April 20, 2005
TO: Steering Committee Members
Early Success – Right from the Start
FROM: Karen Schneider, Director
Minutes of the April 20, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting
Attendees: Karen Schneider, Linda Myers, Denise Robinson, Julie Vanhala, Shirley Vetter, Joyce Harmsen, Darcy Lokers, Kristen Walcheski, Michelle Gabalis, Bruce Covey, Sherry Franklin, Theresa Myrick, Paulette DeVries, Amy Peasley, Jennifer O’Neil, Sandie Withrow, Betsy Cope, LouAnn Gregory, and Dave Borth.
Welcome and Introductions: Linda Myers
Program Update: Karen Schneider reports:
1. Communication/Recognition: A certificate of recognition was received from MMCAA, recognizing Karen Schneider and staff of Early Success’ participation and time to the agency’s Child Services programs.
2. Budget: A balance of approximately $330,000 ASAP-PIE dollars will be carried over to 2005/2006. This amount is one-half of that budgeted for this year. At this time it is unknown whether funds from Great Parents/Great Start will be available. Should it be granted, we will budget the money as outlined in our 2004-2005 narrative.
3. Staff:
a. Parent Educator, Andi Strickler gave birth to a baby boy the first of April. Mom, Dad and baby Wil are doing well.
b. Parenting Class Trainer, Diana Bongard retired March 31, 2005.
c. A reduction of staff will once again be necessary for 2005/06. Karen Boochard, Betsy Cope, LouAnn Gregory, Andi Strickler and Shirley Vetter will return August 29, 2005, after summer break. Karen Schneider will work this summer with two FSU interns. Vera Porter will intern through the summer and Briana Jordan will be with us from May through December.
4. Events:
a. Family fun nights will not be offered next year. Schneider did have a discussion with the elementary school principals, offering to work with the schools to partner with them to provide family involvement activities as this is part of the statewide Education Yes!
b. Playgroups and Dad & Me Breakfast have been growing and have become especially popular with the dads. Monthly “themed” activities are both timesaving and fun for all. Materials required for each month are packed into Big Red (van) and are changed out when the activities change.
c. Home visiting has been prioritized for higher-needs families, although visits will be made to those who request them. Staff is making referrals to three- and four-year-old programs and pre-schools.
d. The mailed visit packets continue. A postcard went out in January’s mailing to families indicating that to continue receiving the monthly mailings they should simply post and return the card. This did reduce our mailing (and mailing expenses), and should anyone wish to be added back on, they simply need to notify the office.
e. The August mailed visit will include a package for our “graduates” to kindergarten. Among the items they receive will be a Certificate of Participation from Early Success, the book “The Night Before Kindergarten” by Natasha Wing, a survey, and a child information sheet for parents to present to their child’s teacher on the first day of school.
5. Trainings:
a. The Better Kid Care Series will continue through the collaboration of local agencies.
b. Other trainings may be offered upon request and approval by supervision.
On the Horizon:
1. In a State of Michigan news release dated February 22, 2005, Governor Granholm announced the development of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC). This program will establish standards and guidelines for early childhood development activities to be implemented throughout the state in partnership with local intermediate school districts. For more on this article, please visit http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168--111022--,00.html. The ECIC is expected to be in place by October 1, 2005. It is not known at this time which school districts will be chosen for the program start with a goal to have all ISD’s on board by 2010.
2. Julie Vanhala reports that Early On is in the process of major restructuring at both the federal and local levels. Many changes are expected to take place with anticipated completion in December, 2005. For more information on the restructuring process, visit www.earlyonredesign.com you will need to sign up and then you will receive regular updates to keep you informed about this process. An Early On training day has been scheduled for Thursday, June 23, 2005 at the Career Center’s Miller Wing. Childcare will be available onsite in the Early Childhood Careers classroom located in the South end of the Career Center. LICC has been brainstorming topics and speakers for this full day training.
3. The Michigan School Readiness Programs (MSRP) is mandated to meet twice a year. Schneider asked the Committee if it would be possible to incorporate the Steering Meeting and the MSRP meetings as many of the same agencies attend both. Schneider was asked to present a plan at the next MSRP meeting to meet “back-to-back” on the fourth Friday, every two-months, followed by a luncheon.
4. We are seeking a name for our new early childhood program. We will revisit this at our next meeting.
Other Discussion:
Schneider: The next MSRP meeting is scheduled at the Miller Wing on May 17, 2005. Dinner will be served prior to the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Connie Robinson with the Michigan Department of Education will facilitate the meeting. The Steering Board members will receive an invitation.
Schneider: The Mandated Reporter’s Resource Guide has been revised. For a copy, visit www.michigan.gov/dhs.
Borth: The grand opening of the new facilities at the Mecosta County General Hospital is scheduled for June 16. This will coincide with their ice cream social.
Borth: The move toward Family Center Practice (FCP) continue to push forward with the support of Mecosta County HSCB. In an effort to develop an appropriate definition of FCP, agency trainings are being planned and focus groups with consumers will take place. Focus groups (of 20 people) will meet on May 24 and 26. Contact Karen Schneider at 866-592-9605 for more information.
Lokers: Introduction of Bruce Covey as Fatherhood Mentor through Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency.
DeVries: The Month of the Young Child is well underway with the Children’s concert held last week. Approximately 450 children attended at Reed City and over 900 from the Big Rapids area. The Music Lady (http://www.themusiclady.org/) provided interactive performances for children ages zero to eight. Parades are also scheduled as follows and everyone is encouraged to get out and support our kids:
Remus April 22 11:00 am Remus Bowling Alley to Wheatland Twp Park
Reed City April 27 1:00 pm United Methodist Church down main street
Reed City April 28 1:00 pm (rain date)
Big Rapids April 28 9:30 am Big Rapids Cinema to Hemlock Park
Next scheduled meetings: Executive Board, Early Success Office, 07/13/05, 8:30 a.m.
Steering Committee, Miller Wing, 07/20/05 8:30 a.m.
Original signed, Karen Schneider
Director, Early Success – Right from the Start
Distribution via e-mail
Executive Board, 2004/2005:
Chair: Becky Johnson
Finance: Denise Robinson
Community Representatives: Pam Forbes
Lori Johnson
Shannon Lindquist
Linda Myers
Staff Representatives: Amy Peasley
Parent Representatives: Michelle Gabalis
Beth Kruger
Connie Schultz