Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: November 20, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Angela Chestang, Manager, Citizens’ Commission for Children Division
PHONE: 407-836-6541
SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Y25-2045, Provision of Community Services
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2045, Provision of Community Services, with Reading and Math, Inc. dba Ampact, in the total contract award amount of $225,000 for a three-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Citizens’ Commission for Children Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This contract will provide funds for early literacy programming for youth which will offer services to students from birth to kindergarten to enhance the early language, literacy, and early reading development of preschool age children, particularly those from low-income families, through strategies and professional development that are based on scientifically based reading research. The performance period is January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-2556-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Citizens’ Review Panel for Human Services recommended Reading and Math, Inc. dba Ampact to receive funding to provide these services. The Citizens’ Commission for Children Division (CCC) concurs with the funding recommendation. Reading and Math, Inc. dba Ampact has not previously received funding from the Citizens’ Commission for Children Division.
REMARKS:
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Part 1, Chapter 17, Article III, Section 17-286 - Application and Exclusions, agreements between the Board and nonprofit organizations are excluded from competitive procurement requirements.
Research has shown that children with a strong foundation in literacy are more likely to excel in school and be lifelong learners. By exposing children to books, storytelling, and vocabulary-building activities early on, they are better equipped to navigate the complex world of language as they grow older. Additionally, early literacy programs can help foster a love of reading and learning in young children. By engaging children in interactive and engaging literacy activities, they are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards reading and education, resulting in long-lasting effects on their academic success and overall well-being.
Reading and Math, Inc. dba Ampact will deliver programming daily through highly trained staff proficient in evidence-based instructional strategies, culturally responsive child interactions, utilizing data for individualized instruction. Trained staff will implement a three-tiered model: 1) All children receive group instruction daily using a literacy and numeracy rich curriculum and are screened three times/year; 2) based on results, some children receive small group skills practice using targeted interventions, and 3) those with greatest need will receive one-on-one support. Priority preference will be given to residents residing in 32839.
The program estimates serving 45 unduplicated residents and providing approximately 3,600 hours of direct service per contract year.
The agency’s outreach and recruitment plan for this program includes development of dynamic relationships with early learning providers serving children facing the greatest barriers to their learning, and who are in need of capacity support on the whole-class and individual levels. Partner sites and classrooms are identified collaboratively with Orange County Public Schools.
In addition to marketing strategies employed by Reading and Math, Inc. dba Ampact, Inc., the CCCC offers a comprehensive resource directory of all funded programming published on the CCC web page, located at www.ocfl.net/ccc <http://www.ocfl.net/ccc>. Through this directory, constituents may search for funded services within a specific distance of their home, place of work, or other address of significance.
Additionally, the CCC has contracted community engagement specialists, located primarily in east and west Orange County, for service delivery to benefit citizens with an emphasis on maintaining contact with community groups, parents, and other caregivers, providing support to residents, as well as evaluating and responding to community needs concerning children. The CCC also employs a part-time community ambassador, whose role is primarily to engage with civic, law enforcement, and community groups to market services and to stay connected with the various community groups throughout Orange County.
Finally, the CCC maintains an electronic e-mail distribution database, and distributes shared resources and information submitted by community non-profits monthly. This method allows funded and non-funded service providers the opportunity to learn about services, events, or special projects that may benefit the community at large.
Services will primarily be provided at the following locations:
• 3525 Gardens Ridge Way, Orlando Florida 32839, in Commission District 6
• 2015 Duskin Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32839, in Commission District 6
• 5620 Harcourt Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32839, in Commission District 6
This funding award is not inclusive of all early literacy programming funded by Orange County Government. A comprehensive list of the early literacy programming currently funded through the CCC is attached. All Orange County residents may have access to funded programs/services.