AGENCY TESTIMONY
Contract mechanism issues in early childhood education
0:43:23
ยท
36 sec
Deputy Chancellor Hawkins outlines the challenges with current contract mechanisms in NYC's early childhood education system, highlighting inefficiencies in resource allocation.
- Current contract mechanisms don't support or incentivize optimizing seat placements
- The system subsidizes many under-enrolled programs due to fixed costs in operating early childhood programs
- Programs can draw down 75% of their contract value whether they serve one child or three-fourths of their full capacity
- This approach is described as unsustainable and inequitable for managing public dollars and ensuring high-quality care
Simone Hawkins
0:43:23
Adding to those challenges, our contract mechanisms do not support or incentivize optimizing seat placements.
0:43:30
While there are necessary fixed costs in operating early childhood programs, we currently subsidize too many under enrolled programs.
0:43:38
Whether a program serves one child or three fourths of its full capacity, current contract terms provide for it to draw down on 75% of its contract value.
0:43:50
This is not a sustainable or equitable way to manage public dollars or ensure that children and families receive the highest quality care possible.