11.12.2024 Taunton Workgroup Questions by

Summary

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

Group 1: .

Group 2:

Group 3:

Group 4:

How do we increase early learning participation for both existing Taunton families and newcomers?

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

Supporting Data:

Estimated 25% of kindergarteners (153 children) entered K without prior early learning in 2024-25 (confirm with K enrollment data--% children with a PreK experience collected for DESE)
Mix of both newcomer and established Taunton families missing opportunities
Only 38% of 3-year-olds in full-time care

Discussion Points:

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

With 35.9% of kindergarteners entering without prior early learning experience:
- What are the most significant barriers for long-term Taunton residents?
- What additional barriers exist for recently arrived families?

Discussion Points:

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

Which outreach strategies have been most effective in:

Connecting families to early education options?
Supporting families on waitlists?
Helping families navigate different program options?

Discussion Points:

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

What support services could help increase participation, particularly for:

Families seeking infant/toddler care?
Working families needing full-day care?
Newcomer families?

What immediate and long-term solutions could help programs overcome staffing shortages while maintaining quality care?

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

Supporting Data:

All 4 under-enrolled centers cite staffing as primary barrier
Mix of program types requiring different staffing patterns (9 centers, 45 FCCs, 5 public schools)
Programs offering varying schedules (2.5 hours/day to 10 hours/day)
75% of parents with children under 6 in workforce needing reliable staffing

Discussion Points:

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

With staffing being a barrier cited by under-enrolled programs:
- What immediate solutions could help programs staff classrooms more effectively?
- Which programs have been successful in retaining staff, and what specific practices can we learn from them?

Discussion Points:

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

How can we develop sustainable staffing models that support:

Programs offering extended hours (8-10 hours/day)
Part-day programs needing coverage for key hours
Programs needing coverage for varying schedules

How can we strategically expand early education access through a mixed-delivery system?

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

Supporting Data:

More than 75% of all parents with children under 6 participate in the labor force
Mix of program types available to build upon (9 centers, 45 FCCs, 5 public schools)
Transportation cited as key enrollment barrier
Significant gaps in infant/toddler enrollment compared to older age groups

Discussion Points:

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

What partnerships could:
- Create wraparound care options for families in part-day programs?
- Support transportation solutions between programs?

Help expand infant/toddler care options?

Discussion Points:

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

2. How can we leverage existing programs to:

Expand hours of coverage for working families?
Create smooth transitions between different care settings?
Address geographic areas of highest need?

How can we help existing programs reach full enrollment while meeting diverse community needs?

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

Supporting Data:

4 of 11 centers below capacity due to various barriers
113 families waiting for CCFA voucher slots (September 2024)
Only 38% of 3-year-olds in full-time care
Significant enrollment variations by age group

Discussion Points:

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

Beyond staffing, what specific barriers are preventing programs from reaching enrollment capacity?

Discussion Points:

kmiksis — 2024-11-12 19:34:30 UTC

How can we better align:

Voucher availability with program openings?
Program locations and hours with family needs?
Resources to maintain full enrollment across age groups?