HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9595 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9595
Cot To the Mayor and Members of the City Council October 7, 2013
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SUBJECT: FORT WORTH LIBRARY SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN
raga NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES' INITIATIVE TO HELP YOUNG CHILDREN
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Purpose: This Informal Report is to inform Council that through the Library Department, Fort Worth
has been selected as one of six cities to participate in the National League of Cities' "Municipal
Leadership to Promote Educational Alignment for Young Children" grant.
Background: With a letter of support from Mayor Price, the City of Fort Worth was selected to
receive a technical assistance grant from the National League of Cities (NLC). In 2004, the NLC
provided a technical assistance grant to Fort Worth for the establishment of the Early Childhood
Matters program. This newly awarded 15-month technical assistance grant is yet another way for the
NLC to show its support of local public libraries while also supporting learning activities. These
learning activities are coordinated and led by the Library Department in partnership with community
agencies.
Specifically, the grant provides in-depth technical assistance to the six cities to develop a structure
that allows for enhanced coordinated learning activities in partnership with community agencies.
Additionally, the grant helps cities accomplish the following goals: increased communication, cross-
training for teachers, assessment, parent engagement and family support as well as a planned,
structured process to transition from early childhood to kindergarten. Assistance will be provided in
various ways, including site visits, webinars, conference calls and one face to-session. There is no
direct financial obligation to the City of Fort Worth associated with this grant: in-kind support is
provided (equivalent to approximately $75,000.00).
Community partners include the Fort Worth Independent School District, United Way, Childcare
Associates (Head Start), and Workforce Solution.
The other five cities receiving the grant are: Austin, TX; Hartford, CN; Longmont, CO; Richmond, VA;
and Rochester, NY.
Should you have questions or need additional information, please contact Library Director,
Gleniece A. Robinson at 817-392-7706 or via city email.
Tom Higgins
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS