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Maricopa County Human Services Department Early Education Division March 1, 2022 Andrea Harvey Grants Specialist Office of Grants Management, Region IX 90 7th Street, 9th Floor San Francisco, CA 9410 Subject: Equipment Approval Request Grant No. 09HE000185 Dear Ms. Andrea Harvey MCHSD-EED respectfully submits a request to purchase equipment that exceeds the unit cost of $5,000 to continue operating safely due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The requested equipment purchase is reasonable per OMB standards and will support the safe delivery of outdoor activities that children must space appropriately to mitigate the exposure to COVID 19. The program proposes to utilize funds from Grant No. 09HE000185, which currently has a $1,474,790 supply savings and is submitting for a budget revision to complete the purchase of the identified equipment that totals $600,000. Equipment $600,000 The program identified the need for additional outdoor equipment in preparation for resuming full in-person services that support social distancing and reduced grouping opportunities. Playground Structures $400,000 Healthy childhood development is fostered through sufficient physical activity, which is hindered for many children through the COVID 19- outbreak. The program identified multiple locations with small and excessively worn play structures that need replacement to sustain safe physical activities for children that encourages socially distanced play. The replacement of the structures will provide expanded structural space that reduces transmission of the virus. The proposed playground equipment will replace worn and expand playground structures located at the following sites: • EVIT, Longfellow, Bellview, Taft, Sonrise The proposed equipment will provide the appropriate height and opportunities for social interaction that will enhance outdoor play experiences. MCHSD projects playground structures at $80,000 each, including necessary components and installation. Maricopa County Human Services Department Early Education Division Shade Structures $200,000 Multiple locations have playground areas with high sun exposure, which creates a safety concern due to elevated surface temperatures which increases sedentary behaviors in groups settings. Therefore, the program proposes to expand shade as a hot-hazard mitigation technique to expanded shade access that encourages socially distanced outdoor play. The Early Education division identified the following sites as needing expanded shade: • Webster, Lindbergh, Hamilton, Taft Through enhanced outdoor equipment, safe physical activity opportunities will continue to support the mental health of children, which includes building a robust immune system. The efforts to preserve and promote child health during the COVID-19 outbreak and crisis recovery period position the program for future pandemics. MCHSD appreciates your consideration of its request to use funds to support safe environments equipped to provide high-quality services. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, Eve Del Real. M.S. Assistant Director MCHSD, Early Education Division