What is a Children’s Services Council (CSC)? A type of government entity established by county citizens to help fund organizations that serve children and families Can be dependent or independent Ensures dollars are being spent wisely and invested in programs that will provide the best outcomes for the children and families within their communities Their top priority is to make sure children are healthy, safe and prepared to learn.

Two Types of Children’s Services Councils: Dependent & Independent Must be approved by voters at the ballot Creates an independent taxing district with an independent board, much like the library district Up to one-half mill on residential properties Provides long-term protection to our community’s priorities for children Would serve children of all ages BoCC has already created and funded a dependent children’s board Funded at $1.25 million annually Must be approved each year by BoCC Is limited to prenatal to five years of age

Why Alachua County needs a Children’s Services Council We need long-term strategies, rather than short-term solutions. Too many of our children are being left behind, and for many of those children, the gap in learning starts between the age of 0 to 3. All children need programs that provide enrichment and promote leadership skills that will transition to higher learning and the work world.

They are called by many different names, but many counties in Florida have children’s boards: Miami-Dade

Pass a voter referendum in November 2018 How does Alachua County create the permanent revenue stream needed to continually invest in our children? Pass a voter referendum in November 2018 to provide up to a half-mill for children’s services.

Approximately $6 million to $7 million annually. If our community invests in the vital programs children need, what would a half-mill provide? Approximately $6 million to $7 million annually. One-half mill in taxes is equal to 50 cents for every $1000 of the taxable value of a residential property. If you don't own any taxable property, the half-mill won’t cost you anything. Strong communities build strong families. Strong families build strong communities. *Note: If the proposed additional homestead exemption passes on the 2018 ballot, this is reduced to $62.50 a year.

Our efforts are fully aligned with your Education Compact and even advance the Compact’s goals and strategies.

Our currently funded Children’s Services Advisory Board has three components to support children from prenatal to five Healthy Baby Home Visit Program (HBHVP); a nurse/newborn home visiting program Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health through Family Support; will focus on preventative support for parents and their babies Transformative Professional Development for Early Care and Education Program Providers (TPDECEPP);

1. Healthy Baby Home Visit Program (HBHVP) First program funded by the Children’s Board Nurse visits -> within 7 days after mother and baby are discharged Also serving families with babies in the NICU Collaborating with North Florida Regional Hospital, UF- Shands Hospital, Birthing Center and midwives who do home births 1. Healthy Baby Home Visit Program (HBHVP) Medical care for baby and mother Assessments for post-partum depression, intimate partner violence, adverse childhood experiences, infant safety/safe sleep environment, etc. If additional assistance is required, Family Partner will assist to ensure family is connected to services needed (CI&R) One Family Partner at each hospital - > introduce nurse HV program to each Alachua resident who gives birth in our County.

2. Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health through Family Support Parents and primary caregivers are the key to infant mental health With limited funding, our CSAB’s focus is on prevention With additional funding, critical mental health services can be made available to parents across Alachua County "Infant mental health" refers to how well a child develops socially and emotionally from birth to three. Understanding infant mental health is the key to preventing and treating the mental health problems of very young children and their families. It also helps guide the development of healthy social and emotional behaviors.

3. Transformative Professional Development for Early Care and Education Program Providers (TPDECEPP) Second program approved by the Children’s Board Improve quality and professional development for early learning/child care professionals Early learning demonstration center in high risk area partnering with the University of Florida Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies Replicated through pilots at child care centers in East Gainesville and outlying areas

Long-term Goals of Alachua County CSAB Ensuring every baby is a healthy baby. Ensuring that all parents have the resources to prevent child abuse and neglect before it starts. Ensuring that all families have access to affordable quality and developmentally appropriate early learning and care. Ensuring that all children enter kindergarten ready to learn and to succeed.

In addition to scaling up services for our youngest children, an independent Children’s Services Council serving all children could expand and offer some of the following services… Summer and after-school programs Parenting classes and programs Literacy programs Teen and mentoring programs Programs for children with special needs Counseling and support for families and youth in crisis (for example, the system of care in the schools) Youth enrichment programs

Return on Investment Investing in children makes economic sense. Children who attend high-quality preschool do better when they enter kindergarten.* An affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported in 2010 that "for every dollar invested today, savings range from $2.50 to as much as $17 in the years ahead.”* Research from Nobel laureate and economist James J. Heckman, of the University of Chicago, points to a seven- to ten-percent annual return on investment in high-quality preschool.* *State of Florida Office of Early Learning

OUR HOPE: THIS AN INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN WE CAN ALL GET BEHIND

Our Ask: Your full support for an independent Children’s Children’s Services Council in 2018.