Update 1pm Wed - added more details from Kathryn Sutherlin about the high amount used for administrative expenses and lying about budget numbers. Also, the email for Gov Scott doesn't work, and you have to wait a long time for Scott's office to answer the phone. Update 4pm: We added the official press release from the California Office of Early Learning which says it was SIGNED yesterday, but another source says it might not be a done deal. Keep tuned.
Tavares, FL - Oct. 19, 2011 - Today, Wednesday, is the SURPRISE Deadline for Florida State government to apply for A STEALTH, SNEAKY Federal Grant that will over regulate one Florida industry, Child Care. I am asking you, based upon the request of a credible Lake County volunteer and the inforamtion below, to CALL Florida Governor Rick Scott TODAY to HALT any action for Florida to APPLY for the grant. Phone call and email details are below.
The $100-million grant proposal ( Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge ) from a Florida State agency, the Florida Office of Early Learning, is an application for a STEALTH grant using Nancy Pelosi type hidden agendas and lack of details to hide another liberal program in the Child Care area that creates excess bureacracy and restrictions that hurts small Child Care businesses in Florida and makes government bigger.
Basically, it is a stealth move to over-regulate private child care businesses in Florida without regard to costs, and expand a Florida government agency due to excessive regulation oversight requirements, which sounds like SOCIALISM to me.
The funds come from President Obama's Federal Race to the Top "Early Learning Challenge" program, and details of the Child Care related grant were not released to the industry or public until THREE days ago, which is why there is so little notice for this action alert, and is the single biggest reason Governor Scott needs to refuse to sign the grant application today.
Here are some of the negative effects of the Grant proposal and why you should ask Governor Scott to reject the Grant proposal AND fire the Government employees who championed this absurd grant request without adequate notice to the public or child care industry:
- The Grant application is HERE (see bottom of page) and it is several hundred pages of gobbeldegook and regulatory nonsense - why allow this to continue - Kill the Bill (or Grant). Just reading the grant application can make you go blind, and is reason enough ask Governor Scott to reject this stealth grant proposal that was hidden from the public and child care industry until this last weekend. People at the Florida "Office of Early Learning" agency filing the grant application with such disregard for the public to know the details should be fired.
- The grant gives State Agencies the authority to define child care “quality”, increases government spending, government size, and government regulatory authority while completely disregarding the needs of families, children and childcare business. (That is the opinion of local Lake County Child Care firms).
- The grant ignores market based solutions and implements government control at the State level over even minor details, which is a veiled attempt to roll out socialism by increasing the agency size with many regulations to replace work done by the private sector. In some places, they call this nationalizing an industry. By forcing small businesses out of business, they allow larger, favored businesses and non-profit agencies take over the child care industry under government controls.
Scroll down further to read the specific effects of the grant proposal on the Child Care industry.
In summary,
- Do you want the Florida State government using Federal grant money to specify how a State agency dictates how private business operates? Didn't Governor Scott just eliminate regulations over many businesses? In this case, the grant would specify how Early Learning Coalition (ELC) groups would dictate how private Child Care facilities operate in Florida, including review of marketing programs, internal financial documents, etc? This is a power grab using funds from the Federal government that grow State government and reduces state rights.
- The grant proposal details were hidden from the public and industry until three days ago, and the Grant application deadline is TODAY. That is a Nancy Pelosi trick and is one big reason not to approve the grant. Even Lake County provides their weekly meeting agenda one week before, with most details on their website (not all, but they are improving).
- Do you want Florida State to grab Federal funding which then requires excess regulations without recognizing ANY of the added cost of regulations. Remind Governor Scott he is against regulations on business, which alone is a reason to turn down this Stealth grant.
- If you read the details of this grant, doesn't it frighten you about how the Federal government is trying to ignore State's rights and take over the economy, one business category at a time. By putting small businesses out of business due to excess regulations, government will grow in power, which is what the liberals and socialists love.
Note: We called the Florida Office of Early Learning and the manager who signed the proposal, Melody Jurado at 850-921-3180 (but had to leave a message for the "application lead" to call me back to discuss this. No response was received as of 11am, Wednesday.
Florida Governor Rick Scott's office is asking providers, parents & citizens for their immediate input…contact the Governor’s Office – CALL TODAY: 850-488-5000 THE DEADLINE IS TODAY, Wednesay, Oct. 19! CALL NOW TO OPPOSE the "Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Grant"!!!!! You can also EMAIL your comments or use our points above to a special email address for Governor Scott just for this issue: OEL_comments@oel.myflorida.com (Note: This email does NOT work - don't use it but return here for any updates) . DO IT NOW - tomorrow is too late.
Vance Jochim
Lake County Fiscal Rangers
Chief Fiscal Watchdog
Volunteers Searching for Ways to Improve Local Government Fiscal Management, Efficiency & Effectiveness
Tavares, FL 32778
Mobile: 352-638-3578
Fiscal Ranger's page on Facebook
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Here is the original email I received on the issue yesterday, Tuesday from Kathryn Sutherin, a private Child Care business owner in South County. Kathryn is also a CPA with Big-4 experience, and is on the Audit Committee of the Lake County School District, which is where I know her from. She is very businesslike and very analytical, so this isn't a blind, emotional request. Many people in South Lake County know her through volunteer activities.
From: Kathryn Sutherin <kathrynsutherin@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 18, 2011 9:48 am
Subject: NEW FEDERALGRANT IS INVASIVE TO ALL CHILDCARE BUSINESS OWNERS - ACT NOW
Most of this information was taken from this website:
http://www.faccm.org/legislativeadvocacy/position-papers/
The details of the actual Florida State grant proposal are linked at the bottom of the page.
The Florida State Office of Early Learning State Agency has developed a grant proposal for $100 million in funding provided by the Obama Administration's Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge; with a primary focus is on children that are supported by School Readiness funds. The grant will significantly change the way that ALL childcare businesses operate. READ HIGHLIGHTS BELOW.
Forida Governor Rick Scott's office is asking providers, parents & citizens for their immediate input…contact the Governor’s Office – CALL TODAY: 850-488-5000 THE DEADLINE IS TODAY, Wednesay, Oct. 19! CALL NOW TO OPPOSE the "Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Grant"!!!!! You can also EMAIL your comments or use our points above to a special email address for Governor Scott just for this issue: OEL_comments@oel.myflorida.com (Note: This email does NOT work - don't use it but return here for any updates) . DO IT NOW - tomorrow is too late.
Invasive to ALL childcare business owners!
- ELC’s (Early Learning Coalitions) will have the authority to monitor ALL childcare businesses for compliance with a State Created Quality monitoring tool even though the majority of children attend private child care centers in this state and do not receive state subsidies
- Childcare business owners must submit Profit and Loss statements, marketing plans, a formal annual budget, and financial record-keeping systems so that Coalitions can grade our business and spending decisions or receive a lower rating for non-compliance.
- Business owners will be required to track and report even more information to ELC's; to include employee pay rates, employee turnover, and reason for leaving. ELC’s will establish “quality” level pay scales and acceptable turnover rates for childcare businesses as part of Quality Compliance Reviews
- VPK, Private Pay Only Centers and SR Centers will all be subject to Quality Monitoring mandates; to include curriculum selection. “Quality” compliance reports will be posted on a database for consumer review, similar to DCF compliance reports.
- Monitoring will include a 5 star rating for compliance with TQRIS. Childcare Business Owners will not be given the option to seek private accreditation in lieu of TQRIS. Participation is mandatory whether a center is accredited or not. Accredited Centers will receive a 3 subject to passing on-going ELC quality compliance visits.
Childcare Businesses will no longer be able to design their business based on consumer needs. Instead a State agency will "mandate" the definition of quality to business owners and to families/consumers.
Financial Burden placed on the Childcare Industry & Florida’s families.
- Grant Writers failed to recognize the financial burden the proposed changes will have on Childcare Business Owners already suffering from lower enrollment due to high unemployment rates.
- “Affordability” is not a priority. The word “affordable” is used 3 times in 45,000 words Grant Writers failed to recognize financial burden the proposed changes will have on ALL families (private pay or subsidized care) when tuition rates go up because Centers can’t afford to meet new “Quality” requirements.
- The Grant grossly underestimates the financial burden on the State. ELC’s/OEL spent almost $200 million dollars on administration/program support and quality initiatives in 2010-2011 BEFORE proposing massive expansion and quality monitoring of ALL childcare business. The $100 million won’t cover 6 months of our CURRENT structure let alone all the additions.
Childcare business costs will increase, and family tuition costs will increase to fund increased government size, spending and regulatory control,
No Direct Benefit to Economically Disadvantaged Families – the one’s that need it most.
- Only 101,000 children of 228,000 qualifying children received SR benefits in 2010-2011. The proposal disregards the intent of the grant and does not offer a solution for the 140,000 qualifying children that do not receive SR funds due to waitlists. Instead, the grant extends government authority over all 907,000 children in childcare statewide
- The Grant Writers disregard low SR Reimbursement Rates. Only 70% of total SR funding (the bare minimum required by Federal Law) went to family childcare costs. Statewide, working poor families pay an average of $90 per week in childcare care because SR reimbursement rates are 44.8% of the average market rate.
The grant gives State Agencies the authority to define “quality”, increases government spending, government size, and government regulatory authority while completely disregarding the needs of families, children and childcare business
VISIT FACCM.ORG TO READ GRANT DETAILS.
Your immediate feedback is required, as deadline for submission of the grant is October, 19, 2011.
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Here is a second email sent out by Kathryn Sutherin yesterday, which apparently responds to some "talking points" from the Florida State Office of Early Learning, which is the one that created the power grab proposal:
From: "Kathryn Sutherin" <kathrynsutherin@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 4:53:10 PM
Subject: response to ELC talking points
The Question of Voluntary
In the 58 page document discussing the TQRIS quality compliance review, the word "voluntary" is only mentioned 1 time, under "current status". In the 58 page document discussing the TQRIS quality rating system, the word "optional" is only mentioned 1 time. Programs not participating will automatically be assigned a Star 1. If programs participate, they may earn a Star 2. There is no discussion of "N/A" for non-participating.
You state "Childcare Industry Professionals Stand to Benefit"
The grant budget allocates to $77 million dollars to Contractors for "products and professional services" to develop of assessments and systems, including expansion of ELIS and a Platinum data base and train Agency staff.
The grant budget allocates $19 million to Coalitions for administration and oversight of the grant. (Note 11).
The grant budget allocates $16 million to a public awareness campaign on high quality learning.
The grant allocates $800,000 (less than 10% of the total budget) to providing technical assistance to programs that participate.
You state "Increase the numbers of children learning in high quality settings"
To my knowledge, is there NO allocation and/or a specific plan to increase the number of children enrolled in SR even through according to NACCRRA, only 101,000 of the 228,000 qualifying children actually received SR benefits. That's a long wait list.
To my knowledge, is there NO allocation and/or a specific plan to increase reimbursement rates. Statewide, reimbursement rates for children preschool age and under are less than 45% of actual market rate and that the average working poor family would make more on unemployment than they would based on the current childcare subsidy.
Florida allocated 70.5% of 2010-2011 SR Funding to direct slot dollars, just a half a percent above the bare minimum Federal requirement. There is simply NO room for additional support/administration costs.
Make targeted investments to increase support for childcare businesses and streamline regulation and accountability
While I love these words, I found only an increase in regulation and accountability and an increase in reporting requirements; to include an added level of monitoring via TQRIS and the stigma of a "1 Star" if I choose not to participate.
While the grant has been a work in process for months, private providers were not given any public access to the contents of the grant until literally days before it's required submittal and only through organizations other than OEL/ELC's. Therefore, I'm sure you can understand the concern and frustration that providers like myself have.
As you know, I believe strongly that the Early Learning Coalition of Lake County is without question one of the most fiscally responsible Coalitions in Florida. My issue is with the State level decisions with respect to this grant.
Thank you again for the talking point but without more specifics I must oppose this grant.
KS
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Update - another email with more details from Kathryn Sutherlin received today, Wed. the 19th at about 1pm:
I get your message. I've been swamped with calls as you can imagine. Coalitions and OEL keep saying it's already signed but we have no official confirmation.
Heres a little history:
SR Funding is Federal money with State match requirements that is supposed to be used for subsidized childcare (working poor afford to work). OEL is the Lead State Agency that oversees School Readiness Funding. A few years ago, they created another layer - Early Learning Coalitions (ELC's) . There are 31 of them across the state. It started out that they were to administer funds to providers and do eligibility for children but they've grown and grown and grown. The more they grow, more money shifts from direct childcare subsidies to administration.
The State has been overseeing (barely) the "State Match" but not paying attention to the federal dollars. Federal government looks at the federal requirement which includes minimum 70% of federal/state combined funds going to direct childcare subsidies. That's great except no one looked to see whether OEL/Coalitions were spending either part efficiently. ( A hot button with us at FiscalRangers.com )
To complicate matters, the State has been relying on OEL to self report the total combined SR funds received and how it's allocated. Well, turns out OEL has consistently left off about $33.5 million in their "total". OEL sat in front of Senate committee last month and reported that they had received $629 million and that only $6 million went to administration and $623 million went to Coalitions. Well in truth, the total funding was $666 million, not $630 million. OEL really spent $44 million (not $6 million) on "lead agency" quality/suppor/administration (and a TON of consulting). In addition Coalitions spent roughly $154 million (out of the $623 that went to them) on administration/support and "quality" initiatives.
I've got the details to almost the penny and I've been forwarding to House/Senate. I even went up last Friday and met with a few staffers. They're all floored, dismayed, etc. But staffers can't stop the grant. I'm told I shouldn't be upset because even if the grant is signed, there's a ton of opportunity to correct OEL/Coalition mismanagement through legislation this year. Apparently, when the word "child" is in a sentence, all logic goes out the window.
I don't like politics. It seems "winning" is based on everything but logic and public opinion.
I'll send you the spending spreadsheets when I get home. You might find them of interest. It's insane.
Kathryn
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These are comments from others sent to Kathryn:
I thought you'd be interested in the below response. While I've tried desperately in a day - because government withheld the details for months - I can't get the message out Statewide. Coalitions are sending out vague "talking points" that dispute real quantifiable facts and offer no substance. The private providers who are already reliant on these agencies for VPK and SR funding, are fearful to respond at a State level.
Again, I would greatly appreciate any support that you and/or the Tea Party can offer.
Thanks,
Kathryn
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From: ANTHONY & BRENDA LOPRESTO <istation@embarqmail.com>
10/18
Sent: Tue, Oct 18, 2011 7:54 pm
Subject: Re: response to ELC talking points
Based on Mrs. Sutherins observations about the percentages of funding and its allocation to recipients, it appears that the Government agencies stand to benefit the most and less so for the children. I believe we have seen this pattern several times over the past couple of years in a variety of sectors across the country. It is my opinion based on the allocations mentioned that more priority is given to the "agencies" and "contractors" than to the children who need it most. Throwing money to "agencies" has not worked so well in the past. More regulation has continued to stifle many industries nationwide. Recent examples of recipients of Govt. monies have been political contributors more than qualified entities.
Several questions come to mind regarding this plan. First, how does allowing private contractors and govt. agencies to receive the bulk of the funds translate to improving education at the earliest levels? Our public schools are an example of bureaucratic waste and inefficiency. Private schools operate on much less money per student while showing a huge improvement in academic achievement as evidenced by test scores and graduation rates. Private schools, much like any private industry or business, must show a superior product or they don't stay in business. The next question I must ask, is why is the sharing of the financial aspects of a private business a concern of a regulatory agency. The only reason I can see is an effort to standardize the compensation paid to employees of childcare centers. Where have you seen that before? Look at Unions across the country and their effects on private corporations such as the auto industry, teacher unions, Municipal employees, communication industries, airline companies, and on and on. Cost for such industries have increased to the point that many of these products are either too expensive to make here and the companies must go else where to make the same product. WE cannot move our businesses elsewhere. The average parent not receiving assistance for childcare will have to absorb the increase in the cost and I can't see that happening.
The private sector is the best judge of how to govern itself. Customers choose where to spend their dollars on any product based on the quality of the product and the service they receive. Fail to provide a quality product or service and the company will not prosper. Government agencies mandating pay, performance, and increased regulation only contributes to more or the same.
This is just a few of my concerns.
My final thought is this. A grant for the improvement of the education of children, should go to children, not to increase the size of the agencies overseeing the process. Nor should it go for increasing the further intrusion of government in the private sector. We are all struggling to maintain our business. At some point all of us may soon experience the proverbial straw that breaks the camels back.
If a grant is available, why not give it to the providers to spend directly on the children by improving the facilities, education material, or specific needs based on its geographics and the population they serve.
Tony Lopresto - Imagination Station
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Press Release from the Florida Office of Early Learning"
Mel Jurado - - Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 19, 2011
|
CONTACT: JACKIE SCHUTZ
(850) 488-5394
|
Florida to Submit Application for Race to the Top
Early Learning Challenge Grant
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the State of Florida will submit its application for the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant and is one of four states eligible for the highest award amount totaling $100 million. This grant is reflective of Florida’s vision in developing a world class education system and will help provide Florida’s children with a foundation to achieve valuable jobs in the global marketplace.
The Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge aligns with the commitment Governor Scott has made to education. It is a plan that infuses resources into Florida’s early learning system, makes a positive investment in Florida business and prepares Florida’s children for school and life success.
How the Challenge Grant Works:
- Serving High Risk Children
The Challenge Grant partners with private businesses to meet the needs of high risk children. Utilizing demographic data, areas of historically high risk will be targeted. Childcare providers serving high risk children will have the option of participating in the process. Childcare providers will also have access to mini-grants to build capacity for delivering services to high risk children.
Early Learning Coalitions will administer the process in local areas and will be held accountable for how funds are allocated and utilized. Childcare providers will receive funding through mini-block grants.
The Office of Early Learning will monitor progress towards desired outcomes and spending to ensure positive results for children and support to small businesses.
The Challenge grant is in line with Governor Scott’s Commitment:
- Participation is optional
No childcare business in the State of Florida will be forced to participate in this process. It’s an optional benefit to strengthen the valuation of businesses.
- Conservative Principles at Work
Smaller government and localized solutions are the backbone of this approach. This leverages the strength of the private sector to provide localized solutions to serve at risk children.
If the grant package comes back from the federal government with new required regulation or constraints with how Florida spends the money, we will not accept it.
- No new business regulations
The grant application does not impose additional regulations on businesses, but will hold providers and Early Learning Coalitions accountable for spending grant dollars wisely.
- Streamlining of existing regulations
The Office of Early Learning, Department of Education, Department of Children and Families, and Department of Health working collaboratively to eliminate duplicative, cumbersome approaches.
There will be no commitment to additional state resources currently or in the future.
- Smaller government and localized solutions
The grant will be implemented in local communities across the State of Florida, utilizing our existing framework. State government will not grow.
The Office of Early Learning has garnered wide ranging support for this proposal. Business leaders including Publix, Walt Disney World, Fifth Third Bank, Northern Trust, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Baptist Health, Bank of America, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, as well as Florida’s Association for the Education of Young Children, Florida Family Child Care Home Association and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association realize a strong and vibrant early learning system serves as the foundation of our education system.
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