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THE PFA PROVIDER APPLICATION PROCESS
For preschools with interest in applying for PFA funding
STEP 1: THE PFA BASELINE CRITERIA & PROGRAM ASSURANCES
- All PFA Providers must meet ALL of the PFA Baseline Criteria and demonstrate this through the PFA Provider Application process described below. The first step for the lead staff of any interested preschool is to thoroughly review this checklist of pre-entry requirements, as well as the PFA Provider Assurances, which is a similar document that articulates the responsibilities that all funded PFA preschools are expected to meet after they are contracted to receive PFA funding.
- Please read the PFA Baseline Criteria in combination with the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for PFA providers, to ensure that your program meets or will meet all items listed there before moving forward to “Step 2”.
STEP 2: "INTENT TO APPLY" SCREENING BY PHONE
- Contact First 5 San Francisco at (415) 934-4808 or preschool@first5sf.org to schedule an “Intent to Apply” telephone screening.
- First 5 San Francisco staff will conduct a brief telephone interview with the site’s lead staff (Director, Program Director, or Site Supervisor) to determine whether the program meets the PFA Baseline Criteria, and any applicable “priority provider” criteria.
STEP 3: PRE-PFA SITE VISIT & PROVIDER APPLICATION
- AFTER screening, First 5 San Francisco staff will conduct a Pre-PFA Site Visit to informally observe the applicant site; review PFA Baseline Criteria, Program Assurances, & Application documents; and answer questions regarding our application process.
- During the Pre-PFA Site Visit, PFA Provider Application documents are issued (they are not available except through the Pre-PFA visit). Providers that are ready to proceed in the Application process may begin working on the Application for completion.
STEP 4: COMPLETE & SUBMIT THE PFA APPLICATION
- Applicant preschools should submit their PFA Provider Application to First 5 San Francisco as soon as all forms and supporting documentation are complete.
- After reviewing Applications, First 5 San Francisco staff will notify applicants of their Application status, and schedule an Application Site Visits with those that qualify.
- Submission of the PFA Provider Application does not guarantee funding.
STEP 4-A: SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
For all Applicants without a current, qualifying -ERS Assessment
- Providers without a valid –ERS Assessment(s) that meets the minimum requirements as stipulated in the PFA Baseline Criteria MUST complete a PFA Provider Application Supplement in addition to the standard PFA Provider Application documents.
- If –ERS Assessment funding is available, qualifying providers may then be able to schedule an –ERS Assessment date with the Gateway To Quality Project.
- In order to proceed in the PFA Provider Application process, all providers must have a current qualifying –ERS Assessment from the Gateway To Quality Project. Sites that require new or re-assessment will have their PFA Provider Application held as “pending” until this requirement is met and documentation received. This may delay the PFA Provider Application process.
STEP 5: APPLICATION SITE VISITS
- First 5 San Francisco will conduct Application Site Visits to qualifying providers with COMPLETED Provider Applications. Application Site Visit details will be provided when programs are notified, and include completion of additional documents.
STEP 6: RECOMMENDATION, APPROVAL, AND NOTIFICATION
- After the Application Site Visit, First 5 San Francisco staff develop a recommendation that is submitted to the First 5 San Francisco governing body, the Children & Families Commission, for consideration at its regular (monthly) meetings.
- Sites approved by the Commission to participate as PFA sites are notified within 48 hours of the Commission meeting at which their Application was considered.
STEP 7: CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS
- Once approval is established, PFA Providers must strike a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with First 5 San Francisco, which stipulate the various operational, programmatic, monitoring, and reporting requirements of the PFA program.
- Funding is distributed via the PFA Fiscal Services Agency. Each approved provider must also complete a Funding Agreement with the Fiscal Services Agency, which stipulates the projected earnings based on various factors; and indemnifies the Fiscal Services Agency.
- Contractual agreements are effective for annual terms (the “Program Year”) and are renewable by providers in good standing during an annual re-certification process.
A NOTE ABOUT THE PFA PROVIDER APPLICATION FORMS & DOCUMENTS
The Preschool For All Provider Application is only available to preschools that complete Steps 1 through 3, above. The Application forms and documents are distributed by First 5 San Francisco through this process. No Application forms are available online.
The Preschool For All Provider Application no longer has an annual due date. Applicants are considered on a rolling basis for funding based on their qualifications; their priority status; and funding availability. Submission of the PFA Provider Application does NOT guarantee funding, and the Baseline Criteria; the provider priority criteria; and the availability of funding for PFA can change at any time.
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