EARLY CARE AND LEARNING INC

Programs

1. ECAL, Inc. recognizes that high-quality programs cost more to implement. For that reason, in 2008, ECAL, Inc. partnered with Ohio State University to apply for an Early Head Start program requiring a CC: B-3 like model. This application was successful and allowed most centers implementing the CC: B-3 model to receive EHS funds to support the high-quality programming that is required by the CC: B-3 model. With the expansion the has occurred of the CC: B-3 model throughout Central Ohio, the EHS funding has not kept up with the number of children supported through the model. So this year, with the support of a Community Partnership Grant from Franklin County Commissioners, ECAL, Inc. was began providing Quality Supplement Grants to centers to support operating expenses on behalf of children not enrolled in an EHS classroom and living in a family below 300% of poverty. These grants have supported the addition of classroom staff reducing ratios, added teaching assistants, increased salaries for staff, added benefits for staff to support staff retention and paying for professional development of classroom staff.

   $439,900 spentof which $438,900 as grants$464,800 earned by the program
   73% of program spending

2. ECAL Inc believes in investing in the ongoing support of classroom staff and center leadership in the implementation of the high-quality CC: B-3 program. As a result, ECAL Inc offers 30 training courses that are Ohio Approved for professional development. It also offers coaching services for teachers and center directors for program improvement. This program year, ECAL Inc developed a detailed classroom observation tool, which was field tested in over 30 classrooms implementing the CC: B-3 model. This required a 3-hour observation in each classroom followed by a detailed report of the status of the implementation of all key elements of the CC: B-3 model and specific suggestions for improved implementation. These reports were then used by the center leadership and the coaches to develop specific continuous improvements plans for each classroom as needed. ECAL Inc implemented a Brigance assessment system, assessing 300 children in this reporting year. This information is provided to classroom staff and center leadership to provide individualized training plans for children based on their developmental status. Both systems are used by ECAL leadership to develop targeted trainings and…

   $92,131 spent$86,057 earned by the program
   15% of program spending

3. ECAL Inc. provides support to sites wishing to transform existing classrooms or add additional classrooms utilizing the CC: B-3 program approach. When a center is considering adopting this approach, ECAL Inc does an assessment of the center readiness for the approach, then provides matching funds for the physical transformation of the space and subsidized foundational trainings in the philosophy and practice of the CC: B-3 model. They also provide coaching in setting up the room to provide the appropriate atmosphere conducive to the philosophy and coaching in the implementation of the model as the center begins operation. While CC: B-3 has always supported the expansion, additional grants were received in the last reporting year to allow for more expansion and for greater reductions in costs to the implementing centers. During this reporting year, ECAL Inc added sites with six classrooms serving 50 additional children.

   $73,856 spentof which $49,168 as grants$10,292 earned by the program
   12% of program spending

4. Other program services, not described on the e-filed return.

   $0 spent
   0% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $605,887.