Arlington County Responds to Questions About Takeover of Co-op Playgroups

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Here’s new information released Thursday from Arlington County about its plans for possibly taking over three co-op playgroups that meet at county facilities. The information comes from Susan Kalish, Public Relations Director, Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation:

· Arlington County runs numerous programs where preschoolers can socialize in its facilities: preschools, indoor playgrounds and classes.

· There are also three parent-run playgroups, which are not run by the County but operate in County facilities. These non-County parent-led playgroup cooperatives are open to their members only and have exclusive use of public facilities.

· An internal review in 2013 cited risk, legal and policy management concerns in the playgroup option. These parent-led playgroups do not meet all state code requirements for licensed programs. The review also flagged that these member-only group’s exclusive use of the facility was not an appropriate use of public property.

· The County values these playgroups, which provide a community service. Since issues were realized in 2013, Parks and Recreation has worked with community members and the County’s Office of Risk Management and County Attorney’s Office to develop a plan to support the program and remediate the concerns.

Status:

· In the fall of 2014, staff provided options to community playgroup leaders that would address issues.

o Playgroups could be managed by staff to ensure groups were managed by licensed care providers

o Playgroups could become independent and rent the space and be liable for any risk

· Initial discussions seemed to indicate that the three playgroups (at Fairlington, Madison and Lee Community Centers) all preferred that DPR manage playgroups. Playgroup fees would not produce excess revenue for the County but instead only cover expenses for the required administrator to meet licensing requirements, provide background checks for all volunteers, and provide basic equipment for the playrooms

· In March, a letter outlining the issues, plans and next steps was sent to the playgroup coordinators who in turn shared with playgroup participants. The letter explained that the proposed fees are part of the County Manager’s recommended budget and how they could share their thoughts with the County Board prior to a final budget.

· Leadership in preschool playgroups change as family’s age-out of the program. After the communication was sent in March some Fairlington playgroup participants expressed concern in the recommendations.

· The full FY 2016 fee resolution is located at http://arlington.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=770&meta_id=128226.

· Comments on the fee resolution can be made:

o In-person at the Public Budget Hearing on March 26 at 7 p.m. The meeting is held in the County

o Board room at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington, VA. 22201

o By e-mail at dmf@arlingtonva.us

o By mail to the Arlington County Board, 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 300, Arlington, VA. 22201.

Next Steps:

· County Board is reviewing budget recommendations and will vote on an adopted budget on April 18.