MINUTES

MANSFIELD ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Mansfield Town Hall, Conference Room C

6:30-8:30 PM

PRESENT: K. Grunwald (staff), J. Buck (Chair), K. Paulhus, K. Stone, M.J. Newman, J. Stoughton (staff), M. Esquilin (Graustein), R. Leclerc (staff), S. Baxter (staff), D. McLaughlin

REGRETS: A. Bloom, B. Lehmann, J. Goldman, M. Dickson, A. Bladen, S. Daley

I. INTRODUCTIONS/MINUTES:

      Introductions/ Thank You:  Goodwin Before School Group,

Kristine Stone, Joan Buck, Becky Lehmann

                              Northwood Apartments Outreach:  Jane Goldman, Louisa

                              Kimball

A. Adoption of minutes of December 6, 2006: the minutes of the December 6 meeting were not discussed.

II. COMMUNICATIONS (Consent Agenda, unless otherwise noted)

      Courant Article: “State Panel Seeks Hike in Preschool Spending”       12/07/06

      Courant Article: “Now VIPs Care About the ABCs” 12/08/06

A.        Final Assessment and Planning Tool as submitted 12/13/06

B.        Discovery 2006 Action Plan

C.        2006 MAC Accomplishments

D. Draft of Letter to Goodwin Principal re: Before School

           Program

III.         NEW BUSINESS

A. Discovery 2007 Renewal Process- S. Baxter distributed inserts with data forms that she completed based on her reflections and the results of the planning and assessment tool.  M. Esquilin explained that because of the top ten priorities established by the governor’s caucus (Early Childhood Cabinet), Graustein has decided to invite all 49 communities to reapply for 08/09 funding.  We are encouraged to think about what is happening in Mansfield, as well as what is happening in the state.  This is an opportunity to think about what is happening in the community now, and how do we want to respond to changes.  We also need to look at this in the context of what we’ve done.   M. Esquilin led the group in a process of reviewing the 4 data forms as they have been completed.

Data Form 1- Process Change and Contributing Participants: add Birth to 3. D. McLaughlin provided a description of how this program contributes to the 2007 Action Plan. 

J. Buck suggested adding the PTO’s as supporters of ECE and the UConn Provost’s Council to enter into joint Town/University efforts around ECE.  We need to determine the status of the Provost’s Council.  M. J. Newman also suggested adding UConn as a partner in providing education to meet credentialing standards.  J. Buck added State Legislators to support statewide initiatives around ECE.  Pediatricians and dentists were also suggested as important partners to provide informational visits to the EC Centers around well-child initiatives.  M. Esquilin pointed out that the Foundation is more interested in supporting systems’ change (identify the need and facilitate the change) as opposed to programs (i.e. Information Fairs).  J. Buck also suggested adding the Town Council as a contributing participant to work more closely with the University around joint initiatives, and also to participate in the strategic planning process.  K. Paulhus suggested going to the Committee on Committees to seek an appointment of a council member to MAC.  This data form will be modified based on the actual Action Plan that is developed.

Data Form 2: Current Members of the Discovery Collaborative: Need to identify the primary role of each member.  Goal is to capture who is “around the table”, and what their primary role is.

Data Form 3: This form identifies who is still needed.  This should reflect individuals or organizations who are not currently involved.  The focus should be on how we propose to build the relationship, look at the governance structure and reflect that here. 

Data Form 4- Capacity Building and Supports: assess how we’ve taken advantage of these opportunities and the value of them.  S. Baxter stated that she reflected on how these have affected her, but feels that each member needs to look at this for themselves.  She would like to receive feedback on this, and any other of the data forms. 

Data Form 5- Capacity Building and Supports-Needs: This is a reflection as a result of last year’s Planning & Assessment Tool.  Think about what areas need to be strengthened and where is work needed. 

M. Esquilin announced that she will be leaving as our liaison after we complete this process, and Cindy Guerreri will be taking her place.

B. Goodwin Before School Program: a draft letter was provided in the packet.  R. Leclerc questioned why this would be sent to the principal, and not providers of the programs.  K. Stone indicated that she has already spoken to a provider about this, who would need to know how many parents would be interested in this program.  There was some general discussion about the specifics of the letter and the role of MAC.  We also discussed how MAC can promote this information.  It was agreed that MAC will support the distribution of this survey.   K. Grunwald and S. Baxter will revise the letter and send.

C. Week/Month of the Young Child-Updates and

Organizing: J. Buck reported that there have been a number of meetings with Community Center staff; decided that the Community Center will be involved from Sat., 3/31 to Sat., 4/7.  The focus will be on activities for parents and children; ages 3-5.  Open gym, games, puzzles, tumbling mats, etc.  Any classes especially created will require pre-registration and fees to MAC.  J. Buck has requested that there will be no charge for any classes or programs that are currently developed.  She has also requested specific dates for activities that will be publicized in the Spring catalogue by January 22.  The plan is to have the Mayor issue a proclamation in honor of Denise Merrill’s support of young children in the community.  We will possibly host a legislative breakfast as a part of this event.  Children’s art will be displayed in the display cases at the Community Center, donated by the Early Care Centers.  The Arts’ Council has specific requirements concerning how the art will be displayed.  A. Bloom is responsible for publicity.            

IV.       PROGRAM UPDATES

A. School Readiness Update: none. 

                  B.        Discovery – See above

V.        OLD BUSINESS

A.         Northwood Apartments Parent Outreach – S. Baxter reported that the fourth event was held there with three families.  They expressed interest in learning more about the public school system.  A local resident, Lisa Oransoff, knows families there, and is interested in being part of this group.

VI. NEXT MEETING:  January 25, 2007 at 6:30 to complete the Discovery Action Plan.  A small group will meet to work on this on January 10 & 17 at 10:15.  S. Baxter will send out an email about these meetings. 

The next regular MAC meeting is February 7 at 6:30.

VII. Adjournment: the meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald