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Discussion on staffing challenges in after-school programs
1:36:34
ยท
105 sec
Council Member Williams raises concerns about ongoing difficulties with staff recruitment and persistent staffing shortages in after-school programs. Commissioner Howard responds by discussing DYCD's efforts to address these issues.
- Highlights the impact of staffing shortages on providers' ability to meet contractual obligations
- Commissioner mentions ongoing engagement with nonprofit partners to assess salary levels
- Discusses the potential for addressing salary competitiveness in upcoming RFPs
Nantasha M. Williams
1:36:34
Chair can I get a little bit more time, the commissioner has a lot to say?
1:36:40
Took up my time for my question.
1:36:43
I was trying not to be rude, was trying to let him get his points out.
1:36:46
Okay, thank you chair.
1:36:48
So the other questions that I have, I'll just ask more after school questions since she lined me up for that.
1:36:55
So after school providers report having ongoing difficulties with staff recruitment and persistent staffing shortages that impact their ability to meet contractual obligations.
1:37:07
So how is the agency planning to support providers to pay competitive wages and address the long standing issue of CBO staff turnover?
1:37:16
I know you are about to issue an RFP soon.
1:37:22
Oh the hope, okay.
1:37:23
So just wanted to know if you're taking those things into consideration in terms of how you're crafting the RFP itself.
Keith Howard
1:37:31
100%.
1:37:32
We're highly engaged with our nonprofit partners looking at the salary levels.
1:37:40
We've been doing surveying across the board, meeting with providers, deputy commissioner Haskell and her team, constantly engaging.
1:37:48
And yes, it's you know, I think we we mentioned previously that across the sector there is concern that we're not being competitive and competitive with the salary.
1:38:01
So we see that.
1:38:03
We're working and hopefully you know if and when the RFP and the concept paper
Grace Wong
1:38:09
when all
Keith Howard
1:38:11
of that comes to play, we'll be able to right size some salary.
1:38:17
That's the hope, that's the that's the goal.
Grace Wong
1:38:19
Okay.