operating revenue by up to $103,000.00. This contribution would be presented as part of the mid-year revenue re-estimate scheduled to be presented to the Board of Directors during the February Board of Directors meeting.
During the FY 2019 Budget process, the Corporation elected to keep two Professional Learning Specialist positions vacant for FY 2019. This Board action would provide funding for one Professional Learning Specialist position. Savings from vacancies in other areas within the FY 2019 Adopted Budget will be utilized to fund this position. Therefore, funding for this position is available within the FY 2019 Operating Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board approve for Pre-K 4 SA to accept up to $103,000 from CHEF to fund a Professional Learning Specialist to focus on CHEF classroom curriculum.