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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-106 GRANT Mountain Star Preschool LLC CITY OF ASIILAND GRANT AGREEMENT CITY: CITY OF ASHLAND GRAN'1 FF: Mountain Star Preschool LLC 20 E Main Street Address: 195 North Mountain Ave Ashland, OR 97520 "Telephone: 541-326-9526 PHONE: (541) 454-6002 Email: minstarpreschool(a) ail.com FAX: (541)488-5311 Term of this Grant Agreement: June 30,2027 Grant funds a„-arded: $7,200 to be used for Sliding Scale Scholarships as outlined in the Grant Application This Grant Agreement(hereinafter"Agreement") is entered into by and between the City of Ashland,an Oregon municipal corporation(hereinafter"City"),and Mountain Star Preschool LLC("hereinafter"Grantee"). City and Grantee hereby agree as follows: 1. Nature of Grant. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the grant eligibility requirements outlined in Exhibit A,and in reliance upon Grantee's approved grant application,the City agrees to provide grant funds to Grantee in the amount specified above. Grant funds shall be utilized or contractually committed in the fiscal year for which they were awarded. i 2. Qualified Work. Grantee has represented,and by entering into this Agreement now represents, that any personnel assigned to the work required under this Agreement are fully qualified to perform the work to which they will be assigned in a skilled and professional manner and will maintain the proper Oregon childcare licensure throughout the tern of the Grant. Grantee shall also maintain a current City business license. 3. Use of Grant Funds. The use of grant funds is expressly limited to the activities as set forth in the Grant Application, attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this reference. 4. Grantee agrees to acknowledge the City as a funding source in all of Grantee's printed and electronic notices and advertisements relating to the use of these grant funds(example"This program is partially funded through the use of The Ashland Childcare Grant Program"). 5. Grantee agrees to submit a written report to the City on the use of the grant funds within ninety (90)days following the expenditure, but in no event later than,as set forth in Exhibit A. G. Unexpended Grant Funds. Any grant funds not expended by June 30, 2027, shall be immediately returned to the City. GRANT AGREEMENT 13E7'WEEN THE CITY OF ASI ILAND AND MOt1NTAIN STAR MiESCHOOL LLC 7. Financial Records and Inspection. Grantee shall maintain a complete set of books and records relating to the purpose for which the grant fiends were awarded. Such records shall be kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Grantee gives the City and any authorized representative of the City access to and the right to examine all books, records, papers, or documents relating to the use of the grant finds. S. Living Wage Requirements. If the total amount of grant funds awarded under this Agreement is $25,335.05 or more attached as Exhibit B, Grantee is required to comply with Chapter 3.12 of the Ashland Municipal Code by paying a living wage, as defined in that chapter. 9. Termination. a. Mutual Consent. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by the mutual written consent of both parties. b. City's Convenience. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by City upon not less than thirty (30)days' written notice delivered by certified U. S. mail or in person. C. For Cause. City may terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part, effective upon delivery of written notice to Grantee under any of the following conditions: i. if City funding from federal, state,county or other sources is not obtained and continued at levels sufficient to allow for the grant; ii. If federal or state regulations or guidelines are modified, changed,or interpreted in such a way that the grant purposes are no longer allowable or appropriate for award under this Agreement or are no longer eligible for the funding proposed for payments authorized by this Agreement;or iii. If any license or certificate required by law or regulation to be held by Grantee to provide the services required by this Agreement is for any reason denied, revoked, suspended, or not renewed. 10. Default. If Grantee fails to perform or observe any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Agreement or fails to expend the grant funds or enter into binding legal agreements to expend the grant funds during the term of this Agreement,the City,by written notice of default to the Grantee,may terminate this Agreement and may pursue any remedies available to the City at law or in equity. Such remedies may include,but are not limited to, termination of this Agreement, the stopping of payment on or return of the grant funds, payment of interest earned on grant funds or declaration of ineligibility for the receipt of future grant awards. In the event of termination, City may stop payment or withhold any Grant funds in City's possession from Grantee and Grantee shall immediately return all unexpended and unencumbered grant funds. In addition, City shall be entitled to recover any administrative costs, including;attorney fees or collection costs if encumbered as a result of Grantee's failure to return Grant funds. In the event of termination, if Grant funds are not returned or it is found that Grant finds were misappropriated, Grantee shall be ineligible and disbarred from receipt of future grant funds until such matters are finally adjudicated and settled. The rights and remedies of this section are not exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies available to (lie City under the law. 11. Amendments. The terms of this Agreement may not be waived,altered, modified, supplemented,or amended in any manner except by written instrument signed by the parties. GRANT AGR .I-.MEN,r BV-.TWrr:N'1'I11's CI"I'Y OF AS11LAND AND MOUNTAIN STAR PRI:SC11001. LLC 12. Indemnity. Grantee agrees to defend. indemnity, save, and hold the City, its officers,employees and agents hannless from any and all losses, claims, actions, costs,expenses,judgments, subrogation,or other damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from or arising out of the performance of this Agreement by Grantee (including but not limited to, Grantee's employees, agents,and others designated by Grantee to perform work or services attendant to this Agreement). lJowever, Grantee shall not be held responsible for damages caused by the gross negligence of the City, its officers and employees. 13. Liability Insurance. Grantee shall, at its sole expense, obtain and maintain during the tern of this Agreement, a policy or policies of liability insurance according to the following policy limits below. Grantee shall name the City of Ashland as additional insured and shall supply an endorsement to the City. • Comprehensive General or Commercial General Liability, including personal injury, contractual liability,and products/completed operations coverage in the amount of$3,000,000 in the aggregate and$2,000,000 per occurrence;and • Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance in the amount of$2,000,000 in the aggregate, $2,000,000 per occurrence for those entities that are responsible for the transportation of children;and • Sexual Abuse/Molestation liability, or the equivalent,of not less than$100,000 per occurrence and$300,00 in the aggregate for those facilities that have operated for three years or more,and $200,000 in the aggregate for those facilities that have operated for less than three years(counting backwards from July 1, 2025). 14. Workers' Compensation Insurance. Grantee shall either maintain Worker's Compensation insurance in compliance with ORS 656,017 at its sole expense,which requires subject employers to provide workers' compensation coverage for all of its subject employees,or certify on a document acceptable to the City that it is exempt from this requirement on. 15.Assignment. Grantee shall not assign this Agreement nor subcontract any portion of any work to be performed hereunder without the written consent of the City. Any attempted assignment or subcontract without the written consent of City shall be null and void. 16.Merger. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. There are no understandings,agreements,or representations,oral or written,not specified in this Agreement regarding this Agreement. Grantee,by the signature below of its authorized representative, acknowledges that it has read this Agreement, understands it, and agrees to be bound by its terms and conditions. 17. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Oregon without regard to conflict of laws principles. Exclusive venue for litigation of any action arising under this Agreement shall be in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Jackson County unless exclusive jurisdiction is in federal court, in which case exclusive venue shall be in the federal district court for the district of Oregon. Each party expressly waives any and all rights to maintain an action under this Agreement in any other venue, and expressly consents that, upon motion of the other party, any case may be dismissed or its venue transferred, GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN 7-111"CITY OF AS11LAND AND MOUNTAIN STAR PRESCHOOL LLC as appropriate,so as to effectuate this choice of venue. 18. Non Appropriations Clause. Funds Available and Authorized: City has sufficient funds currently available and authorized for expenditure to finance the casts of this Agreement within the City's fiscal year budget. Grantee understands and agrees that City's payment of amounts under this Agreement attributable to work performed after the last day of the current fiscal year is contingent on City appropriations,or other expenditure authority sufficient to allow City in the exercise of its reasonable administrative discretion,to continue to make payments under this Agreement. In the event City has insufficient appropriations, limitations or other expenditure authority, City may terminate this Agreement ,vithout penalty or liability to City, effective upon the delivery of written notice to Grantee,with no further liability to Grantee. 19. Non-Discrimination. Grantee agrees that no person shall,on the grounds of race,color, religion,creed, sex, marital status, familial status or domestic partnership, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income, suffer discrimination in the performance of this Agreement when employed by Grantee. Grantee further agrees to comply with all applicable requirements of federal and state civil rights and rehabilitation statutes,rules, and regulations. 20. Annual Anti-Abuse Training.The Grantee agrees to facilitate and coordinate the participation of its staff in anti-abuse training approved by the Grantor. The Grantee shall ensure that all staff members complete the training within one year of their employment or engagement. Any new staff hired after the initial training period shall complete the training within three months of their date of hire. The Grantee shall report to the Grantor, upon request,proof of completion for all staff'members within these timeframes. GRANTEE: CITY OF ASHLAND: By: By: Printed Name: J i t4 A N PJ I CH 0 LA;_ Printed Name: Sabrina Cotta MC'�v`1'A i rJ Title: awNCRjOtRc.cTol� phE�Noa�. Title: City Manager Date: Date: 7/30/2026 GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ASI ILAND AND MOUNTAIN STAR PRESCI IDOL LLC From: noreolvCabcivicolus.com To: City Managers Office Subject: Online Form Submittal: Early Childcare Affordability Grant Application Date: Wednesday,June 17,2026 8:01:18 PM [EXTERNAL SENDER] Early Childcare Affordability Grant Application Contact Name Jihan Nicholas Email Address mtnstarpreschool@gmail.com Phone Number 541 3269526 Address 185 N Mountain Ave City Ashland State OR Zip Code 97520 Organization Legal Mountain Star Preschool LLC Name DBA or Alternative Field not completed. Name Amount Requested $23,000 Federal Employer ID 33-1294718 Number (FEIN) Outline of Mountain Star is entering its third school year of offering Waldorf- organizational inspired preschool to Ashland families. Both toddlers and priorities/mission and preschool age children enrolled during the recent school year values, equity and in previous and upcoming summer camps. We are excited to commitment, childcare be considered for this grant as it will support Mountain Star's philosophy, history, ability to provide high quality childcare to families who may not board membership, otherwise be able to afford it and to continue to grow as a new etc. preschool. Organizational Mission and Priorities Our mission is to provide high-quality Waldorf early childhood education to all families in the Ashland area. We are committed to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can benefit from a nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environment. We value the preservation and protection of early childhood, providing an environment free from technology, screens and media, which can be harmful to the development of infants,toddlers and preschool age children. Equity Commitment As a licensed childcare center, Mountain Star is able to accept families who receive Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) assistance. This makes us the only Waldorf preschool in Ashland offering equitable access to an educational approach that is often financially out of reach for many families. Our program prioritizes inclusivity and is designed to reflect the belief that every child deserves access to holistic, high-quality early childhood education. While we accept ERDC to make our program accessible to all families, we have found many people who would qualify based on their income are not able to receive the ERDC monies because the waitlist is so long. Childcare Philosophy Rooted in Waldorf principles, our educational philosophy honors the developmental needs of young children. Waldorf education is based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner and aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals prepared for lifelong learning. We provide a therapeutic and rhythm-based environment that supports children in being fully present in their current stage of growth. Rather than pushing children to meet premature academic expectations,we focus on nurturing their natural curiosity, creativity, and emerging sense of self. We value the unique gifts each child brings and aim to foster joy,wonder, and a deep connection to the world around them. We introduce toys made of natural materials which are often hand-made, made of natural fibers and wood and metal as opposed to plastic. We seek to create a warm, gentle and lovely aesthetic in our classroom, that is calm, and sensory rich yet not overstimulating. Waldorf early childhood education emphasizes holistic development through play-based learning. It nurtures children's physical, emotional, and intellectual growth in a supportive environment. Key Principles: Play-Based Learning: Children engage in imaginative play, which is seen as essential for development. Rhythms and Routines: Daily and seasonal rhythms provide stability and predictability. Nature Connection: Outdoor activities and nature exploration are integral to the curriculum. Artistic Expression: Creative activities like painting, music, and storytelling foster self-expression and creativity. Mixed-Age Classrooms: Children of different ages learn from and with each other, promoting social skills and cooperation. Teacher's Role: Teachers act as facilitators, guiding children rather than directing their learning. They create a warm, nurturing atmosphere that encourages exploration and discovery. History and Structure Mountain Star is entering its third year of operation in the 2026- 2027 school year. This year brings a significant structural change: the program is transitioning from a two-owner partnership to a single owner-operator model. While Mountain Star is officially licensed as a"center,"it functions as a small, home-like program that will be led this year by one teacher-owner. Our licensing terms cap enrollment at 12 children when two teachers are present, but the classroom's square footage made a two-owner arrangement financially unsustainable at that scale. Under a single-teacher license,the cap is 10 children, which is a more viable ratio for one owner-operator. This prompted a partner buyout ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. Maximum enrollment is 10 children under the single-teacher license. If enrollment exceeds 10, a teaching assistant will be hired to maintain compliance and quality of care. Mountain Star remains committed to providing an intimate, stable, and relationship-centered environment that fosters strong connections between teachers, children, and families. Governance and Leadership Mountain Star does not have a formal board. The owner-teacher has specialized training in Waldorf pedagogy and child development and meets regularly with a retired Waldorf early childhood mentor who has decades of training and experience. List of staff including Jihan Nicholas- Preschool Director/Owner Mountain Star any formal and Preschool continuing education AA in General Studies, Certified Waldorf Early Childhood and licensing. Teacher through Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy, Early Childhood Development Certificate from RCC, Pediatric First Aid/CPR certified I have been approved by the State of Oregon as holding the requirements to qualify as Director of a state licensed preschool and taken all of the required continuing education courses required for licensing which included Portland State University's online class Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect for childcare providers. My license requires me to complete 15 hours continuing education annually. Description of type of Mountain Star Preschool is licensed to serve children ages 1 childcare services through 6. We operate Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to offered 1:00 pm. We offer up to 12 spots total, structured as follows: Full time (4 days a week, Monday through Thursday): One spot per child Part time (2 days a week):Available for younger children who are new to a childcare or preschool setting. Part-time families attend either Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday. Two part-time spots share one full-time slot, so there are 2 Monday/Tuesday spots and 2 Wednesday/Thursday spots available. Ratios are determined by enrollment numbers, as outlined by our license: 1:10 when up to 10 children are enrolled 1:6 when 11 or 12 children are enrolled (the 12 student cap is solely due to our square footage) Mountain Star has one classroom and a large fenced play yard featuring a play structure and a vegetable and herb garden. Current enrollment numbers As this school year just completed, we are in the process of enrolling for 2026-2027 7 spots(2 part time, 5 full time) are confirmed and filled, and we have interest from families who haven't completed the enrollment process for the fall, as well as open houses throughout the summer to meet new potential families. We have one, mixed age classroom and currently offer 10 full time spots for children to be enrolled M-Th and we offer 4 part time spots for children either M/T or W/Th. Academic calendar We begin school in September and operate through mid-June. During the summer we offer weekly camps which focus on outdoor play, gardening, games and free play. Preschool activities We offer enriching activities that include open ended play time, both indoors and outdoors. We provide the children opportunities for dramatic play including dress up and make believe, allowing the children to express their creativity. We offer adult led story time and puppet shows, singing, circle time, cultural activities and enrichment. We plan activities that allow children to develop both fine and gross motor skills. We prioritize outdoor play every day in all weather. Website www.mountainstarpreschool.com Select Grant Sliding Scale Scholarships (complete section A.) Application Type List any other funding ERDC sources that have been considered or received. (Such as Preschool Promise, Head Start, SNAP, foundations/donors, local employers, etc.) (Section Break) If you are applying for Sliding Scale Scholarships, fill out section A, below A. Proposed draft We will offer a flat 50% discount on our tuition for all Ashland sliding scale used to families who qualify. We will use the reference provided by the identify/verify the level City of Ashland, the qualifying families will be those whose of need and priority in households are at or below 200% of the Jackson County Median awarding affordability Income. They will verify their need by providing the information scholarships. outlined in the following section. We will prioritize families seeking four day a week care, although applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis until all the funds have been allocated to enrolled families. A. Outline of required 1. Basic family information-names, family composition, number information from the of children, verify address of residence in Ashland or an household used to employee of an Ashland based business. evaluate their potential 2. Financial information-A. employment, how long employed, scholarship. location of employer or business if self-employed B. Other sources of income-child support, other family assistance or other public assistance C.Verify financial information by providing most recent W-2 or 3 months of most recent pay stubs If you are applying for Infrastructure Investment, fill out section B, below For projects between $0 and $24,999, include two quotes. For projects between $25,000 and more, provide three quotes. If three quotes are not received, make a note of which agencies did not respond to the request for quote. B. Project description, Field not completed including the need you are addressing and how this investment will solve the need. If you are applying for Staffing Support, fill out Section C, below C. Please describe the Field not completed. type of staffing resources supported by this grant request. C. How many full-time Field not completed. equivalents (FTE's) will the grant request support, and for what duration (ex. 6-months, 1 year)? C. What qualifications Field not completed are required to meet the staffing resource objectives? C. How does the Field not completed addition of the staff member enable greater program capacity, expand program offerings, or add program support? Upload the the following documents: Documentation of state Mountain Star certificate.pdf certification/licensure of applicant/childcare facilities Proof of Insurance Cert of Ins-CITY OF ASHLAND-2.PDF Documentation of Mtn Star Preschool 2025 Tax Returns.pdf organization's financial viability (990 tax form, recent income tax filings, liability insurance coverage, etc.) Proof of site control — MountainStarLease.pdf for example deed, property tax statement, lease agreement or long-term rental agreement Provider rate/pricing 2026-2027 Tuition List.pdf structure Documentation of non- Field not completed. profit status, if applicable Electronic Signature I agree. Agreement Electronic Signature Jihan M Nicholas Email not displaying correctly?View it in your browser. CITY OF . OREGON City of Ashland LIVING • • - • - •- • WAGE per hour, effective June 30, 2026. The Living Wage is adjusted annually every June 30 by the Consumer Price Index. portion of the business of 401 K, and IRS eligible their employer, if the cafeteria plans (including employer has ten or more childcare) benefits to the employees, and has received employee's amount of wages. ➢ For all hours worked under a financial assistance for the service contract between their project or business from the ➢ Note: For temporary and employer and the City of City of Ashland over$27,861; part-time employees, the Ashland if the contract Living Wage does not apply exceeds $27,861 or more. ➢ If their employer is the City of to the first 1040 hours worked Ashland, including the Parks in any calendar year. For ➢ For all hours worked in a and Recreation Department. more details, please see Ashland Municipal Code month, if the employee ➢spends 50/o or more of the In calculating the living wage, Section 3.12.020. employee's time in that month employers may add the value working on a project or of health care, retirement, For additional information: Call the Ashland City Manager's office at 541-488-6002 or write to the City Manager, City Hall, 20 East Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520, or visit the City's website www.ashlandoregon.gov. Notice to Employers: This notice must be posted in areas where it can be seen by all employees. C IT Y OF AS H LA N D eSJ