LIVE @ Buncombe County Early Childhood and Development Committee 9/1/20

Buncombe County Early Childhood & Development Committee Meeting Recap – September 1, 2020

The Buncombe County Early Childhood and Development Committee convened on September 1, 2020, with committee members, county staff, and potential stakeholders in attendance. The meeting focused on navigating the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, planning for future initiatives, and ensuring equitable support for early childhood programs within the county. This recap summarizes key decisions, discussions, and next steps for residents interested in learning more about these efforts.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to organizational matters and planning for upcoming events. The committee formally elected Rich as Secretary, Glenda as Vice Chair, and confirmed the existing chair's continued leadership. Recognizing the impact of Election Day on meeting schedules, the committee unanimously agreed to reschedule their November meeting from November 3rd to November 17th. Looking ahead, the committee will host a special meeting on October 6th featuring perspectives from local and state experts on early childhood education, including a look at data from the Buncombe Partnership for Children and the effects of COVID-19. A town hall on early childhood, planned in conjunction with the Buncombe County Public Health team, is also in development.

A major discussion centered on supporting grantees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee is organizing a cohort call for these grantees on September 15th to address critical issues like staffing shortages, financial strains, and innovative program adaptations. Recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of how these programs are operating, the committee agreed on a one-hour virtual site visit format for grantees. These visits will combine interviews with opportunities to observe program operations, providing valuable insights into the challenges and successes of early childhood providers.

Beyond immediate COVID-19 responses, the committee is exploring ways to expand financial assistance for childcare applicants. The county is investigating options to support individuals above the typical subsidy income level, a move that would broaden access to critical childcare services. A key focus moving forward will be addressing racial equity in grant making, with the committee planning to engage an outside consultant (Indigo) to facilitate discussions and ensure a fair and inclusive process. Committee members emphasized the importance of aligning grant processes with Board of Commissioners policies, ensuring transparency and clarity for all applicants.

There were no public comments received during the meeting. However, action items have been assigned to both committee members and county staff to move these initiatives forward. Staff will prepare a summary of interviews conducted by the Ad Hoc Nomination Group for the Board of Commissioners, schedule and coordinate virtual site visits, share details on potential COVID assistance funding expansions, and collaborate with relevant teams to finalize plans for the early childhood town hall. Committee members are asked to sign up for virtual site visits as their schedules allow and provide input on the agenda for the Grantee COVID Meeting. These efforts collectively aim to strengthen early childhood support systems in Buncombe County, particularly during these challenging times.