Specifications include, but are not limited to: a) Respondent shall, at a minimum, include and provide the following information: b) Gather information about the status of licensed childcare providers, including financial/operational stability and resources needed to operate sustainably. This information should include the demographics of those enrolled, information regarding financial/operational stability, resources needed to support operational stability, tuition support, staffing recruitment and retention, training needs, supplies, health and safety, program development and a description of the adequacy or challenges within the existing childcare facility. Assess wages in Valdez and cost of living compared specifically to childcare cost and childcare workers’ wages. c) Gather information about the statistical number of youth born in Valdez and the number of youth entering home school and public school to learn approximately how many children are within Valdez of childcare age within the last five years. d) Develop and initiate a survey that can be sent to Valdez households regarding both licensed and non-licensed childcare services in Valdez. To learn about individual or family needs for such services, what barriers families face for accessing childcare services, and gaining community perspectives regarding what the community values regarding child care services in Valdez, along with what would compel families to use such services. Any additional survey topics per recommendation of successful consultant. e) Gain information from the local school district about their perspectives regarding how ready Valdez children are to start school. In addition, research health care barriers, youth demographics, and any other perspectives on child care needs in Valdez.
