To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: 40-476-1 CareAcademy.co, Inc. Purchase Order
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute on behalf of the Employment and Human Services Department Director, a Purchase Order with CareAcademy.co, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $15,084 for a subscription agreement to provide access to online caregiver education and courses for the period April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2028.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% State; $5,028 of which is budgeted for FY 25-26, $5,028 will be budgeted for FY 26-27 and $5,028 will be budgeted for FY 27-28.
BACKGROUND:
CareAcademy is the preferred vendor for the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority. Through a subscription agreement with EHSD on behalf of the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority, CareAcademy.co, Inc. (CareAcademy) will provide access to the CareAcademy training website. The website services are for online education videos and training services for In-Home Supportive Services providers that care for In-Home Supportive Services consumers. In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority will notify providers of the availability of the website and access information.
CareAcademy conducts ongoing research that measures caregivers’ knowledge, care experience, and turnover and retention metrics. Certificate trainings are also available. This Advanced Package subscription is for the period April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2028, and includes access to CareAcademy’s core class list, as well as Registered Nurse/Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist Continuing Education Units Library, Federal Home Health Aide Certification, Advanced Disease Certifications, customized curriculum by caregiver group and multi-site support for up to 50 caregivers. The subscription service website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The cost is $5,028 per year. The Entity Subscription Agreement includes mutual indemnification provisions based on notice, control and assistance, as well as a limitation of liability provision capping damages at the amount of fees paid in the 12 months prior to the event rise to the claim.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Should the proposed action not be approved by the Board of Supervisors, families will remain at risk and encounter limited to no options for caregiver training.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This agreement/contract supports all five of the community outcomes established in the Children's Report Card: (1) "Children Ready for and Succeeding in School"; (2) "Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood"; (3)"Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient"; (4) "Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing"; and (5) "Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families,” by supporting staff working directly with families and children.