Early Learning Initiative
The Saint Paul City Council seeks to explore how the City could achieve a city-wide early learning program that would yield positive returns for children, families, business, and the community at large.
Early childhood education helps eliminate opportunity and achievement gaps, decreases the poverty rate through support of parents, and provides an economic boost for families who no longer have to worry about the expenses of care for their preschool age children.
Early Learning Legislative Advisory Committee
On July 27, 2022, the City Council passed Res 22-1183, which established the creation of an Early Learning Legislative Advisory Committee.
This limited-term legislative advisory committee worked with the Saint Paul City Council and the City to:
- evaluate a locally governed program to ensure universal and equitable access to early care and education for all Saint Paul children (the "Program"); and
- explore public funding, and any other relevant funding options, for the Program, including the possible use of public dollars.
The Committee was tasked with making recommendations to the City Council regarding the design and implementation of the Program and, if deemed appropriate, proposing legislation to establish the Program.
To achieve this aim, the committee reviewed existing public funding streams for early childhood education at the state level, analyzed financial models to estimate the potential costs of such a program, and assessed available funding sources for the City. Representatives from four city-run early learning programs across the country, each operating under different models, presented to the committee. The committee engaged in discussions to debate and evaluate potential program models for Saint Paul.
On March 22, 2023, the Early Learning Legislative Advisory Committee presented its final recommendations to the City Council.
Saint Paul Early Childhood Program Plan Recommendation Report
Dr. Nikole Jones, founder and owner of People of Victory LLC, was contracted to develop the Saint Paul Early Care and Education Program Plan. Her work focused on enhancing early education, family wellness, and community connections within the city.
In November 2024, Dr. Jones presented the program plan to the Saint Paul City Council, discussing strategies to improve early care and education accessibility for all Saint Paul families.
The comprehensive plan addresses the critical need for quality early childhood education, proposing a phased approach to support children from birth through kindergarten entry. It emphasizes financial subsidies to reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, aiming to improve kindergarten readiness and long-term outcomes. The initiative also highlights the importance of engaging with local agencies and professionals to foster a robust early education ecosystem.
Early Care and Learning Referendum
The Saint Paul Early Care and Learning Referendum asked voters to authorize a special levy to raise dedicated dollars placed in a special fund solely for this purpose. If passed, the initiative would have provide an additional source of funding for families with children 0 to five seeking childcare and early education in Saint Paul. Ultimately, this ballot measure was not passed by Saint Paul voters.
The Saint Paul City Council has accepted the Early Care and Education Program plan recommendation made by Dr. Nikole Jones of People of Victory LLC and remains committed to continue conversation about the City's role in addressing the childcare crisis and the needs of Saint Paul children and families.