Q&A
Update on Highbridge Advisory Council closure and staff payments
1:20:42
ยท
76 sec
Council Member Stevens inquires about the status of the Highbridge Advisory Council closure and the resolution of staff payment issues. Deputy Chancellor Hawkins provides an update on the actions taken to address the situation, including efforts to assist affected providers and staff.
- Stevens asks for an update on the Highbridge Advisory Council closure, which was due to administrative issues
- Hawkins explains that direct back pay to independent family child care providers was not possible due to contractual limitations
- The DOE worked with various partners, including ACS and unions, to find alternative solutions for affected providers
- Some providers were transitioned to the voucher system or reaffiliated with new networks
- Hawkins acknowledges the collaboration with union partners in addressing the issue
Althea V. Stevens
1:20:42
Highbridge Advisory Council who was in my district, I know they were closed Yes.
1:20:46
Not because because of losing the contract, they were closed because some administrative issues on the provider side.
1:20:52
Do you have any updates around the last bit?
1:20:54
Know last time we spoke you you spoke a little bit about how you were back paying some of the staff on one end but we're still trying to figure out was that ever resolved because I never got a follow-up.
Simone Hawkins
1:21:04
Yeah.
1:21:05
We are not able to provide back pay to the actual independent family child care providers, we are not in contract with them directly, we were in contract with Highbridge through their network contract and payment was already remitted to Highbridge for those providers.
1:21:21
However, we worked really closely with the U of T and others, I personally with my team and ACS, we are really trying to improve our coordination.
1:21:30
Met with the providers, hosted a meeting and really extended them some options and so those who wanted to explore the voucher route, ACS was able to transition them into that and in some instances backdate the kids to a certain date so they can get payment and then we were able to reaffiliate those with the, you know, who were interested with a new network.
1:21:50
And so worked really closely, I really want to give a shout out to our U of T partners for helping to convene that conversation so that they can get paid moving forward.