Ad hoc Committee on Affordable Childcare and Early Childhood Development
Background
The current inventory of pre-school seats is not adequate to meet the demand of Ashland families as evidenced by wait lists in excess of 6 to 12 months. The result is subsequent concern for future enrollment in Ashland School District, kindergarten readiness, socialization opportunities for our children, a continuation of the worker shortage due to lack of childcare and impacts to the economic vitality of Ashland as a whole.
Thus, there is significant need for early learning options in our community. Many stakeholders communicate strong support for affordable early learning, and childcare programs, specifically, support focused on
early learning opportunities to attract, retain, and sustain working families in Ashland,
providing early learners, the social and academic tools necessary for kindergarten, and
as a key service required to sustain and grow our economy
Scope of Work The City of Ashland will convene an ad hoc committee comprised of the Ashland School District, local partners and City staff, to respond to the need for early learning access in Ashland, and the Rogue Valley. The ad hoc committee will develop an early learning, strategic plan, that creates a tangible network of education and care options within our community supportive of working families, economic development, and most importantly, our children.
Applications are currently being accepted for this ad hoc committee; the committee is expected to have up to six (6) openings for individual community participants in addition to ex officio openings, including for local educational and health care institutions. The deadline to apply is May 5, 2023. Questions can be directed to dana.smith@ashland.or.us or at 541.488.5350.
