Preschool Services

The City of Lancaster is seeking proposals from organizations wishing to provide early childhood educationservices to children aged three (3) to five (5). Lancaster has a long history of collaborating with community organizations who serve young children and their families to support and promote school readiness. The purpose of such services is to provide eligible Lancaster families the opportunity and access to ensure participants have the knowledge, skills, and support they need to successfully transition academically and socially/emotionally, from preschool to kindergarten. The main responsibility of the selected agency is to provide preschool services for participants aged three to five who are income-eligible, Lancaster residents, and demonstrate a need for care. The City is flexible regarding full or part day programs and the number of days per week the program will run. Please provide the option (or options) that the organization would be able to provide. The anticipated start date for these services is as early as July 2025. Services must be provided through at least May 2026. The selected organization will be expected to provide the City with program data that reflects the outcomes of the program for participants. The organization should conduct a program evaluation to identify program successes, participant satisfaction, participant growth, and areas for improvement, utilizing results to explore the potential for future program expansion to meet newly identified needs. The organization will be required to provide a presentation to City Council including these results/data at an agreed upon scheduled date. CONSULTANT AGREES TO: COURSE CONTENT: • Be responsible for curriculum and course content; including providing course materials. The curriculum and course content must adhere to state of California guidelines for all licensed preschool operators. Please reference https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/how-to-become-licensed. • Provide a consistent instructor, with as little substitution as possible. • Conduct the program in a safe manner. • City shall have the right to observe Consultant instruct to determine whether Consultant is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement. • The agency assures that a developmental profile is completed for each child based upon observations of staff. • The agency will provide an educational component that is culturally, linguistically, and developmentally appropriate for the children served. • The agency agrees to be licensed and adheres to all California licensing laws. Please reference https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/resources-for-providers/laws-and-regulations. QUALITY OF PROGRAM: Maintain a quality program which includes, but is not limited to: • Consultants are knowledgeable and experienced in the subject being taught and with the age group. • Consultants are organized and prepared to teach at the start of each class. • Consultants to maintain strong working relationships with City staff and customers. • Consultants provide good customer service. • Consultants and their employees can effectively resolve issues. • The agency is required to comply with all laws, regulations, rules, policies, and reporting procedures. EMPLOYEES: • All employees and/or volunteers must complete Fingerprint background check and must pass background prior to providing services, provide negative TB test results within the last two years. • All Consultants, as well as their employees and volunteers, are strongly recommended to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid. INSURANCE: • Company must have Sexual Abuse and Molestation (SAM) liability insurance. PUBLICITY: • Must obtain prior approval from City for publicity containing City logo. RECORD KEEPING: • Must take attendance at each class. All attendance records shall be submitted at the end of each reimbursement period. • The agency will recruit and enroll certified Lancaster residents who meet income-eligibility. Eligibility requirements will be provided by the City. PRIVACY: • Agrees that any personal information that Consultant receives regarding customers may not be used for other than City business. • Ensures that customer information will be stored in a secure location. RATE: • Consultant will NOT be compensated for classes offered and canceled. Consultant will be compensated for only registered participants listed on the attendance records. LOCATION OF SERVICES: • The City will not be providing a facility for these services. The organization must provide facilities for all services/programs.