Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes 3/3/2010

Today's meeting involved agencies sharing resources they provide for parents of young children in home settings/during home visits. Brief summaries are listed below:

How is the PLG referral process going?
- most referrals have been ages 3 years and over.
- Michelle Nicholson has given these to Lisa.
- no teens or Early Head Start referrals yet.
- about 32 families assigned. not sure how many have actually materialized in home visits.
- Robin and Jamie have pushed to get the referrals from Haven House ASAP, so connecting while still there.

Status of PLG referrals to/from Family Outreach Services (FOS)
- 6 referrals and all cases opened, but unable to confirm that due to data issues at FOS/the county health department

- one family referred to FOS, just left from FOS services
- some families have moved on from Haven House because they found jobs

Collaboration Needs for PLG
- father of 11 kids who currently has 3 at home (3,4, and 7 ages). Not necessarily parenting all. Uncomfortable situation for service provider, but working with fatherhood specialist at Early Head Start, but open to ideas to work with the father's needs and meet the expectations of the service provider. Notes and comments provided: trust the intuition of the service provider (she's not feelig unsafe, just hearing things that don't match up and uncertain how much to invest in clearing it up). The father's investment in parenting needs to be evaluated...he has 11.

Greenhouse Birth Center- Heather Paris
1831 Newman Rd
Okemos, MI 48840
(517) 349-2620
Programs offered: Prenatal, labor, delivery, postpartum care and childbirth
class for birth center clients, Empowered Childbirth Class, Hypnobirthing
Class, Postpartum moms and babies groups, Private classes, Weekly Open
House including a tour of the birth center.
Eligibility: Open to all expectant parents.
www.greenhousebirthcenter.com

CACS Head Start and Early Childhood Programs- Lucy McClintic
Ingham County
Head Start Preschool- ages 3,4,5 (priority to 4 year-old children)
Approximately 960 children served annually.
28 Classrooms
              5 full day rooms, open 10 hours/day (parents working or going to school)
              23 part day rooms, open 3.5 hours/day- am or pm
              1 new combination room (priority to 3 yr old children)
                           2 part day classroom experiences
                           2 home visits/month
              6 early education and care partners
                            kid time- lansing
                            beginnings- lansing
                            little rainbows- leslie
                            hugs- leslie public schools
                            dansville child care center- dansville
                            haslett child development center- haslett

Early Head Start- Pregnant women, infants toddlers
70 currently enrolled children
expansion will enable 50 more slots to open
              4 full day rooms, open 10 hours/day (32 children)
              4 new classrooms opening soon (32 children)
              Home visiting services thru 3 partners (1.5 hours home visit/week, 2 socializations/month):
·        Ingham County Health Department- Family Outreach Services (20 children; adding 12 more in expansion)
·        Community Mental Health (6 children; adding 6 more in expansion)
·        Lutheran Social Services (12 children)
All Head Start children must meet eligibility guidelines:
·        100% of poverty (10% allowed over income)
·        children in foster care, homeless or receives TANF are automatically eligible
·        10% slots reserved for children with special needs/special rights

Applications are taken year round: 517-482-1504 or 800-585-9997

Parent-Infant Program (Community Mental Health aka CMH) – Fran Josefowiz
Basics:
·        relationship and strength-based mental health treatment
·        often working with parents having trouble with daily living skills due to significant mental health challenges.
·        serving Eaton, Clinton, and Ingham counties with 3.5 FTE (full-time staff)
·        children could be the reason for opening a case; could be foster care issues or 'flunking' preschool.
·        PIP can help connect the family served with services and partners with many GSC agencies in order to do this.
·        ~115 different families in PIP for 2008
·        families receive a minimum of 2 hours of contact/week

Challenges:
·        home-based so appointments tend towards afterschool and after work. To meet this challenge, PIP meets kids at daycare settings and parents during lunch-break
·        not allowed to have a wait-list. Mandated to see referral in 14 days. To meet this challenge, partner agencies can initiate first contact.
·        Blue Cross & Blue Shield does not pay for home-based services

Related Notes:
·        in the GSC action plan for year 2, the GSC wants to purchase hours to impact the social emotional needs of children.
-          ACCESS office on teh yellow sheet: 517-346-8318

Parent-Young Child Program (Community Mental Health aka CMH)- Fran Josefowiz
Basics:
·        also relationship and strength-based mental health treatment
·        children can be the reason for opening the case- often family traumas and/or violence
·        PYC has many interfaces with school districts because kids need plans for consistency in home and at school.
·        high results/impact for both PIP and PYC
·        parenting classes talk about developmental abilities, consistency, and schedules to increase child's ability to predict what will happen.

Related notes:
·        different eligibility for Eaton- no insurance but 2.5 FTE. Clinton and Ingham counties have 1 FTE and eligibility qualifiers that make it more restrictive than Eaton.
·        Family Guidance works with overflow from PYC/PIP. They are a home-based intervention program in Ingham county working with 0-18 years of age.
·        Andrea Carlson at CMH is responsible for 7-18 years of age. Phone: 346-8000
·        white and yellow flyers that Barry distributed are appropriate for providers only- not for clients

Child Care Enhancement Program (formerly KEEP)- Barry Kaufman
Basics:
                -        not for 3-5 year olds.
                -        only one agency currently enrolled- not reaching the targets
                -        informal care givers often do not see themselves as child care providers.
                -        piloting a 0-3 year old program (CCEP) with NWI; child must get a subsidy from DHS to qualify.

Challenges:
            -      getting referrals for the narrow moving target (0-3 year olds DHS receipients)

Successes:
            -      Barry meet with coaches that Robin works with to find the referrals for CCEP                                *highlights are examples of system change
            -      invited to Lisa's FOS staff meeting to get the CCEP services in the staff's head

Family Outreach Services – Lisa Chambers
Basics:
·        merge of Jump Start and Maternal Infant Outreach Program
·        visits are on a weekly basis
·        must be medicaid eligible to receive services
·        12 staff serving ~500 families in 2008
Related notes:
·        94% of those served by FOS have a medical home. can help with transportation for those

Public Health Nursing (PHN)- Julie Dingerson
Basics:
·        11 public health nurses who work with FOS (see above)
·        not necessarily medicaid eligible
·        home-based maternal-child health service
·        each family receiving services has an individualized plan that includes visits ~1/week
·        nurses work with lead services and 'house calls', aka home-based tobacco education and cessation support
·        diabetes health classes follow up
·        1.25 FTE (full-time staff) do work with Early On
-          works with advocates (FOS) and PHN nurses- not either or- BOTH
-          call for ICHD services :887-4322 M-F 8am-5pm

Child Abuse Protection Services (CAPS) – Rachel Prosen
Parent Aid Program- has been closed as of March 1st, 2010
Therapeutic Home Visitation and supported Services(thru Child and Family Services)- Rachel Prosen
Basics:
-           Ingham county foster care makes the referrals (children have been removed from the home)
·        based in Ingham county, but 1-2 clients in Eaton.
·        Goal is specific to foster care (and often pre-determined by DHS/CPS): to reunify or terminate custody within a specific time-line
·        CAPS gets referrals from CPS, working with caseworkers to get services to clients
·        no costs (to clients)
·        all ages of children eligibile
·        many successful interventions over the life of the program
·        interventions include modeling language to use in the home, bringing games to see how family systems work, field trips out of the home
·        clients receive services over 6 to 12 month period
-           weekly visits up to 3 hours in their homes or wherever they need to be
Challenges:
·        one staff person working 20 hours
-            have had couples who have individual issues (addiction-related or otherwise), but not usually.
-            ~50% reunification rate
-            no funding for reunification services after the reunification- after DHS case is closed.
Related Notes:
·        Rachel is often seen as a 'trusted' person- more than a caseworker, and is therefore often the only 'defense' witness to speak in favor of the parent in court when reunifying/terminating custody.
-            due to the reunification services being cut after reunification services, FOS will likely get referrals from Rachel

Teen parenting network- Jan Kimble
Basics:
                -            program is unfunded
                -            still taking referrals
                -            38 clients in case load
                -            5 part-time advocates- all graduating in May, yet willing to stay until August with cases

Peer Ed Program- Jan Kimble
                -            provides sex ed to Lansing School District- lost funding as of 9/2010.
                -            a few juniors in the program may be helping out in the future
                -        staff see clients weekly/biweekly. program entry based on te mother (if she's a teen) child does not matter (typically mom's ages 12-19).

Starting a PLG at Hill. Janet Pletchser will lead weekly PLG Thursdays 9:30-10:30. Will bring in whatever babies in childcare will come with their moms. Other moms will be excused from class. Hoping to identify ~20 home visits from this. Working in pairs with babies. Early On will be involved too. Dawn is the nurse who identifies the teens for referral. 

Mother to Mother Program (MSU Extension services) - Bambi Cook
Basics: in transition- not certain
·        work closely with WIC and Public Health Nurses (PHN)
·        SNAP -ED
·        1 FTE in Bambi
·        see brochure in spanish and english

Great Parents Great Start (Ingham Intermediate School District) - Michelle Nicholson
Basics:
·        serve 0-5 (until school age) with emphasis on 0-4, then connecting to Great Start Readiness Programs
·        emphasis on home visits in the community (as defined by Ingham Intermediate School District)
·        eligibility is complex/flexible, but basically, kids who don't qualify for Early On do qualify for GPGS
·        home visits ~twice/month with 1.7 FTE staff- goal is once/week
·        curriculum includes Ages & Stages and playgroups

Early On (Ingham Intermediate School District) – Stephanie Peterson
Basics:
·        served ~1000 kids in 2008
·        for kids with developmental delays- any degree
                20% delay starts 1/1/10 (no push to reevaluate from the State)
            often refer children to GPGS
            20-30 playgroups/week with ~30% getting follow up home visits
                ~25% of the playgroup participants qualify for michigan special education funding
            ~30 staff with various FTEs are shared by CMH and PHN
            ~3 secretaries support Early On
            child may be in Early On and Early Head Start
Challenges:
                    CAPTA (Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act)- 2004 law
                        Early On can accept referrals for 1st and 2nd degree of abuse severity. Cannot take degrees 3-5, yet often get referrals from DHS that must be investigated- which is expensive and avoidable if DHS get s training.

Parent Education Workgroup

MINUTES  February 2, 2009   1-3PM

Today's meeting focused on Parent Classes/Workshops.

The next quarterly meetings in 2010 that will focus on Parent Classes/Workshops will be in May, August , and November. See bottom of these notes for other foci.

NOTES: include a note if agency has a Facebook fan page to link with

Introductions
Approval of January minutes and review of November minutes, the last time we met to review Parent Classes/Workshops

Cristo Rey services
·         Carol Patterson: contact person cpatterson@cristoreycounseling.org.
·         Living Free: a parenting program for parents with substance abuse issues – six month long program with one group a week and a counseling session every other week
·         Family Nurturing Program: $10/wk for ten weeks or free with Dept of Human Services referral , no child care, Bavolek program
·         Assistance with transportation is available
-        Siblings can be part of the roots and wings program Tuesdays 5:30pm. Pizza provided (usually)

CAPS:  Child Abuse Prevention Services
·         Rachel Prosen: contact person rachprose@yahoo.com
·         Circle of Parents - 9 to 11am on Wednesdays at Bethlehem Lutheran – includes child care and food
·         Love and Logic class: Zero to three year olds class is 5 weeks and three to teen is 7 weeks - $40 per parent/$60 per couple – DHS will cover costs for those enrolled
·         Home visiting for those with open Protective Services referrals and for those in foster care pursuing reunification
·         Free child care at Family Growth Center on Tues/Wed/Thurs from 9-11:30am and 1:30-4pm at Bethlehem Lutheran on Mt. Hope in Lansing and on Mondays from 9-11:30am and 1:30-4pm at University United Methodist Church on Harrison in East Lansing
-        Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun - starting Mon 3/1 thru 3/29/10 9-11am at University United Methodist Church on Harrison in East Lansing. Cost $40/person or $60/couple see above love and logic for more info

Lansing Public Schools
·         Carolyn Stone: contact person carolyn.stone@lansingschools.net
·         Offers various classes and programs at no charge, often with free child care and food
·         Love and Logic for Early Childhood – 5 week class – birth to five
·         Love and Logic for school-age children – 6 week class – ages 6-18
·         Nurturing Parenting Program – 15 week class – prenatal; birth-5; 5-12 yrs & 12-18 yrs
·         ABC’s of Parenting for parents and children entering kindergarten – 7 week class
·         Nurturing Program school –age (5-11 Yrs) – 15 half hour sessions – (15 weeks)
·         Nurturing Program parent and adolescents (12-18 yrs) 12 – three hour sessions
·         Classes area usually from 6-8pm at Harry Hill Career Academy on Wise Rd in Lansing

Proud Fathers
·         Jeff Keener or Sharon Rogers: contact person 517-999-2730
·         Course for fathers that includes free meals, transportation assistance, child care and an incentive gift for course completion
·         Offered through Head Start

Family Outreach Services
·         Lisa Chambers: contact person lchambers@ingham.org
·         Twelve home visitors provide up to a year of home visiting services for families with children three years and under
·         Focus areas are those with children removed from the home, Spanish speaking families, Native American families and those who need assistance getting to medical appointments
·         Parents as Teachers curriculum is used
-        House Calls- Quitting smoking

Teen Parenting Network
·         Jan Kimble: contact person 702-3515
·         Thursday nights – parenting class
·         Bethlehem Lutheran

Great Start Childcare Enhancement Program (Formerly KEEP)
·         Barry Kaufman: contact person kaufman@ceicmh.org
·         For 0-3 population only
·         For those who use the DHS subsidy
·         Half of those served must be cared for by a relative/family member who receives the DHS subsidy
·         Serving ten counties now so more limited – more phone consultations
·         Offering a class on Parenting the Adopted Child at St. Lawrence – contact Barry for more details

Expectant Parents Organization
·         Carol Buzzita: contact person 337-7365
·         Prenatal classes, sibling classes, hospital tours, teen childbirth classes
·         Sliding scale
·         Staffed by nurses
-        2 new classes: 
            1. Extending Newborn Care- 3 weeks 2 hours/evening, includes 2 weeks of infant care and 1 week of feeding with CPR classes offered but not included
            2. Coping With Birth in Natural Ways- 4-6 weeks, including a special focus on Dads, led by a daddy graduate of EPO.

Greenhouse Birthing Center
·         Heather Paris: contact person 349-2620
·         Post partum doulas and birth attendants
·         Mom’s groups – discuss Happiest Baby on the Block book
·         Midwives teach classes for greenhouse clients
·         Diapering and sling classes

Reflections
·         Sharon Rogers: contact person 482-1504
·         Course for women
·         Through Head Start

Proud Parents
·         Sharon Rogers:  contact person 482-1504
·         Through Head Start

WKAR
·         Beany Tomber: contact person beany@wkar.org
·         Ready to Learn
·         Parenting Counts
·         Media Intelligence
·         Train staff to work with parents

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – March 2, 2010  1-3pm

IBethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910

I.    Introductions/Approval of February minutes

II.   Home Visitation Discussion
a.      Referral Process
b.      Status of Referrals from PLG
c.      Successes/challenges
d.      Collaboration Needs

III.  Tooth Wheel
a.      Distribution
b.      Cost (94 cents)/Fees ($1 Medicaid Dr./$2 others)
c.      Order form

IV.    Cavity Free Kids Trainings
a.      Update days/sites
b.      Schedule (April/May)
c.      OYC advertise

V.     Violence Prevention ACT Training

VI.    Birth to Baby Fair  (May 15- Capital Area Birth Network)

VII.   Agency Updates

VIII.  Closing
a.      Next agenda- PLG focus
b.      Next meeting on Tuesday, March 30, 2010
c.      Evaluate meeting

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347).

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – February 2, 2010 1-3pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910

I.      Introductions/Approval of January minutes

II.     Parenting Class Discussion
   a.      Review Nov 2009 minutes – corrections/updates
   b.      Existing groups – Successes/challenges
   c.      Collaboration Needs
   d.      New groups

III.      Tooth Wheel
   a.      Distribution
    b.      Cost/wheel – fees

IV.     Cavity Free Kids Trainings
   a.      Schedule
   b.      OYC advertise

V.      Agency Updates

VI.     Closing
   a.      March agenda- home visitation focus
   b.      April meeting date
   c.      Evaluate meeting

Parent Education Workgroup

MINUTES January 5, 2009  1-3PM

Introductions

PLG paperwork discussion & general notes

Updates on Oral Dental Health

Parent Education Workgroup Quarterly Meetings for 2010

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – January 5, 2010

I.    Introductions/Approval of December minutes

II.   Play and Learn Groups – Facilitator Discussion
a.      Paperwork guidelines
b.      Site reports (successes/challenges)
c.      Communication among site facilitators (email lists)
d.      Tubs and materials
e.      Consultants
f.       Scheduling
g.      New sites

III.  Tooth Wheel
a.      View final copy
b.        Discuss distribution

IV.  Cavity Free Kids Trainings

V.   Agency Updates

VI.  Closing
a.      February agenda
b.      Evaluate meeting

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347). 

Parent Education Workgroup

MINUTES  DECEMBER 1, 2009 1-3PM 

Today's meeting involved agencies sharing resources they provide for parents of young children in home settings/during home visits. Brief summaries are listed below:

Greenhouse Birth Center- Heather Paris
1831 Newman Rd
Okemos, MI 48840
(517) 349-2620
Programs offered: Prenatal, labor, delivery, postpartum care and childbirth class for birth center clients, Empowered Childbirth Class, Hypnobirthing Class, Postpartum moms and babies groups, Private classes, Weekly Open House including a tour of the birth center.
Eligibility: Open to all expectant parents.
www.greenhousebirthcenter.com

CACS Head Start and Early Childhood Programs- Lucy McClintic
Head Start Preschool- ages 3,4,5 (priority to 4 year-old children)
Ingham County approximately 960 children served annually.
28 Classrooms:
              5 full day rooms, open 10 hours/day (parents working or going to school)
              23 part day rooms, open 3.5 hours/day- am or pm
              1 new combination room (priority to 3 yr old children)
                            2 part day classroom experiences
                            2 home visits/month
              6 early education and care partners
                            Kid time- Lansing
                            Beginnings- Lansing
                            Little rainbows- Leslie
                            Hugs- Leslie public schools
                            Dansville child care center- Dansville
                            Haslett child development center- Haslett

Early Head Start- Pregnant women, infants toddlers
70 currently enrolled children
expansion will enable 50 more slots to open
              4 full day rooms, open 10 hours/day (32 children)
              4 new classrooms opening soon (32 children)
              Home visiting services thru 3 partners (1.5 hours home visit/week, 2 socializations/month):
·        Ingham County Health Department- Family Outreach Services (20 children; adding 12 more in expansion)
·        Community Mental Health (6 children; adding 6 more in expansion)
·        Lutheran Social Services (12 children)

All Head Start children must meet eligibility guidelines:
·        100% of poverty (10% allowed over income)
·        Children in foster care, homeless or receives TANF are automatically eligible
·        10% slots reserved for children with special needs/special rights

Parent-Infant Program (Community Mental Health aka CMH) – Fran Josefowiz
Basics:
·        Relationship and strength-based mental health treatment
·        Often working with parents having trouble with daily living skills due to significant mental health challenges.
·        Serving Eaton, Clinton, and Ingham counties with 3.5 FTE (full-time staff)
·        children could be the reason for opening a case; could be foster care issues or 'flunking' preschool.
·        PIP can help connect the family served with services and partners with many GSC agencies in order to do this.
·        ~115 different families in PIP for 2008
·        families receive a minimum of 2 hours of contact/week
Challenges:
·        home-based so appointments tend towards afterschool and after work. To meet this challenge, PIP meets kids at daycare settings and parents during lunch-break
·        not allowed to have a wait-list. Mandated to see referral in 14 days. To meet this challenge, partner agencies can initiate first contact.
·        Blue Cross & Blue Shield does not pay for home-based services

Related Notes:
·        in the GSC action plan for year 2, the GSC wants to purchase hours to impact the social emotional needs of children.

Parent-Young Child Program (Community Mental Health aka CMH)- Fran Josefowiz
Basics:
·        also relationship and strength-based mental health treatment
·        children can be the reason for opening the case- often family traumas and/or violence
·        PYC has many interfaces with school districts because kids need plans for consistency in home and at school.
·        High results/impact for both PIP and PYC
·        parenting classes talk about developmental abilities, consistency, and schedules to increase child's ability to predict what will happen.
Related notes:
·        Different eligibility for Eaton- no insurance but 2.5 FTE. Clinton and Ingham counties have 1 FTE and eligibility qualifiers that make it more restrictive than Eaton.
·        Family Guidance works with overflow from PYC/PIP. They are a home-based intervention program in Ingham county working with 0-18 years of age.
·        Andrea Carlson at CMH is responsible for 7-18 years of age. Phone: 346-8000
·        the pink and yellow flyers that fran distributed are appropriate for providers only- not for clients

Family Outreach Services – Lisa Chambers
Basics:
·        merge of Jump Start and Maternal Infant Outreach Program
·        visits are on a weekly basis
·        must be medicaid eligible to receive services
·        12 staff serving ~500 families in 2008
Related notes:
·        see the flyer attached with MC's notes in blue

Public Health Nursing (PHN)- Julie Dingerson
Basics:
·        11 public health nurses who work with FOS (see above)
·        not necessarily medicaid eligible
·        home-based maternal-child health service
·        each family receiving services has an individualized plan that includes visits ~1/week
·        nurses work with lead services and 'house calls', aka home-based tobacco education and cessation support
·        diabetes health classes follow up
·        1.25 FTE (full-time staff) do work with Early On

Child Abuse Protection Services (CAPS) – Rachel Prosen
Parent Aid Program
Basics:
·        Goal is to be a support service for the client
·        referrals come from DHS
·        Clients qualify if they have an open CPS (child protective services) case
·        children eligible if age 0-6
·        use Bavlik curriculum to work thru crises in 1-3 hour appointments.
·        uncertain if CAPS is still contracted to run this program.

Therapeutic Home Visitation (thru Child and Family Services)- Rachel Prosen
Basics:
·        based in Ingham county, but 1-2 clients in Eaton.
·        Goal is specific to foster care (and often pre-determined by DHS/CPS): to reunify or terminate custody within a specific time-line
·        CAPS gets referrals from CPS, working with caseworkers to get services to clients
·        no costs (to clients)
·        all ages of children eligibile
·        many successful interventions over the life of the program
·        interventions include modeling language to use in the home, bringing games to see how family systems work, field trips out of the home
·        clients receive services over 6 to 12 month period
Challenges:
·        one staff person working 20 hours
Related Notes:
·        Rachel is often seen as a 'trusted' person- more than a caseworker, and is therefore often the only 'defense' witness to speak in favor of the parent in court when reunifying/terminating custody.

Mother to Mother Program (MSU Extension services) - Bambi Cook
Basics:
·        work closely with WIC and Public Health Nurses (PHN)
·        SNAP -ED
·        1 FTE in Bambi
·        see brochure in spanish and english

Great Parents Great Start (Ingham Intermediate School District) - Michelle Nicholson
Basics:
·        serve 0-5 (until school age) with emphasis on 0-4, then connecting to Great Start Readiness Programs
·        emphasis on home visits in the community (as defined by Ingham Intermediate School District)
·        eligibility is complex/flexible, but basically, kids who don't qualify for Early On do qualify for GPGS
·        home visits ~twice/month with 1.7 FTE staff- goal is once/week
·        curriculum includes Ages & Stages and playgroups

Early On (Ingham Intermediate School District) – Stephanie Peterson
Basics:
·        served ~1000 kids in 2008
·        for kids with developmental delays- any degree
                20% delay starts 1/1/10 (no push to reevaluate from the State)
            often refer children to GPGS
         20-30 playgroups/week with ~30% getting follow up home visits
                ~25% of the playgroup participants qualify for michigan special education funding
            ~30 staff with various FTEs are shared by CMH and PHN
            ~3 secretaries support Early On
           child may be in Early On and Early Head Start
Challenges:
                    CAPTA (Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act)- 2004 law
                    Early On can accept referrals for 1st and 2nd degree of abuse severity. Cannot take degrees 3-5, yet often get referrals from DHS that must be investigated- which is expensive and avoidable if DHS get s training.
Related Notes:
                    Laurie Axelson just returned to work after being laid off
                    Part C= unfunded mandate for service coordination. this is billed to local school districts
               
Update on Oral Dental Health Wheel:
- has been printed
- wheels can be riveted by CMH- Transitions North after drilled by Dandee printing (works with Head Start)
- GSC owns the riveting machine
- we may wish to add pre-natal tooth care, because tooth buds form in the womb(!)
    - it was suggested that prior to labor,  tooth decay can be cared for

Parent Education Workgroup Quarterly Meetings for 2010 DRAFT:
- January 5       Play and Learn
- February 2     Parent Education
- March 2        Home Visit
- April 13 or March 30 - agenda?

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes November 3, 2009 1-3 pm

Today’s meeting was one in which agencies shared what resources they provide for parents of young children in group settings.  Brief summaries are listed below.

MSUE:  Michigan State University Extension
·       Bambi Cook: contact person
·      Website: http://bfi.fcs.msue.msu.edu/
·      Breastfeeding Initiative support for moms who are WIC/Medicaid eligible
·      Works with Successful Parents Program for teens and Work First mothers on Thursday mornings

Cristo Rey services
·        Carol Patterson: contact person cpatterson@cristoreycounseling.org.
·        Living Free: a parenting program for parents with substance abuse issues – six month long program with one group a week and a counseling session every other week
·        Family Nurturing Program: $10/wk for ten weeks, no child care, Bavolek program
·        Assistance with transportation is available

CAPS:  Child Abuse Prevention Services
·        Rachel Prosen: contact person rachprose@yahoo.com
·        Circle of Parents - 9 to 11am on Wednesdays at Bethlehem Lutheran – includes child care and food
·        Love and Logic class: Zero to three year olds class is 5 weeks and three to teen is 7 weeks - $40 per parent/$60 per couple – DHS will cover costs for those enrolled
·        Home visiting for those with open Protective Services referrals and for those in foster care pursuing reunification
·        Free child care at Family Growth Center on Tues/Wed/Thurs from 9-11:30am and 1:30-4pm at Bethlehem Lutheran on Mt. Hope in Lansing and on Mondays from 9-11:30am and 1:30-4pm at University United Methodist Church on Harrison in East Lansing

Lansing Public Schools
·        Carolyn Stone: contact person carolyn.stone@lansingschools.net
·        Offers various classes and programs at no charge, often with free child care and food
·        Love and Logic for Early Childhood – 5 week class – birth to five
·        Love and Logic for school-age children – 6 week class – ages 6-18
·        Nurturing Parenting Program – 15 week class – prenatal; birth-5; 5-12 yrs & 12-18 yrs
·        ABC’s of Parenting for parents and children entering kindergarten – 7 week class
·        Nurturing Program school –age (5-11 Yrs) – 15 half hour sessions – (15 weeks)
·        Nurturing Program parent and adolescents (12-18 yrs) 12 – three hour sessions
·        Classes area usually from 6-8pm at Harry Hill Career Academy on Wise Rd in Lansing

Proud Fathers
·        Jeff Keener: contact person 482-1504
·        Course for fathers that includes free meals, transportation assistance, child care and an incentive gift for course completion
·        Offered through Head Start

Family Outreach Services
·        Lisa Chambers: contact person lchambers@ingham.org
·        Twelve home visitors provide up to a year of home visiting services for families with children three years and under
·        Focus areas are those with children removed from the home, Spanish speaking families, Native American families and those who need assistance getting to medical appointments
·        Parents as Teachers curriculum is used

Teen Parenting Network
·        Jan Kimble: contact person 702-3515
·        Thursday nights – parenting class
·        Bethlehem Lutheran

Great Start Childcare Enhancement Program (Formerly KEEP)
·        Barry Kaufman: contact person kaufman@ceicmh.org
·        For 0-3 population only
·        For those who use the DHS subsidy
·        Half of those served must be cared for by a relative/family member who receives the DHS subsidy
·        Serving ten counties now so more limited – more phone consultations
·        Offering a class on Parenting the Adopted Child at St. Lawrence – contact Barry for more details

Expectant Parents Organization
·        Carol Buzzita: contact person 337-7365
·        Prenatal classes, sibling classes, hospital tours, teen childbirth classes
·        Sliding scale
·        Staffed by nurses

Greenhouse Birthing Center
·        Heather Paris: contact person 349-2620, motherscircle@gmail.com
·        Childbirth educator, post partum doula and birth attendant
·        Mom’s groups – free to public/community
·        Heather teaches classes for hospital clients
·        Midwives teach classes for greenhouse clients
·        Diapering and sling classes
·        www.greenhousebirthcenter.com

·        Sharon Rogers: contact person 482-1504
·        Course for women
·        Through Head Start

Proud Parents
·        Sharon Rogers:  contact person 482-1504
·        Through Head Start

WKAR
·        Beany Tomber: contact person beany@wkar.org
·        Ready to Learn
·        Parenting Counts
·        Media Intelligence
·        Train staff to work with parents

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA Tuesday, November 3, 2009 1-3pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910

1:10   Introductions/Approval of September AND October minutes
1:15   Parent Educators in Ingham County:
            learning about and finding easy ways to help help each other
            description of services
            who served
            what kinds of classes/series offered
            eligibility, capacity and cost of these
            successes and challenges
2:30   Home Visit/ Play and Learn Groups Discussion
2:40   Tooth Wheel
         Cavity Free Kids Trainings
2:50   Agency Updates
2:55    Evaluate meeting and set December agenda

Note: the minutes- taker has to leave at 3pm to get kids

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347). 

Parent Education Workgroup

Workgroup Minutes October 6, 2009 1-3 pm

Attendance: MC Rothhorn- GSC Liaison; Robin Zeiter- ICHD-OYC; Keri Keck- ICHD-TPN; Brenda Martinez- CACS Head Start; Michelle Nicholson- IISD; Nora Thompson- IISD; Jamie Yeomans- Parent; Rachel Prosen- CAPS; Ken Sperber- GCS

I.     September minutes will be approved next month

II.     PNL Groups & Home Visits
•    Orientation information- handouts have been given out by OYC and copied there. Not needed yet for other basic PAT handouts in the tubs. Jamie liked the nutrition tub. These are all from the PAT teen parent tub. Summerplace has not been taking handouts (non-English speaking, primarily). Email groups will be made by Nora so that facilitators can let other facilitators (the next week or the interpreters at Summerplace) what handouts they were using. Jamie likes to add the free things available around town (handouts) for parents.
•    Framework of the group in the PNL Orientation handout: the framework is a guideline- each timeline is flexible.
•    ADD WASHING HANDS TO THE FRAMEWORK. Hand sanitizer before groups starts. There is a sanitizer that has no alcohol, which LaVera will order thru IISD- disinfectant wipes too. These wipes are needed if the toys go into the mouth of a child. Lisa, Rachel and Lucy said bleach spray is how they keep their sites cleaned.
•    Site report: Haven house. Had a nutrition group! And it went well. Parents played. There were side conversations. One mom was interested, one mom was not, e.g. did not want to sing the 'hello song'. But not a big room- in the conference and storage room (filled with 50 backpacks and 25 chairs- not stackable. Circle table is in the middle of the room, with an attached base) 3 kids 3 adults fit in the group, along with Jamie as facilitators. (Jamie is a visual learner!) Discussion around the size of the room and the group size. No circle time allowed at that group. One couple left early for bed. Benefit of the room is that the room is secluded and on the first level. Jamie was given the 'hello song.' The group needs to have a consistent song- Wendy Moncada will give this and YouTube it for us :-)
•    Facilitators should get topics to Nora so that she can help coordinate tubs between facilitators
•    Nora will follow up with Haven House director to make sure the room is better prepped next time.
•    Robin have the Sleep Tub at haven house- for safe sleep and child development.

•    Site Report: Summerplace. Robyn had one the first week and Wendy had 11 the second week. No Burmese interpreter. Need to reinforce why we have playgroups with the families. Transitions were hard. Arabic families also in the room. There is a possible midwife interested in filling the Burmese interpreter position. Sensory table should be at Summerplace. The preschool sized table- from Wendy GPGS- will be placed at Summerplace. It is a good place/space. Nora brought a kay-kob bedding for the sensory table. And materials for making playdough were dropped off. The playdough is at HeadStart, but not in the tubs
•    Site Report: Towar Gardens. Jamie will be doing nutrition tub there this week.
•    Tubs and Materials. Figurines, animals, and blocks are missing, says Robin- things to make-believe. Not enough scoops, hammers, spatulas for the sensory tables. Need to keep tops of laundry bottles and parmesan shakers- make these and ask staff to save. Then give to Nora.
•    Preliminary evaluation – looks good so far.
•    Scheduling- 3 sites. 2 agencies- and one is Jamie.
•    new site:Eve's house. Lynn said that late PM 4 or 5 , Monday, Wednesday or Friday is best time, before dinner. They never know how many kids or parents will attend. Rachel will talk to the group. The space would be good- an on-site daycare space. They are looking for parent-child interactions, so PNL fits.- especially with non-residential clients.
•    3 potential other groups: Hildebrandt, Somali group, and Eve's House. The timing will pay a role in whether IGSC can do any or all of these new groups. We are waiting until the state budget has been passed.

1.    Tooth Wheels. Thanks BRENDA! Looks good
2.    cavity free kids- trained about 60 preschool childcare centers for now. Brenda has waiting lists for the next ones. She did the traingings with a dental hygienist from CareFree Clinic. We are waiting until after Headstart peer reviews to schedule the next ones.
3.    Brenda came as a consultant to Summerplace and enrolled one family in HeadStart that has already had oral surgery.
4.    Sally Buckwidth from Early On wants to come as a consultant to help families know that tummy time- about 15/day helps child development.
5.    Early on is also available for consultations- would like to come out to the playgroups

Agency Updates
Headstart did get the expansion grant-17 children to Leslie. 30 kids to Maple Hill in Lansing. Early Head Start does not have the grant award and transportation is part of the classroom. Children can transition from Early On and Early Head Strart for transition for 3 year olds.

a.    Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – October 6, 2009 1-3pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910

I.    Introductions/Approval of September minutes

II.    Play and Learn Groups/Home Visit Discussion
   a.    Orientation information (handouts, paperwork due)
   b.    Site reports (successes/challenges)
   c.    Communicate among site facilitators (email lists)
   d.    Tubs and materials
   e.    Preliminary Evaluation of results
   f.    Scheduling
   g.    New sites

III.    Tooth Wheel
   a.    View printed copy
   b.    Discuss assembly

IV.    Cavity Free Kids Trainings

V.    Agency Updates

VI.    Closing
   a.    November agenda
   b.    Evaluate meeting

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347).  

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes September 1, 2009 1-3 pm

Attendance: MC Rothhorn- GSC Liaison; Robin Zeiter- ICHD-OYC; Keri Keck- ICHD-TPN; Brenda Martinez- CACS Head Start; Michelle Nicholson- IISD; Nora Thompson- IISD; Jamie Yeomans- Parent; Rachel Prosen- CAPS; Ken Sperber- GSC

I.     August minutes approved

II.     PNL Groups & Home Visits
     •    See attached PNL Orientation pdf
     •    Status of consultants- no one has asked yet. Leaders of PNL groups should call Nora.
     •    Towar Gardens had 2 families last year- not many. It is summer.
     •    We will start 9/14 with playgroups for some sites
     •    New sites: before we expand, let’s review our purpose/intent for Parent Ed/PNL:
     •    Originally, the idea was to have agencies on the staff of our PNL so that agencies can promote their services and make connections to the families (have positive experiences and seek out other services).
     •    Home visits originally meant we should work around the PAT curriculum, connecting with those families in the PNL groups.
     •    Suggestion to have the home visitors be consultants. And the topical consultants would be additionally important.
     •    Would like to have set people to run the PNL groups to keep consistency.

New Sites:
Eve’s house – transitional domestic violence shelter (location in the north of Lansing). Keri spoke to Lynn, Services Coord, at Eve. Have childcare room on site and community meeting space. There are 12 units, with 2 moms per unit. Wednesdays are the best day and time 3:30-4:30. 6-8 months is the average stay.  Important to have consistency there in staffing. Chose this one and Hildebrandt for more follow up info.

Ballantine is going thru transition in staffing. CoEd living arrangements.

Hildebrandt LHC community-  on the north end of Lansing on N. Turner. Friday afternoon would work. Currently have 5 teen parents living there. Rhonda is the contact there. We need her on board to get parents involved for Friday AM or Wed PM.

Mt. Vernon LHC community- Friday AM would work. Similar to Hildebrandt with large community rooms.

Somali PM group- large families that don’t fit in Summerplace. The Somali interpreter would help and we’d need to get Dean Transportation to help get the there. Wendy Moncada is interested.

Rachel will go to Eve’s House and Keri will go to Hildebrandt to get us more info to help us decide which group we will choose.

Family, Friend and Neighbor care Workgroup- on hold.

Orientation – developing a brochure with goals of PNL groups and parent expectations, etc.  MN will email to all to review.  MN re-stated how important it was that all staff go thru the same orientation process, reviewing materials, forms and procedures to keep consistency in groups

Evaluation – MSU has proceeded ahead with Focus Groups and interviews to help evaluate the PNL groups.  Most data collection will be happening this week and next. Personal Needs tubs will be give to Summerplace. Meijer gift cards for those at Towar. 30 toothbrushes needed for kids and adults– Michelle will get from Brenda!

III.     Review Tooth Wheels
Almost printed. Like the bullets on the back and the size of the text. Approved. 3,000 copies. Need to get the machine yet for the grommets. Michelle will follow up on payment for this machine and who might own it after purchase.

IV.     Traveling Oral Health/Cavity Free Kids
First training held at praise and play in Okemos. Good evaluations. 30 people signed up for Tuesday evening at ICHD. 21 people signed up for Saturday 9/12. We will continue to do these trainings. Have enough materials for another training, except white felt. Time intensive for Brenda and her supervisor needs a break.

V.   Baby-Mom grant
No baby mom residential program for teen-parentsin mid-Michigan. Jim Paperelle with Child and Family Services, is asking GSC for a letter of support.

Starting in October, then again in January from 1-2pm we will meet with PNL facilitators. Then Nov, Dec,

Agency Updates

a.    Next Meeting: October 6, 2009

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – August 4, 2009 1-3pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910

I.    Introductions/Approval of July minutes

II.    Play and Learn Group
    a.    Status of groups
    b.    Status of consultants
    c.    New sites

III.   Finalize Tooth Wheel (wording, cost, assembly)

IV.    Cavity Free Kids Trainings

V.    Home Visits (status)

VI.    Year 2 Funding Priorities Update

VII.    Closing
    a.    September agenda (verify location)
    b.    Evaluate meeting

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347).  

Parent Education Workgroup 

Minutes July 7, 2009 1-3 pm

Attendance:  Ken Sperber, Ingham GSC; Peggy Albrecht, ICHD; Brenda Martinez, CACS Headstart; Michelle Nicholson, IISD; Nora Thompson, IISD; Keri Keck, ICHD-Teen Parent; Barb Monroe, ICHD-OYC; Jamie Yeomans, GSC-Parent Liason; Jennifer Kaufman, CAPS; Rachel Prosen, CAPS

I.     Introductions and approval of minutes
Changes to June minutes:
•    (Under Shared Pregnancy presentation) Add that attendees will get points for attending Play and Learn groups
•    (Under review tooth wheels) Change “doctors” to “dentists” and add the word “provide” so the sentence reads “to help provide train the trainer...”

II.     Play and  Learn Groups
a.    Status
•    Summer Place was stopped at the end of June due to school age children needing more space and some challenges with siblings
•    Towar Gardens/Edgewood has started on Friday mornings with a potential of 50 families attending (so far 10-11 attend) - wondering if we should add consultant to this site (Friday 10:30-11:30) - Brenda would like to do it on Oral/Dental health but can’t do 7/17, 7/23-8/4 - August 14 will be fine - Michelle will get Brenda the address
•    Continuing at Haven House on Mondays from 4:30 – 5:30 pm with a very small attendance - sometimes zero
•    The waiting room at the Health Center has a small group - possibly Wednesday afternoon is not the best time, thinking about doing it on Friday afternoon if staffing can be arranged
•    Child and adolescent health centers are being cut in the proposed state budget which could cause Otto and Willow to close
•    South Lansing Precinct Foodmovers - only one child attends - crowd is consistent with mostly elderly - still the outreach is helpful for handing out flyers - still a good idea to bring toys - Jamie suggested that maybe all outreach folks bring some toys to their sites - Rachel will do the August time and Sarah will do September but as outreach instead of Play and Learn
•    Perhaps we should reconsider adding sites until we know how the budget and staffing issues work out

III.     Review Tooth Wheels
a.    Brenda passed out prototype with changes in typing
a.    Will combine 15-18 months on the wheel
b.    Use photos released for Head Start children on front
c.    Back of the wheel is for sponsors
d.    Aiming for August publishing
e.    Michelle will email logos to Brenda
f.    Suggestion made to put a date on it
g.    Some interest in printing statewide

IV.     Traveling Oral Health/Cavity Free Kids
a.    Brenda will begin with six Head Start partners to provide training for childcare providers
b.    Barb would like to help to connect Brenda with Casey at OYC who has already had training
c.    Paula Bates from CareFree might assist
d.    The thought is to invite people to area sites rather than do training at individual sites
e.    Train the trainers (4 hrs)
f.    Need to schedule a couple of evenings and possibly a Saturday morning
g.     Brenda and Barb will confer between meetings and come to next meeting with proposed training dates and sites

V.     Home Visits
a.    Summer Place families: 1 Burmese, 2 Arabic - being visited by GPGS with interpreters and 1 Spanish speaking family visited by a Health Advocate
b.    Edgewood/Towar Gardens and Haven House sites will probably yield more eligible families for home visits.  There needs to be immediate follow up with families from Haven House so there’s a connection before they move to more permanent housing. 
c.    PAT training is in August 8/17-8/21 with a deadline for registering of 7/31

VI.     Year Two Funding
a.    Foundation Grant from Capital Area United Way and Capital Area Regional Foundation - there is a commitment to continue for another year
b.    July 17 is a proposed meeting of workgroup leaders to discuss and rethink priorities for funding in year two.
c.    We need to emphasize our priorities, focusing on the bigger projects we’ve done
d.    Perhaps not deleting programs but shifting to different neighborhoods/sites - the feeling is that playgroups are valuable even if they are small
e.    Perhaps some money could come from the Collaborative for materialP
f.    If training is important, we could be creative in the provision of this
g.    It seems we want to continue most of our current initiatives with a possible increase in home visits

VII.     Agency Updates
a.    Child care quality money is slated for possible cuts
b.    Teen Parent Network is slated to close - Keri Keck is preparing parents and referring outside their agency as much as possible
c.    New region defined for OYC - Central Region - Great Start Child Care and Early Learning Regional Resource Center - there will be 10 of these centers in the state and grant awarded for Central Region to Midland ESA, which includes OYC
d.    CAPS: Four staff - all is going well - waiting to hear about possible merge with Child and Family Services - have moved out of the Pere Marquette building - needs another teacher but is waiting to see how things end up - ETO software bought with grant - considering new name other than Child Abuse Prevention Services that is not so concerning to families/staff - Angel House is considering changing focus to residential teen parent resource center
e.    IISD: Janet Pletcher is replacing Lori Axelson, Nora Thompson is replacing Mischele McManus

VIII.     Next Meeting: August 4th
a.    Jamie will be absent but will prepare agenda
b.    Ideas for agenda: Come with ideas of new community sites for play and learn groups, finalize tooth wheels, status of proposed cavity free kids training, status of home visits
c.    Meeting evaluation: Remarks on how just about everyone in the group participates and gives input, many looking forward to oral health training

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – July 7, 2009 1-3pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910

I.         Introductions/Approval of June minutes

II.        Play and Learn Group
   a.      Status of groups
   b.      Schedule facilitators/consultants

III.   Review Tooth Wheels (wording, cost, assembly)

IV.       Traveling Oral Health/ Cavity Free Kids

V.          Home Visits
    a.      Names of providers
    b.      Frequency

VI.       Agency Updates

VII.    Closing
    a.      August agenda
    b.      Evaluate meeting

 The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347). 

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes- June 2, 2009, 1-3pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Lansing, MI

Members Present: MC Rothhorn- parent, Brenda Martinez- CACS Head Start, Julie Dingerson- ICHD, Ken Sperber- Great Start Collaborative Coordinator, Peggy Albrecht- ICHD, Keri Keck- Teen Parents, Michelle Nicholson-IISD, Rachel Prosen- CAPS parent ed coordinator, Jennifer Kaufman- summer intern at CAPS, Jamie Yeomans- parent, Mischele McManus- IISD.

Decision and to-do items highlighted throughout minutes

2 or 3 things that our workgroup wants the Collaborative to know/follow up on are underlined

Start 1:07:36 J

Introductions/ Approved May minutes.

Schedule for Play and Learn Group

Consultants: email sent from Stephanie Peters, Supervisor of Early Childhood Special Education:

‘I am available to connect content experts as needed to specific groups upon request, as you know - eg. IISD speech therapists, physical therapists regarding motor development, etc.

Let me know if you do and what you need, and I'll be happy to provide it.’

Facilitators:

Summer Place is covered thru June. No need to sign up facilitators. Robin and Jill and Wendy and Karen have been there in the past.

Haven House going into July. Need facilitators to sign up for June & July.

Edgewood Village/Towar Gardens update.  Mischele and Michelle and Robin meet with Rhonda Levra, former ACTS participant with her child (now 7). We will try to do a weekly 10-11 am group there Fridays. Have 11 responses from the 30-50 questionnaires Rhonda set out. She is ready to start on 6/12. Have GPGS staff signed up to help. OYC is also ready to help. Head Start kids may be there in addition to others 1-5 years of age. Summer Place also has a mix of ages.

Shared Pregnancy presentation (Rachel did it). The contact said she will give the parents points to attend. Successful Parents used to attend at Shared Pregnancy. Wednesdays are the meetings. The contact (Rachel will remember her name soon) said parents can bring their kids. This may be an opportunity to mend the relationship between success and shared. Brenda will contact if Early Head Start to see how often our agencies already go to Shared Pregnancy…so we can add to existing services.

South Precinct- Rachel (and maybe Sarah) will go this Saturday 6/6 to set up PNL. Sarah and Rachel will talk about schedule for the summer. Rachel will let Michelle know (or Mischele).

Willow group: Teen Parents

Small mini packets. Last week we had 3 kids/parents and they wished we had the full tub set-up! Looking for consistency- even in just the waiting room. The weather seems to make a difference. Not yet fully functioning PNL group. Health Center not yet 0-21 health center.

Status of PNL groups

Keri turned in cards this month (filled out in the waiting room), but we talked about where to keep the cards and the colors so these can be found readily.

Can’t put cards in tubs, because color goes with site, not tub and tubs get used all over.

Decision: when tubs are checked out, the cards will go with the person. Rachel has all the red cards (but Brenda has some too). Mischele will f/u with OYC to get the cards there for check out.

Suggestion: don’t put heavy things in the Dental Bag- it seems to get dragged. Give Michelle N. the feedback form (it is in the tub) so bring these to the monthly meetings.

EVERY monthly Meeting: bring 3 things:
1. sign in sheets
2. colored cards
3. feedback forms

End of the fiscal year for the IISD, so July 1 is the start.

Review Tooth Wheels (cost, assembly)

Brenda passed out wording that will be used for the wheel. Two doctors have contributed (one in time for this meeting) and our group word-smithed the text further. Give notes to Brenda. We decided to keep One month, so starting off right.

Focus group- Keri will get together with Brenda to get input on wording for the wheel.

June 30^th Head Start has to spend money for parent ed. Maybe pop rivet could be bought. Dandee will have plastic brads.

Keep text: germs + sugar = cavities/holes in your teeth.

MC will check with Transitions North to see if they have a pop rivet machine to assemble the tooth wheels.

Traveling Oral Health/ Cavity Free Kids

Ken noted what we stated we would do in our action plan for the GSC. Our intent was to have a travelling road show for family child care providers who would take the ideas learned back to their homes.

GPGS agencies would get exposure to Cavity Free Kids so that we understand what it is, then can share about it. 4 different curriculums: it is an 8 hour training for child care centers/family care centers.

There is a pre and post test built into the curriculum. Parent handouts are also included, so parents know to ask the center about the cavity free kids- to help retentions and implementation of information.

Pilot program/inservice: 3 or 4 sites: $1,000 to spend. Cavity free kids curriculum. Same training for home-visitors and center-based child care facilities, with different take-aways/handouts.  Minimum amount of exposure to the curriculum questioned (to get buy in from the teachers and parents). The hands-on elements/crafts in the training are excellent and important time elements to retain in the training. Brenda will check with Care Free Dental if they are willing to help train the trainer with Brenda.

Agency Updates

Keri said Teen parent Network will end as of Sept 30, 2009. Will stop accepting referrals by 7/15/09- may change due to short-term effectiveness and school-based help. Fully functional during the summer. Currently 52 signed clients and 10 pending.

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – June 2, 2009 1-3pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910

I.             Introductions/Approval of May minutes

II.          Schedule for Play and Learn Group
       a.      Consultants
       b.      Facilitators

IV.        Status of PNL groups

V.           Review Tooth Wheels (cost, assembly)

VI.        Traveling Oral Health/ Cavity Free Kids

VII.     Home Visits
      a.      Names of providers
      b.      Frequency

VIII.  Agency Updates

IX.        Closing
     a.      June Agenda
     b.      Evaluate Meeting

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347). 

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes May 5, 2009, 1-3pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Lansing, MI

THE DAY/HOUR THAT THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER WAS RELEASED

Members Present: Robin Zeiter- OYC, Jamie Yeomans- parent, Mischele McManus- IISD, Keri Keck- Teen Parents, MC Rothhorn- parent, Michelle Nicholson-IISD, Jason Almerigi- MSU student, Jessica Barnes- MSU student, Rachel Prosen- CAPS, Ken Sperber- Great Start Collaborative Coordinator. Brenda Martinez, CACS Head Start

Decision and to-do items highlighted throughout minutes

Start 1:15

Introductions/ Approved April minutes. March minutes will be sent and approved by email (MC)

Evaluation Measures:

Draft document, presented by Jessica and Jason, MSU students. All agreed the goals in the document are accurate and representative. The timeframe reflects funding for private money/foundation money we have received. Under target population: Families: Demographics, we will need to identify language for drop-in participants, vs. regular attendees. Under target population: service staff: Specialists, we added the consultants, etc. Also added interpreters as a Type under Service Staff. We reviewed educational background and years of experience working in early childhood of members present. Please send your background and experience to Michelle Nicholson, who will forward it to MSU students. Added gender as a definition under Demographics. Also added that some interpreters lived in Summer Place, which was a defining characteristic for the success of PNL at Summer Place. Under Program Activities, we added recruitment methods, such as secondary recruitment (from an existing group already meeting).

Overall program evaluation Questions (2^nd page): the balance between the funders’ needs and our delivery flexibility is key to first question re: implementation fidelity. Training of group leaders (referenced as coordinators in the document) discussed. No training of consultants. Discussion of different practices at outreach clinic and PNL events- how similar or different in order to ask a question that evaluates each. To simplify the evaluation, we want to eliminate the outreach event- focus on PNL evaluation only, but the outreach events is an important trust-building opportunity that can set the stage for parents not yet willing to do PNL (at same site).(THIS ALL UNDER MEASUREMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION FIDELITY:PROGRAM IMLEMENTATION:TRAINING) Protocol adherence: no discussion. Dosage refers to the accurate data we capture at the group, so good records needed for this point.

We discussed the length of the survey. Potentially using FGC or Love & Logic feedback forms/evaluation. Early On evaluation is an example of what not to do. Also want to do focus groups with Facilitators and Sites.

Play and Learn Groups: Update

Mischele McManus presented the schedule for May and passed it around for approval. Reservations expressed, due to E.O. (executive order) cuts just released.

Keri said, 10-1pm children coming to the Willow Health Center. 0-21 ages can be seen. Question was asked about sick kids being seen. After 1pm the teens are seen. Both child and teen could be seen at 1pm time slot, so the family planning time slots so the confidential family planning can take place- not prior to 1pm. Well child and sick babies can be seen before 1pm.

New program coordinator at Towar Gardens: Rhonda Levra. Survey results from 56 families. 37 messages left. 11 families would like to have PNL group before noon. Other places that have expressed interest in a PNL: Antioch Cares church works with Edgewood housing complexes down there. Elizaar Temple Church (Jolly and Waverly) across from Summer Place on Wednesdays they have a soup kitchen. Getting people to the PNL is the church’s obligation, so the ‘ball is in their court’ regarding inreach to the folks who attend (and their kids).

Jamie expressed interest in the AM Towar Gardens group. General consensus that the outreach/calls that Rhonda made should be acknowledged and we should make a go of this PNL.

Evenings are potential. Michelle N. took notes.

Consultants: Keri spoke to Fran Josefowiecsz, who said PIP staff will need a family involved to be a consutant (seems unlikely, due to confidentiality requirements). Kathy Keller, as Early On, could be a consultant. If Barry or Fran were given a month’s notice, s/he could be consultants. We can’t pay for consultants. We’ll have to schedule the consultants as we see it, so then facilitators identify topics. Jill and Robin will take lead on this (with working with IISD staff).

Rachel spoke about South Precinct. Phylis or Jamesina did not show until after 10:30, almost time to shut down. A grandma brought her grandson, Joshua. 3 other playgroup attendees came, but Sarah Canady brought her own playgroup stuff- not a PNL tub. So the attendance sheets should be brought to the meetings each time. Food Movers is a big place which tested Rachels parenting skills. One mom brought her kids at 6am (she was 2^nd in line) and stayed until 11am. Not as many people that day- compared to winter cold day. The problem with the coordination of place holding and PNL group is still there. Phylis is often still in the truck, getting food. Jamesina should be there. All volunteers.

Yellow = Haven House Blue= Summer Place Green = Willow Red= Food Movers
Michelle will send cards out to all.

Dental wheels. Brenda Martinez got wording for 5^th grade level, will pick up narrative. 9“ and 7” round 12 point gloss cover . Good deal, less than a $1 each, $1439.80. Need to ask if the metal brads will be included in the price (so we can attach the wheels). Will need logos in jpg format- Michelle will send to Brenda. Great Start colors will be made. Dandee will punch the holes, but may need a tool to set the brads. The Transitions North workshop may be able to do this work for us. One time fee of $65 to Dandee for set-up. Suggested getting a mock up to show dentists and get their endorsements before showing to Delta Dental.

Update: Brenda will be available 1-2 times per month in the summer.

~$16,000 raised in Miles for Smiles. About $2,000 more than last year. Different sponsors thatn last year- not necessarily more.

Good publicity from the flags event for CAPS. Community participation= good. Choir performed and the weather was great…until the rain and storms. The Exchange Club guys did great security.

3:30 meeting ended.

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA May 5, 2009

I.             Introductions/Approval of March and April minutes

II.          Evaluation Measures

III.       Play and Learn Groups:  Consultants
     a.      Names/contact information
     b.      Frequency of attendance (Early On, CMH, PHN)
     c.      Schedule for Consultants

IV.        Play and Learn Groups:  Update
    a.      Schedule
    b.      Status, Attendance (South Precinct)

IV.        Oral/Dental Health Update
    a.       Toothpaste Wheels (cost, assembly)
    b.       Sponsors on back of wheel

V.         Home Visits
    a.        Names of providers
    b.        Frequency

VI.        Agency Updates

VII.     Closing
    a.       June Agenda
    b.      Evaluate Meeting              

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347).

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes April 14, 2009

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Lansing, MI

Members Present: Peggy Albrecht- ICHD, Lisa Chambers- ICHD, Jamie Puccioni- MSU student, Kaitlin Obenauf- MSU student, Rachel Prosen- CAPS, Brenda Martinez- Head Start, Jill Lawler- OYC, Robin Zeiter- OYC, Jamie Yeomans- parent, Mischele McManus- IISD, Keri Keck- Teen Parents, MC Rothhorn- parent, Michelle Nicholson-IISD

Decision and to-do items highlighted throughout minutes

Start 1:10

Introductions/ Approval of March minutes- will be sent by email with April minutes.

Play and Learn Groups:  Consultants

Clarify roles: will wait until Michelle N. arrives. This role would be in addition to the group facilitators, like Brenda Martinez- oral health specialist. Some of our organizations in the collaborative can only participate in this way, e.g. Early On, CMH, PHN. We, as a group, need to decide how to coordinate the use of our consultants and with what frequency the consultant can attend. Brenda M. could do 3 times/month – summer too- and she’ll need to be contacted in advance.

Could contact outside consultants, who are connected to community resources (retirees, for example, if current) so we lean on ‘the community’ within our collaborative, e.g. Head Start has dietician and Nutritionist available. Early On therapists may be available, but uncertain who will be onboard, due to restructuring, but could include specialists, i.e. audiologists, speech therapists, physical therapists, etc.

Mickie Kreft- Safe Kids works at Sparrow Trauma- could help with car seat installing.

Keri will contact CMH, Fran J. to see how frequent they will consult. Lisa will identify staff within Health Dept. who are interested and their availability.

MC will contact Jamie regarding specific story-teller at EL library and consulting with PNL groups- and how often. Mary Hennessey will be contacted by Jamie to do a bilingual story-time, like at EL library. Arabic, Burmese, Somali, and Spanish languages. Need MSU students WITH TRANSPORTATION because the CATA bus ride is too long out to Summerplace (if they come read a story in another language)

Play and Learn Groups:  Updates

                  Haven House: children’s needs when we are not doing the playgroups are not being met (trucks broken, toys not there). So we should discuss whether we can meet these needs or how to do so.

                  Willow Teens: Attendance is low. Not many kids- just teens coming. Taking a smaller basket of toys/tricks (not the larger tub) with pamphlets into waiting room to discuss with teens. Kids not coming with parents due to history of longer waits in the room. Low attendance may be due to long winter also. Keri discussing with staff how to incorporate the PNL in all teen parenting classes and also a 7 week (ending June 2009) swimming series at the Parkwood YMCA for teens and kids. There is also image, self-esteem issues that limit participation in the PNL groups, especially with swim classes. Willow Health Center is now a primary family medical/health home, so the kids are being seen ages 6-21 years old now (hope to get equipment to serve 0-21 in summer 2009). Word of mouth is crucial to spreading info for teen parent population. Timing is being considered, to try and get more attendance. Working with Discipline tub now.

                  Michelle N. said no colored intake cards received yet, except from IISD staff

                  Summerplace: about 8 kids coming regularly. It is fun. The kids know facilitators enough, so that kids will come sit on their lap. There have been glitches: one week was a short session, next was closed, so no group possible. Wendy stayed and interpreters stayed too. No office staff showed to open the building. The next week it was Spring Break, which means there has been inconsistency for the last 3 weeks. Christina has been contacted (office staff), but due to single staffing and her lunch, she may not be able to stay. Janitorial/gardener staff has let us in before. Bill Nelton from CADL, arranged for bookmobile, may show up to observe one week. Summerplace has been successful. Painting has been done, getting adventurous. Parents have been interactive with kids and staff alike. Names still a challenge, due to Burmese and foreign languages. Reason for success: parents and kids live there. Interpreters live on site (one) and the one is a leader, so brings families. They also model, not just interpret. The outreach with interpreters (and their qualities/character) has been key. Wendy, Jill and Robin are amazing too- crucial to success of the group. Interpreters should have 1 o 2 critical points from the tub, so that choking, for example, is highlighted. Not about giving 14 pieces of info- just 2 pieces to share with kids and parents as they are able to translate on the fly- not word for word from facilitators (Wendy, Jill and Robin) Facilitators will need to give these points out via email to interpreters prior to group -better communication. The timing seems to be crucial- Somali families working and have larger families so contracting with Dean Transport may allow evening groups. Need to find facilitators to work in the evening. Let Michelle N know if you are interested and available to work in the evenings.

South Precinct: May 2^nd might be the first time for PNL group. June would be Rachel and Sarah in May. They coordinate with Michele N. One Saturday a month- every other month with more facilitators. When doing outreach at the same place, the number of kids seems low- it is a Food Movers site and the waiting line is long- in the gym of South Precinct. Jamesina or Phyllis of Food Movers will need to be notified as soon as you arrive, so they can assure the folks in line won’t lose their spot in order to participate in PNL group. Outreach has been successful there in the past. If this is considered a ‘failure’ then we might look into the South Library location- for recruitment. Sarah is planning on bringing the tub from ICHD for May.

CRCF Grant Applications- 4 applications submitted. 2 grants related to PNL groups. 2 others related to coaching and literacy event. PNL group applications included tooth wheels and stuff to replace whatever is consumable in the tubs. Also submitted application for additional PNL services- particularly for Somali population. Thanks to Michelle and Ken and Mischele for submitting the grants.

Oral/Dental Health Update:

Pam McDaniel at 3200 REMY- Transitions North- has 600 kid toothbrushes. MC will pick these up and deliver 300 to Brenda Martinez, and 300 Lisa Chambers at ICHD. Mc will also do a business orientation with Transitions, a part of CMH.

Pete Chiaravalli is a possible new dentist

Toothpaste Wheels- Scott from Dandee said he can do the die cuts/pieces, but it will be very expensive to assemble. Next week need to have alternative narratives from dentists- Brenda will ask if we can do assemble if he cuts. Brenda will ask Lucy to proof the text for the tooth wheels. Next month we need ideas for sponsors on the back. Brenda will ask Delta Dental for a contribution request for the wheels (after getting a direct price from Scott at Dandee)

Toothpaste- got some on sale at Meijer so 150 tubes (not travel sizes) to get us started. UW has been working to get donations from Meijers- got a $100 gift card so far.

Home Visits:

GPGS does this and PHN and family outreach. PAT certification is required for home visits, but not for PNL. EHS, GPGS, and PHA folks are certified in PAT. Need to find out who can do home visits. Minimum  visit 1/month based on families needs, PAT requirements, and how many staff are available at what frequency. PAT trainings are coming up, so ask your organization/employer for individual certification- up to $1500 for a week of training. There are requirements to keep your certification for PAT. IISD collects the data for trained PAT report and coordinates program certification. The focus of the home visits are to build capacity, and reach families we are not serving as collaborative agencies. A bout $50/family reimbursement rate for home visitors. Let Michelle know about availability.

Agency Updates:

Rachel will go thru the CREAT event literature she picked up last weekend to see if there are materials we might use at Food Movers over the summer.

ANNOUNCEMENT: NEW NAME: Family Outreach Services (FOS) using public health advocates- combination of MIOP and JumpStart. Focus on prenatal and parents.

 CAPS still under Jim Papparalla (Child and Family Services) and Kathy Kelly now the Director- not ED. Will be out in community more, doing reporting and FGC still doing all the work. Rachel split between C&F and CAPS too.

May Agenda brainstorm:

                  Evaluation updates from MSU- look at what is feasible for us to do, e.g. getting surveys from parents (with home visit and PNL base)

                  Bring frequency for consultants to next meeting- will we need weekly? Monthly? Haven House might have someone everytime due to turnover in families. Food Movers mostly the same people each time at S. Precinct.

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347).

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes- March 3, 2009

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Lansing, MI

Members Present: Jamie Yeomans, Ken Sperber, Brenda Martinez, Mischele McManus, Rachel Prosen, Peggy Albrecht, Lisa Chambers, Keri Keck, Lucy McClintic, Michelle Nicholson

I.    Introductions/ Approval of February minutes: Approved with additions Brenda sent MC, but he never received them.  Approved

II.    Ken  Dental Outreach…
1. donation to Miles for Smiles (already done)
2. Education for child care centers, trainings or traveling hygienist. 3. Expand oral health, dental materials for playgroups.

III.  Cavity Free Kids training- Brenda reviewed what Head Start has done for parents and staff.  Would like to give dental kits to parents with toothpaste and toothbrushes, information about how much toothpaste to use…
What To Do When Your Child Gets Sick, book from Johnson & Johnson, Lucy recommended maybe using that book, vs. the dental version, because the dental information could be given out in the form of brochures, lift the lip flip charts,, etc.

Need to find out what other languages ‘What To Do When Your Child Gets Sick’, is published in.
Ken likes the idea of a 2 tiered training. Staff training, then offer it to parents, (throughout the county) $1,000.00 for training and some left in materials budget line item. If offered to other day care partners give them training hours, supplies etc.

Quality initiatives, put on the agenda trainings, ie, ‘What To Do When Your Child Gets Sick’, and dental trainings.
Recommendations: Quality initiatives take charge of that for trainings for the community.  This Parent education workgroup will be responsible for playgroup materials, individual trainings, etc. Also, part of the training could implement the cost of starting toothbrushing at their center. Cost of toothbrushes, toothpaste, containers, cups and start up costs for implementing in the classroom.
Miles for Smiles registration brochures were passed out.

III.    Play and Learn Groups
a.    PNL groups: status and attendance.  Haven House: 3 on 3-2-09
b.    Summer Place: variadtion in attendance
c.    Teen Plaza- Will start serving children, now will be age 0-21 years of age.
d.    Food Movers has not started as of yet.  It is difficult to get staff to work on Saturday. Plan to start up in April, 9:30-10:30.

IV.    Community Foundation funding grant opportunity: Could we fund or sustain Great Parents, Great Start? Something to think about. Due on April 1st, 2009.
Possibly add a position to help support GP/GS. Proposal to think about, write smaller mini- grants to support transportation, interpreters, etc. Michelle recommended Great Parents Great Start maintain one piece of universal services rather than solely a target population. One mini grant promised $60,000.00 for child care scholarships.  Discussion: suggested going after a couple of mini grants ( 2 @ $15,000) to cover cost of supporting PNL groups, ie. transportation. Interpreters, translating materials.
Also, suggested that someone stop by the Salvation Army, Wednesday at 9:00 am to get your number, and 1:00 pm for food distribution. If we could find out how many children show up, and consider PNL groups there instead of possibly foodmovers…because of the progress we have not been able to make.  Take to operations committee.(LOTS OF DISCUSSION)
1)    Split money left over to engage staff for PNL groups, support services, so volunteers  do not have to work PNL groups into the crunched work schedule already.
2)    Write mini grants to sustain the program. Separate proposals to fund transportation and interpreters.

V.  Consultant roles: CMH, CAPS, TPN, ,Early On, CMH Nursing. Literacy groups,
ie Librarian to go out and be guest speaker.

Summer Place: ESL every Am, MWF afternoons.
Suggestion about shared pregnancy learn and earn on Wednesday morning.Pregnant moms, pregnant moms with kids, 12 children were present at the last group. Big open room with a kitchen. They want to learn and always ask questions. Jacquelyn ? contact person.

Next meeting, April 14th, 2009 1:00-3:00 PM.
Invite Consultants to the next meeting. Each committee member can talk to a contact person, and bring it back next month.
Mischele M. suggested that we have an addition to the agenda each month.
e-mail Brenda: brenda.martinez@cacsheadstart.org

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – March 3, 2009

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Lansing, MI 48910

1. Introductions/Approval February minutes

2. Play and Learn Groups

   1. Consultant Roles

   2. PNL Groups: status, attendance

   3. PNL Groups: successes, challenges

3. Dental Outreach

   1. Cavity Free Kids training

4. Closing

   1. March Agenda

   2. Evaluate Meeting

PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE FOR NEXT MEETING!

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing. Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347).

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes – February 3, 2009

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Lansing, MI

Members Present: Michelle Nicholson, Ingham Intermediate School District; MC Rothhorn, Great Start Collaborative-Parent Liaison/Business Liaison; Keri Keck, Ingham County Health Department- Teen Parenting Network; Brenda Martinez, CACS Headstart; Barb Monroe, Ingham County Health Department- Office for Young Children; Lisa Chambers, ICHD; Jamie Yeomans, Great Start Collaborative- Parent Liaison; Ken Sperber- GSC; Mischele McManus-IISD, Jill Lawler, ICHD OYC, Robin Zeiter, ICHD- OYC

The Parent Education Workgroup meeting was called to order about 1:07:35 pm

1. Introductions/Approval of November and December minutes: both minutes were approved in their revised formats.

2. Play and Learn Groups

   1. Willow teen center held 1/21/09 first time with one mom and child. This parent marked that she is interested in more info on the card (that Keri turned in to Michelle at the meeting). Last week 1/28, no children in the teen clinic, though the clinic was packed. This week Wednesday will be the next PNL. Dawn Fields, nurse at Hill Vocational, has not been heard from, so we have not yet contacted the teen parent center at Hill for outreach. We will continue trying to reach her to spread the word. Thursday evening TPN groups are up and running- they are excited about the PNL group. Keri passed out flyers she made. Keri has digital pics and will send to Ken.

   2. Last week at Summer Place 3 Spanish speaking and 7 Burmese. 4 interpreters who played on the floor! 2 did not have translating duties, but were interactive with the participants. The interactions were wonderful- all parent adults participated. Very enjoyable. Tak, the Burmese interpreter, was asked by Michelle what the response was/is from the population,. but, she hasn’t heard back from him yet. Facilitator’s impression is that the PNL groups are a success. Also repeat attendance is a good indicator of success. The week prior we had 11 participants (10 this week). Christina, who works at Summer Place, brought her 18 month old. She also encouraged here childcare provider (also Spanish-speaking) to come. Literacy was the topic. Collaborations have been CRUCIAL to the success of this group. The interpreters are from the community: Somali and Arabic interpreters from Lansing school district .. Burmese from Lutheran Social Services. Spanish interpretation from ICHD – health advocate. Summer Place has been VERY supportive- had the flyers out on the tableand have a closet for storage. The second PNL group there was successful, in part, because OYC was able to meet with GPGS, who facilitated the first group- they made a floor plan, so the 2^nd group was consistent with the 1^st. This has been VERY helpful for participants and facilitators. Playdough was a huge hit!! Pop tubes were also a big hit. Additional shower curtains should be purchased for the tubs- tearable and accidents happen. CADL provided culture-grams which was helpful. New handouts will be added by OYC that are from a website and have already been translated. GPGS and OYC staff will alternate facilitation. The weekly facilitation progress and success will be printed by OYC and placed in the folder in the tub. Facilitators should get there @1:15 to wet-mop the wood floor. There is an English class prior to the PNL and the salt from outside (it’s winter and very snowy/icy outside) is hard to deal with. Note to ourselves when facilitating: wear comfortable clothing, so you can get on the floor and not be self-conscious. Facilitators said keeping an eye on the time is challenging. Transitions are important in this population in particular- important to emphasize the routine and the number of times/minutes for each activity, because translation takes time and the little kids already need ‘extra’ time to transition. Emailing the interpreters ahead of time with handouts and songs so they are familiar prior to the PNL has been helpful. Started with literacy because the library is bringing the bookmobile every other Monday at Summer Place, starting in Feb 2009. Overall, Play is universal for all kids in all cultures; facilitators need to teach the parents and remember that, culturally, some parents are not ‘allowed’ to play.

   3. Haven House, 1/12/09 there were 10 toddlers at the house, but there was no PNL group yet. Each successive week has had declining numbers, and last week there were 0 kids at the house. Angie, from HH, says we should be there- the support that this PNL group will provide will matter. The Parkwood Y previously transported school-age kids to the Y so the parents could stay at Haven house and participate in the PNL with their young children. A grant made that possible and it has ended. Haven House submitted a YAC grant to try to revive this service. The difference in Haven House from other sites, is that agencies that facilitate should call ahead of time. Social workers are in touch with the families daily, so call: 517-337-2731. The phone may be busy- if it is, just go, even though there may not be anyone there when you arrive. Facilitators can adapt the materials that they bring for the size and ages that are signed up to attend.

   4. Food mover site has not started yet. Rachel from CAPS may be able to start., but needs to do her first time with someone who has already facilitated a group.. Michelle will follow up with her. Sarah Kenny with ICHD health advocates, will not be able to do it this first time. The plan is for Sarah and Rachel to alternate as facilitators.

   5. The registration/follow up cards should be brought to the parent ed meeting monthly and turned into Michelle or Mischele, for the database. The card color schemes have changed:

      1. green: willow

      2. summeplace: blue

      3. haven house: red

      4. foodmovers: yellow

3. Third Week Books

   1. Rock A By Baby books purchased by the Collaborative were handed out at Summer Place. These are in Spanish and English and have parenting tips at the bottom of the pages. These will be given out to Haven House and Willow too. They have also been given out at Foodmovers.

3. Tub Materials

   1. Dental wheel : Delta Dental has agreed to fund, it seems. Scott from Dandy Printing is working on making the wheel a circle with the tooth on the front to rotate. Not having the tooth shape for the wheel should bring the cost down and make it easier to produce. Ask Dr. Eby or Dr. Norris…for what??

   2. TOOTHBRUSHES UPDATE:
      new contact person at Britton Industries/Transitions North.
      Her name is Pam McDaniel. (517) 323-9558 ext. 158
      She is aware of the Ingham Great Start and is currently looking to see how many toothbrushes (both child and adult) that she can get together.

The person you can contact to thank and ask if we can recognize them in some way: Susan Speers 323-9558.
Pam said Susan would be the one who could give details (on how to thank and what to include?). Pam didn't know how it should be listed because they are also a part of CMH.

Barb will get 600 adult toothbrushes for 2/4/09.

We’ll ask for another 1000 in April 2009- children’s toothbrushes in March.

Jamie will ask her dentist Dr. Eby for 25 kids’ toothbrushes. Michelle and Barb wrote a letter of request and sent it to Britton Industries.

Barb will remain the contact for toothbrushes.

1. Toothpaste donations are in the works. LaVera. is coordinating with CAUW.

2. The tooth puzzle in the tubs needs a puzzle holder and OYC staff will put it in the tub. Brenda has one more clear puzzle holder.

3. Headstart has a checkout system set up in the ramp area the Willow office on a clipboard on the nail near the back door. Registration cards are in plastic page protectors. The tubs are labeled. Sign out what you need. Lucy bought 2 luggage racks to transport these. Similar carts are available to transport tubs at ICHD/OYC.

4. Fluoride varnish: It will reverse decay, in many instances. Jamie had her kids done and Brenda said many of the Headstart kids have been able to do it.

5. Headstart is doing research for the streptococcus bacteria, which leads to tooth decay. This is part of the lollipop project. 6 Headstart classrooms are participating. Research is to determine how long the effects last. Tests are being sent to a university. Seniors are also test subjects for these.

5. Born Learning Print Ads

   1. These have been produced and the public awareness workgroup is working on how these will be distributed. Check out February Adelante Forward Magazine for an example. These can be used in the tubs for PNL. Just another resource: EVERYDAY MOMENTS ARE LEARNING MOMENTS is the key here.

   2. Also have 300 growth calendars from ECIC to give out to parents.

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing. Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347).

NEXT Agenda:

• March mtg: consultants will not be invited, but the Parent Ed Committee will create our expectations for consultants, then invite them for feedback on these expectations.

• March mtg: How to do more dental outreach in our parent ed- to do more on our action agenda- maybe presentations at childcares

• March mtg: bring cavity free kids training from Brenda and Barb

• Normalization of parent ed and parent learning- birth certificates may be example of practice that divides rather than normalizes

• April meeting invite facilitators to share their experiences. April meting will be 4/14

AGENDA – February 3, 2009

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Lansing, MI 48910

1. Introductions/Approval of November and December minutes

2. Play and Learn Groups

   1. Status of groups/attendance

   2. Successes/challenges

3. Tub Materials

4. Third Week Books

5. Born Learning Print Ads

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing. Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347).

PLEASE NOTE NEW MEETING TIME!

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes – January 6, 2009

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Lansing, MI

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes – January, 2009

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Lansing, MI

Decision and to-do items highlighted throughout minutes

Members Present: Michelle Nicholson, Ingham Intermediate School District; MC Rothhorn, Great Start Collaborative-Parent Liaison/Business Liaison; Jennifer Lamphere, Cristo Rey; (tardy!)Keri Keck, Ingham County Health Department- Teen Parenting Network; Brenda Martinez, CACS Headstart; Barb Monroe, Ingham County Health Department- Office for Young Children; Peggy Albrecht*, Ingham County Health Department; Lisa Chambers, ICHD; Jamie Yeomans, Great Start Collaborative- Parent Liaison; Ken Sperber- GSC; Mischele McManus, IISD * did her playdough homework!

The Parent Education Workgroup meeting was called to order at 1:12 pm

12/03/08 Minutes will be approved at February 3^rd meeting.

Play and Learn (PNL) Schedule:

Residents may need population-specific expertise, but our goal is to work in rotations that make it safe and bring out side services, other expertise to the population(s). We will also have along-term relationships with the sites below:

• Haven house (weekly Mondays)

• Willow Plaza (weekly Wednesdays)

• Summer Place (weekly Wednesdays)

• South Precinct (monthly 1st Saturday)

Michelle N. has spoken with a teacher at St. Vincent’s who teaches a Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) class at Miller & Pennsylvania. Teacher will market the Play and Learn Groups (PNL). The VESL at Summer Place will also market the PNL. The facilitators who signed up in 2008 as facilitators signed up on the schedule so Michelle N./LaVera/ & Mischele can get letters of commitment together for agencies. Those who signed up as consultants in 2008 will not need to make a commitment, but will be asked to enrich the tubs after a period of experiential learning with the PNLs.

Review Tubs and Getting Started:

Rationale needed for:

• Potty Training

• Dental

• Nutrition

PLEASE GET THESE RATIONALES TO MISCHELE at the February 3^rd meeting

Rationales are not intended to be handouts, but never assume parents understand the rationale behind the activities in the tub- make the connection for them, PLEASE, as the facilitator.

Facilitators should not give an answer, especially if the answer is debatable. Rather, the group could be asked for responses to the question whether it is best to wash hands with antibacterial soap (or with just water, if no “normal” soap avail.), for example. The feedback forms should be used when an “answer/rationale” or materials should be added to the tub.

Mischele reviewed the facilitator’s packets for each tub (sent as an attachment with these minutes). Feedback forms are included, which will help keep the tubs improving and well stocked. You may have supplemental materials for these tubs (from your agency), but we want to keep things concise, so that translations are minimized and copyrights, not to mention the weight of the tub. You CAN supplement, but we are trying to keep this simple and reproducible.

Toothbrushes update: Barb reported that there is a new contact at Bretton Industries.

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – January 6, 2009

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI 48910

• Work on the Play & Learn Schedule (including Summerplace) – Michelle N.
• Review the Tubs and Getting Started – Mischele M.

- Rationale Sheets and Handouts – Mischele M. (Facilictators complete rationale sheets, share why they chose the handouts and what is the main message to share at the first group using their topic.)

     - Parenting Counts – Mischele M.

     - Cleaning Toys – Mischele M.

• Replenshing Materials (playdoh) /Feedback Form– Mischele & Michelle
• Consultants – Michelle N.
• Group Registration – Michelle N.
  

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes – December 3, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope Lansing, MI

2 Notes to start:

• MC will replace Jamie as the minute-taker for parent ed. Questions? Call/email mc 517-203-8937 or inghamgscparents@yahoo.com.

• MILES for SMILES planning committee (the walk/run is April 18, 2009) meets monthly. NEXT MEETING is Thursday 12/4/08 at 3:30pm at 101 East Willow. Contact Brenda Martinez for more info (Brenda.martinez@cacsheadstart.org) or 517-482-1504.

Decision and to-do items highlighted throughout minutes

Members Present: Michelle Nicholson, Ingham Intermediate School District; MC Rothhorn, Great Start Collaborative-Parent Liaison/Business Liaison; Jennifer Lamphere, Cristo Rey; Keri Keck, Ingham County Health Department- Teen Parenting Network; Brenda Martinez, CACS Headstart; Barb Monroe, Ingham County Health Department- Office for Young Children; Peggy Albrecht, Ingham County Health Department; Rachel Prosen, CAPS; Debby Starnes, ICHD-Public Health Nursing; Jamie Yeomans, Great Start Collaborative- Parent Liaison, Jill Lawler, ICHD-OYC, Robin Zelter, ICHD-OYC, Leann Harris, MSU Family Resource Center.

Introductions and Approval of 11/04/08 Minutes

The Parent Education Workgroup meeting was called to order at 1:12 pm. The meeting was co-chaired by MC and Jamie. The minutes were approved without corrections, except making the footer in the layout to the minutes.

Oral/Dental Health

Brenda shared information regarding the current Dental Wheel used by the CACS Headstart. ~$98/100 pcs if we order from Flint. Delta Dental is willing to “help” revise a dental wheel that we would craft. If we do, the tooth-shape of the wheel is good, it should remain a wheel, the colors should be the ‘great start colors’ which are the primary colors, and Brenda has pics of kids from the lollipop project that we could add. Brenda’s name and contact info would be on the wheel.

Keri looked into getting free toothpaste or toothbrushes from Michigan Dental Association. THEY WANT A LETTER/STATEMENT TO SHARE WITH THEIR LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO HELP. Mischele McManus will be putting together a letter for them from them. LCC Dental School has nothing to offer- they need help too. Renee at Delta Dental is tough to get in touch with, so no report yet from them.

MC will look into whether we can recycle (melt down) the parents & kids’old toothbrushes when we give out the new ones.

Free toothbrushes from Sharon Knudson (ph. 517-323-9558) at Bretton Industries.

Barb Monroe will order 500-1,000.

Jamie Yeomans will get 25 from Dr. Eby. Both kids and adult toothbrushes are needed.

Cheryl Gildner at Healthy Smiles Clinic in the ICHD building is also a recreational therapist working with a population that has similarities with our target. Cheryl should be added as a consultant to our Play and Learn Groups (PNL).

Goal is to get a dental home for all kids, so the traveling dentists at the schools are not part of our mission. We agreed that the target population will be the Play and Learn Groups, and we want them to have a medical and dental home, for example. We may expand target population later.

Play and Learn Group

After exploring the tubs and reviewing contents we discussed the missing pieces. It was noted that this is not a preschool classroom and it is not a parenting class. Soft stuff is hard to keep clean and will attract lice, so we have a limited amount of soft items in the tubs. There is no music in the tubs, so if you are doing a group, and you want to have music, you can bring a CD player, but these will not be supplied in the tubs. Dishes and silverware were discussed for food safety as well as positive, age-appropriate play. Car seats may be appropriate too, but not all tubs will have the same things. Babies (plastic and representing the world) will also be purchased.

Bring handouts from your agencies to the January meeting (for the tubs)

All agreed to make the following recipe and bring to the January meeting.

Microwave playdough recipe: 2 batches per tub
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon cooking oil
Food coloring
1 cup flour
½ cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon powdered alum

Next Meeting: January 6, 2009 @ 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope). Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371- 1347).

Meeting officially ended after MC and Jamie left. Michelle N. facilitated in their absence.

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – December 2, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI 48910

I.             Introductions/Approval of November minutes

II.          Oral/Dental Health

a.      Dental wheel (cost, adaptation)
b.      Toothbrush drive (contacts)
c.      Target population

III.       Play and Learn Groups

a.      Toy tubs  (browse, play, share)
b.      Begin scheduling Play and Learn Groups
c.      Other

IV.        Outreach Update

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, January 6, 2008 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347). 

PLEASE NOTE NEW MEETING TIME!

Parent Education Workgroup

Meeting Reminder – 12/2/08

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes – November 4, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI

Members Present:  Michelle Nicholson, Ingham Intermediate School District; MC Rothhorn, Great Start Collaborative-Parent Liaison/Business Liaison; Jennifer Lamphere, Cristo Rey; Keri Keck, Ingham County Health Department- Teen Parenting Network;  Brenda Martinez, CACS Headstart; Barb Monroe, Ingham County Health Department- Office for Young Children; Lisa Chambers, Ingham County Health Department; Lorri Love, CAPS; Rachel Prosen, CAPS; Mischele McManus, IISD; Debby Starnes, ICHD-Public Health Nursing; and Jamie Yeomans, Great Start Collaborative- Parent Liaison. 

Introductions and Approval of 10/07/08 Minutes 

The Parent Education Workgroup meeting was called to order at 1:35 pm. The meeting was co-chaired by MC and Jamie.  Members introduced themselves and welcomed Brenda Martinez, Mischele McManus, and Lorri Love as new participants.  The minutes were approved with the following correction: North Network Center was incorrectly listed as a Play and Learn Group site on page 2.  The North Network Center will continue to be a site for Outreach.     

Oral/Dental Health

Brenda shared information regarding the current Dental Wheel used by the CACS Headstart.  She also shared some of her concerns regarding the current Dental Wheel such as:  high cost, advanced reading level, inaccurate recommendation on when to schedule first visit (should start by age 1), as well as failure to apply to those who already have decay.  Brenda suggested adapting the Dental Wheel to better address the needs of our clients, as well as target specific age groups.  Brenda agreed to find out if more Dental Wheels could be ordered, the current cost, and whether or not we could adapt the information to better suit our clients.

The Workgroup would like to distribute toothbrushes and supplies at Outreach and Play and Learn Groups.  Several members had leads on where we might be able to get some free supplies.  For free toothbrushes, Barb will get contact information for the School for the Blind on Keller Rd. and Jennifer will get the contact information for MI Dental Association.  Rachel will look into getting free toothpaste from the LCC Dental School.  Brenda will contact Plaque Smackers (plaksmackers.com) for discounted toothpaste, pouches, and timers. 

Brenda shared her ideas for toys, materials, and resources for the Oral/Dental Health Play and Learn Group tub.  She emphasized that is was very important for us to get the “tools” to the families first.  She recommended purchasing a “Lift the Lip” chart to teach parents about early gum care.  This chart costs $21 and is available from the University of Washington School of Dentistry (www.dental.washington.edu/conted/store/.htm). Brenda also recommended purchasing the book What To Do For Healthy Teeth.  In addition to English, this book is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.  Headstart is able to purchase the book at 50% off list price.  The workgroup recommended purchasing enough books so that each agency could have a copy to use with families, as well as copies for the Play and Learn Group tubs. 

Logic Model Update

Michelle presented several charts highlighting the relationship between our Workgroup activities and long-term outcomes.  She discussed the need to assess our outcomes at numerous levels:  child/family, agency, and system.  As the Parent Education Workgroup activities begin, we will need to evaluate our outcomes.  

Play and Learn Group 

At the Play and Learn subgroup meeting on October 20, 2008, the participants agreed to use the Parents As Teachers-Teen curriculum to supplement the play and learn tubs.  The following is the list of selected content areas for Play and Learn Group tubs and the agencies assigned to designing the tubs:

            Oral/Dental Health                              Lucy- CACS Headstart
            Discipline                                             Lisa- ICHD
            Nutrition                                              Jennifer-Cristo Rey
            Childcare/Safety                                  Barb- OYC
            Health                                                 Lucy- CACS Headstart
            Emotions                                             Keri- TPN   
            Language & Literacy                           Michelle- GPGS
            Sleep                                                   Michelle- GPGS
            Toilet Training                                     Rachel- CAPS

The IISD will provide the base materials such as: tubs, disinfectant wipes, and misc. toys.  Each agency was asked to gather a detailed list of items needed to be purchased for each content area and email to Mischele McManus.  The IISD will then purchase the materials for each play and learn tub unless arrangements have been made for an agency to purchase their own.  Enough materials will be purchased to develop two sets of tubs for each of the above content areas. 

When designing the “Rational” sheet, it was recommended that a few sentences be added to the bottom of the page to help script what the group facilitator might say to parents.  A sample Rational sheet was previously sent via email to further assist each agency. 

Two agencies were ready to share their materials and content ideas for their assigned tub.  Brenda presented on the Health and Oral/Dental Health tubs.  Keri presented the Emotions tub.  Please Note:  at the December 2, 2008 meeting extensive time will be set aside for the group facilitators for each group to present the materials in their assigned tub.     

Outreach Update

MC requested that each agency give him 24-50 copies of their handouts to be included in the general information box for use at Outreach sites.  There will be two “boxes” of information that will need to go to each Outreach site.  Please contact MC (203-8937) if you need to know the whereabouts of these boxes.  If you need to know the Outreach schedule, please contact LaVera (244-1267). 

The following information will need to be set out on the table at each Outreach site:  your agency information that you want to highlight, AND the materials from the “Stuff for Table” box.  If you receive other requests, please refer to the backup box which includes general information about all of our agency services.  Please inform MC when materials need to be restocked. 

Next Meeting:  December 2, 2008 (please note time change)

Jamie reminded the group that the next Parent Education Workgroup meeting will be on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371- 1347).   

Meeting officially ended at 3:35 pm. 

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – November 4, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI 48910

I.             Introductions/Approval of October minutes

II.          Oral/Dental Health

a.      Dental wheel distribution
b.      Toothbrush collection
c.      How to spend money (kits/books)

III.       Logic Model Update

IV.        Play and Learn Groups

a.      Content areas selected
b.      List of items to purchase for tubs
c.      12-02-08 meeting: group facilitators present tub contents

V.  Meeting Time (availability to meet from 1:00-3:00)

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes – October 7, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI

Members Present:  Michelle Nicholson, Ingham Intermediate School District; MC Rothhorn, Great Start Collaborative-Parent Liaison/Business Liaison; Jennifer Lamphere, Cristo Rey; Keri Keck, Ingham County Health Department- Teen Parenting Network; Ken Sperber, Great Start Collaborative; Lucy McClintic, CACS Headstart; Barb Monroe, Ingham County Health Department- Office for Young Children; Beany Tomber, WKAR; Lisa Chambers, Ingham County Health Department; and Jamie Yeomans, Great Start Collaborative- Parent Coalition. 

Introductions and Approval of 9/02/08 Minutes

The Parent Education Workgroup meeting was called to order at 1:45 pm. The meeting was co-chaired by MC and Jamie.  Members introduced themselves. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as written.  

Parent Education Materials

Members agreed to accept Beany’s offer to donate leftover “Parenting Counts” materials to the Parent Education workgroup to disseminate at Play and Learn Groups.  Beany assured the group that it was alright for agencies not trained in Parenting Counts to use these materials.  MC agreed to pick up the materials from WKAR and locate a place to house them until they are needed for play and learn groups. 

Outreach

Michelle sent around the sign-up sheet for Outreach Services in hopes of adding additional agencies to the schedule.  The purpose of outreach services is for agencies to pass out materials and discuss their services at several Food Movers sites in Lansing. A four-month schedule is posted on the website.  Please consider signing your agency up for multiple days and sites. 

A “traveling box” will be shared by agencies attending outreach sites.  MC will be the point of contact for the traveling box and needs to be informed regarding its whereabouts. He can be reached at 203-8937.  Please let MC know if the general GSC information in the box needs to be restocked.  Each agency is responsible for picking up the box before their outreach event. 

It is recommended that agencies contact Yvonne (410-1384) or Wendy (372-9411) to find out additional information regarding how to plan for the site.  They are both familiar with the particular needs of each site, for example, do you need to bring tables or chairs.

Following your agency’s outreach visit, please email MC with feedback regarding your experience, suggestions of supplies/equipment needed, as well as share what you thought worked best.  We appreciate your feedback. 

Play and Learn Group Sites

The following is an updated list of sites for Play and Learn Groups:

1.                  Teen Willow Plaza
Weekly groups on Wednesday from 3:30-4:30           

2.                  Haven House
Weekly groups on Monday from 4:30-5:30

3.                  South Precinct
1st Saturday each month from 10:00-11:00  (NEW Day and Time)

4.                  North Network Center
Biweekly groups on Wednesday from 11:00-12:00

Lisa and Barb offered to do groups at Haven House.  Michelle reported that the average stay for families was 30 days.  She also recommended that agencies that provide play and learn groups at Haven House could also do in-home visits with these families once they are discharged.  Members also suggested looking into Ballentine/Stepping Stones as another potential homeless shelter where play and learn groups could take place. 

Members also discussed Harley Franks as another potential play and learn group site for teen parents who attend Hill Vocational Center.  A group could be arranged after school hours.  Hill Vocational Center expressed an interest in our Outreach Services.  They are currently in need of experts to discuss parenting issues on Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 during their parenting time. 

Unfortunately, our play and learn groups at Bingham Elementary School will not be occurring due to the fact that there is no existing refugee clinic in place.  Our workgroup agreed that it is crucial that we focus on adding our play and learn groups to existing services rather that trying to create new ones.  Michelle will set up meetings with the Refugee Development Center and Summerplace to look into doing play and learn groups with their refugee populations.  Summerplace reports that 75% of its residents are refugees and has offered their clubhouse for use during play and learn groups. 

Once agency commitments have been made, a letter of understanding with each agency will be drafted with the Ingham County ISD.  It is recommended that each agency commit to a set number of play and learn groups or in-home visits for an agreed upon fee for service rather than invoice for each individual session. 

Play and Learn Group Content

Workgroup members agreed to follow the GPGS playgroup format for play and learn groups:  arrival time, greetings and Hello song, discussion of theme and how activities support this topic, parent/child play time while facilitator interacts and reinforces learning opportunities, group time with songs/dancing/reading, discussion of available handouts and announcements, close with Goodbye song.  It was agreed that the same theme could be used for all four target populations as long as adaptations, such as bilingual handouts, were made when necessary.  It was also recommended that lower literacy materials be used, such as handouts from the Parents As Teachers Teen Parent Curriculum and Supporting Care Providers.  

The workgroup members decided to convene a Play and Learn Subgroup meeting on October 20^th to select content themes for groups, as well as to divide up responsibilities for choosing handouts and developing theme related toy tubs.  Michelle reported that the Parent Education Workgroup has money to help cover the cost of toys and materials for the tubs.  Michelle also recommended that group facilitators plan some time to observe a GPGS playgroup in an effort to better understand how they are run.

Next Meeting:  November 4, 2008

Jamie reminded the group that the next Parent Education Workgroup meeting will be on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371- 1347).   

Meeting officially ended at 3:35 pm.

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – October 7, 2008

Parent Education Workgroup

10/07/2008 Meeting Reminder

I would like to remind everyone that the next Parent Education
Workgroup meeting will be on Tuesday, October 7th, 2008 from 1:30-3:30
pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

From 1:30-2:30, group facilitators for Play and Learn Groups will be
scheduled. Discussion will also focus on the content of groups, as
well as the duties for facilitators. Please review the attached
September minutes for days and times of Play and Learn Groups. We
will need to know each agency's level of commitment for all aspects of
Play and Learn Groups (Outreach, Facilitation, and Consultant) at the
October meeting. If you are unable to attend, please email me this
information prior to the meeting.

From 2:30-3:30, agencies providing Outreach and Consultant services
to the Play and Learn Groups will be scheduled. Please bring your
calendars!

Finally....we request that everyone bring their agency's evaluation
and assessment instruments so that we may begin our selection process.

The Agenda for the October meeting will be arriving next week once it
gets finalized. Please contact me if you have any questions in the
meantime.

Jamie Yeomans
jamieyeomans@att.net

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes – September 5, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI

Members Present:  Rachel Prosen, Child Abuse Prevention Services; Michelle Nicholson, Ingham Intermediate School District; MC Rothhorn, Great Start Collaborative-Parent Liaison/Business Liaison; Jennifer Lamphere, Cristo Rey; Keri Keck, Ingham County Health Department- Teen Parenting Network; Ken Sperber, Great Start Collaborative; Sharon Rogers, CACS Headstart- Community Resource Manager; Barb Monroe, Ingham County Health Department- Office for Young Children; Barry Kaufman, CEI CMH; Fran Jozefowicz, CEI CMH; and Jamie Yeomans, Great Start Collaborative- Parent Coalition. 

Introductions and Approval of 9/02/08 Minutes

The Parent Education Workgroup meeting was called to order at 1:35 pm. The meeting was chaired by Jamie.  Members introduced themselves and welcomed Sharon Rogers, Barb Monroe, and Fran Jozefowicz as new participants.  The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as written.  

Play and Learn Groups

Workgroup members discussed and selected the following sites for Play and Learn Groups:

1.                  Bingham Elementary School “Family Night”

9/25/08, 10/23/08, and 1/22/08 from 5:30-7:30

·        Jennifer, MC, Keri, and Michelle volunteered to organize the first group on September 25^th.  Volunteers from Trinity Church will supervise school-age children during the Play and Learn Group. 2.                  Teen Willow Plaza

Weekly groups on Wednesday from 3:30-4:30           

3.                  Haven House

Weekly groups on Monday from 4:30-5:30

4.                  South Precinct

4^th Saturday each month from 9:00-11:00

5.                  North Network Center

Biweekly groups on Wednesday from 11:00-12:00

Workgroup members also discussed possible providers for these Play and Learn groups and generated the following preliminary list:

Outreach                                  Group Facilitator                                 Consultant

CAPS                                      CAPS                                                  CAPS

Teen Parent Network             Teen Parent Network                         Teen Parent Network

GPGS                                      GPGS                                                  GPGS

Headstart                               Headstart                                           Early On

Great Start Collaborative       Office for Young Children                     CMH

Public Health Nursing              Cristo Rey/Jennifer                              Public Health Nursing

                                               MC

                                               Jamie

Workgroup members will each share the above information with their agency and return to the October 7^th Parent Education Workgroup meeting with further details regarding their agency’s level of commitment for the Play and Learn Groups.

The first hour of the October meeting will focus on scheduling the Group Facilitators for the Play and Learn Groups, defining their duties, as well as discussing content ideas.     

Home Visitation Services

Workgroup members shared the following information regarding their agency’s in-home visitation programs:

            Fran -  Staff at CEI CMH hold an Infant Mental Health Specialization.  They provide mental health services and focus on improving the relationship between parent and child.  They currently serve Medicaid recipients and indigent families.

            Rachel-  CAPS receives referrals from DHS and provides services when there is an open Protective Services case for children age birth to twelve.  The focus of in-home visits is on role-modeling and referrals to community resources.  

            Keri-  Staff at Teen Parent Network provide in-home, as well as evening support groups, to teen parents age 11-21.  

            Barb-  The Ingham County Health Department provides in-home visits to relative and daycare aids through Office for Young Children, as well as to first-time parents through Jump Start.

            Michelle-  Staff at Great Parents Great Start currently provide in-home visits to at-risk families who are unable to access services and are often on waiting lists for Early On, MSRP, and Headstart.  

Due to the unique training and certifications held by staff from the above agencies, it was decided that Parents As Teachers certification would not be a requirement to provide in-home visits.  As a result, it is hoped that a broader range of agencies will have an opportunity to share their services. 

Before commitments can be made by agencies to provide in-home visits, Michelle recommended that the workgroup first schedule agencies for the Play and Learn Groups.  This will give agencies/individuals a better idea of what they are able to commit to.  Barb also mentioned that many families are reluctant to have in-home visits and prefer to meet in the community.  In an effort to make families more receptive to in-home visits, it was agreed that Play and Learn Groups would be a good way to first establish rapport with a family before referring them for services.  Additional referrals could also be generated from agency waiting lists. 

Next Meeting:  October 7, 2008

Jamie reminded the group that the next Parent Education Workgroup meeting will be on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371- 1347).  
Meeting officially ended at 3:40 pm. 

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – September 2, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI 48910 

I.      Introductions/Approval of August minutes

II.     Play and Learn Groups
a.      Selection of sites, frequency of groups
b.      Providers of services
c.       Timeline to begin groups

III.   Home Visitation Services
a.      Eligibility requirements, target population
b.      Providers of services
c.       Development of subgroup

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347).

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes – August 5, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI

Members Present:  Rachel Prosen, Child Abuse Prevention Services; Michelle Nicholson, Ingham Intermediate School District; MC Rothhorn, Great Start Collaborative-Parent Liaison/Business Liaison; Jennifer Lamphere, Cristo Rey; Debby Starnes, Ingham County Health Department- Public Health Nurse; Lisa Chambers, Ingham County Health Department- Jump Start; Keri Keck, Ingham County Health Department- Teen Parenting Network; Carolyn Stone, Lansing School District; Ken Sperber, Great Start Collaborative;  Yvonne Phillips, Great Start Collaborative- Faith Based Liaison; Lucy McClintic, CACS Headstart; and Jamie Yeomans, Great Start Collaborative- Parent Coalition. 

Introductions and Approval of 7/01/08 Minutes

The Parent Education Workgroup meeting was called to order at 1:40 pm. The meeting was chaired by Jamie.  Members introduced themselves and welcomed Carolyn Stone as a new participant.  The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as written.  

Workgroup Purpose

Workgroup members revised the previous “Mission Statement” to more accurately reflect our workgroup’s purpose.  After discussion, the Workgroup voted to approve the following new wording:       

The purpose of the Great Start Collaborative-Parent Education Workgroup is to develop a variety of education, support, and services that help strengthen the vital roles that all families play in their children’s development.  We meet parents where they are in life and in their children’s lives to build confident compassionate families and homes.

CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal Update

Home Visitation

Ken recommended developing a subgroup to address how home visits will occur.   At the September meeting, the workgroup will be discussing the need for a subgroup, what agencies will provide services, how referrals will be made, as well as define the target population for home visits. 

Play and Learn Groups

Members presented information on potential sites for “Play and Learn” groups: 

                        Hill Vocational Center                                 (Lisa, Keri)
                        Trinity                                                              (Jennifer, Yvonne)
                        Family Growth Center                                  (Rachel)
                        Edgewood Village                                        (MC)
                        Summerplace                                               (Michelle)
                        Maplewood Mission                                     (Michelle)
                        North Precinct                                                (Yvonne)
                        South Precinct                                                (Rachel)
                        Faith United Meth.                                         (Michelle)
                        N. Network Center                                         (Lisa)
A summary was provided of each site’s services delivered, space availability, day/time availability, and interest in our play and learn groups. 

Keri and Lisa also recommended providing “Play and Learn Groups” at the Willow Teen Plaza for waiting room clients.  They will continue to explore this potential site and report back at the September meeting.  

Next Meeting:  August 5, 2008

Jamie reminded the group that the next Parent Education Workgroup meeting will be on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371- 1347).   

Meeting officially ended at 3:45 pm.

PARENT EDUCATION WORKGROUP

AGENDA – August 5, 2008 

Bethlehem Luther Church, 549 E Mt Hope, Lansing MI

I.                 Introductions/Approval of July minutes

II.                Mission Statement Update

III.              Play and Learn Groups

a.      Information from site visits

b.      Begin selection of sites

IV.              CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal Update

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347). 

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes – July 1, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI

Members Present:  Rachel Prosen, Child Abuse Prevention Services; Beany Tomber, WKAR; Michelle Nicholson, Ingham Intermediate School District; MC Rothhorn, Great Start Collaborative-Parent Liaison/Business Liaison; Jennifer Lamphere, Cristo Rey;  Debby Starnes, Ingham County Health Department- Public Health Nurse; Wendy Moncada, Great Parents Great Start; Lisa Chambers, Ingham County Health Department- Jump Start; Stephanie Peters, Ingham Intermediate School District- Early On; and Jamie Yeomans, Great Start Collaborative- Parent Coalition. 

Introductions and Approval of 6/03/08 Minutes

The Parent Education Workgroup meeting was called to order at 1:35 pm. The meeting was chaired by Jamie.  Members introduced themselves and new participants Wendy Moncada and Stephanie Peters were welcomed.  The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as written.   

CAUW/CRCF  Request for Proposal Update 

Workgroup members further discussed how the budget would be itemized (staff, travel, supplies, and materials) and agreed to add “training” to all three project component areas.  Workgroup members felt that it was important that all lead agencies be provided with initial training on how to lead the “Play and Learn” groups.  

Workgroup members reviewed the lead agencies listed and requested that several agencies be added (WKAR, Public Health Nursing, Office of Young Children, Teen Parenting Network, Child Abuse Prevention Services, Jump Start/MIOP, Immigrant and Refugee Resource Coalition, and Healthy Smiles).  A contact person for each lead agency was then identified. 

Upon the request of the Operations Committee, the Parent Education Workgroup agreed to adopt the unassigned RFP Project Component “Physical Health- Oral/Dental Health”.  Members agreed that its goals aligned well with our parent education agenda.  It was agreed that Brenda from Headstart would be the contact person.  It was also recommended that Lansing Community College be added as a lead agency. 

Play and Learn Groups

Members generated a list of potential sites for “Play and Learn” groups and then volunteered to visit one (or two) of these sites before the August 5^th meeting.  It was agreed that an on-site meeting was the preferred method to both educate the site regarding our workgroup goals, as well as to gather information about their services, space availability, and day/time availability.  The following is a list of potential “Play and Learn” sites and the workgroup member(s) who volunteered to initiate contact:

                        Hill Vocational Center                                (Lisa, Keri)
                        Trinity                                                        (Jennifer, Yvonne)
                        Family Growth Center                                (Rachel)
                        Edgewood Village                                      (Beany, MC)
                        Summerplace                                             (Michelle)
                        Maplewood Mission                                    (Beany, Michelle)
                        North Precinct                                             (Lisa)
                        South Precinct                                             (Rachel, Wendy)
                        Faith United Meth.                                       (Michelle)
                        WIC                                                             (Debby)
                        N. Neighborhood Ctr.                                   (Lisa)         

Mission Statement Update 

Due to lack of time, this agenda item was not discussed.  Please bring suggested changes to the next meeting.  The current Mission Statement reads as follows:

“Develop a variety of education, support, and services that help strengthen the vital roles that all families play in their children’s development.  Meeting parents where they are in life and in their children’s lives to build confident compassionate families and homes.”

Next Meeting:  August 5, 2008 

Jamie reminded the group that the next Parent Education Workgroup meeting will be on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371- 1347).   

Meeting officially ended at 3:45 pm. 

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – July 1, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope 

I.     Introductions/Approval of June minutes

II.    CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal Update

a.      Itemize budget
b.      Review indicators
c.       Lead agencies

III.    Discuss Assets and Gaps in parent education

a.      Capacity of current parent education services
b.      Review current gaps in services.

IV.    Play and Learn Groups

a.   Populations served
b.   Suggested sites

V.   Mission Statement update

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes - June 3, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI

Members Present:  Yvonne Phillips, Great Start Collaborative-Faith Liaison; Rachel Prosen, Child Abuse Prevention Services; Beany Tomber, WKAR; Laurie Linscott, MSU Child Development Lab; Michelle Nicholson, Ingham Intermediate School District; MC Rothhorn, Great Start Collaborative-Parent Liaison/Business Liaison; Ken Sperber, Great Start Collaborative; Nichole Welz, Capital Area District Library; Jennifer Lamphere, Cristo Rey; Hannah Shaver, MSU Child Development Lab; Debby Starnes, Ingham County Health Department- Public Health Nurse; and Jamie Yeomans, Great Start Collaborative- Parent Coalition. 

Introductions and Approval of 5/06/08 Minutes

            The Parent Education Workgroup meeting was called to order at 1:35 pm. The meeting was chaired by Jamie.  Members introduced themselves and new participants Nichole Welz, Jennifer Lamphere, Hannah Shaver, and Debby Starnes were welcomed.
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without correction.   

CAUW/CRCF Update

            Michelle reported that a conference call was scheduled with CAUW/CRCF representatives on 6-04-08.  Additional information will be available at our next meeting. 

RFP: Supporting Evidence-Based Home Visitation Programs to Prevent Child Maltreatment

            Michelle informed members about an opportunity to apply for a Federal Government Grant to work with children ages 2-5 and their families in their homes in an effort to reduce child maltreatment.  The application deadline is July 21, 2008.  The group was interested in pursuing this opportunity.  Further discussion will occur at the Birth to Five Collaborative meeting scheduled for 6-11-08.

 Review of Assets and Gaps in Parent Education

            Members reviewed the “community parenting” information available at the migreatparents.org website.  Each participant reviewed their agency’s services to verify that the information was up-to-date.  Michelle requested that members not present review their agency information as well.  Please contact Michelle or Ken if changes are needed.
            Members agreed that additional time is required to accurately assess the parent education services available, as well as determine if they are at capacity.  The group discussed the possibility that more effort may be needed to maximize the numbers of families utilizing the current parent education services, rather then creating new services.  

Play and Learn Groups

            Debby advocated for an increase in GPGS play groups due to their positive impact on families.  The group agreed that they were a valuable resource for families and chose to focus on providing additional Play and Learn Groups for the following high needs populations:  refugees, teen moms, homeless, and food bank recipients.
            Michelle recommended starting a Play and Learn Group at the Summerplace apartment complex due to the large number of refugees living in that area.  Yvonne presented information with the group regarding her visits to three area food banks.  Further discussion will occur to determine the feasibility of Play and Learn Groups at these sites.  Due to limited space, it was suggested that it may be more practical to insert information into the bags.  Jennifer shared Nutrition handouts and games available to distribute at food banks.  Other suggestions for possible Play and Learn Group sites were:  Haven House, Black and Child Family Institute, Faith United Methodist Church, and Trinity Lutheran Church.  

Mission Statement Update

            Due to lack of time, this agenda item was not discussed.  Please bring suggested changes to the next meeting.  The current Mission Statement reads as follows:
“Develop a variety of education, support, and services that help strengthen the vital roles that all families play in their children’s development.  Meeting parents where they are in life and in their children’s lives to build confident compassionate families and homes.” 

Next Meeting:  July 1, 2008

            Jamie reminded the group that the next Parent Education Workgroup meeting will be on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371- 1347).   

Meeting officially ended at 3:20 pm.

Parent Education Workgroup

AGENDA – June 3, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI 48910

I.                   Introductions/Approval of May minutes

II.                CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal Update

III.             Discuss Assets and Gaps in parent education

             a.       List of current parent education resources, available at http://www.migreatparents.org/coparents.cfm?county=Ingham

             b.   Review current gaps in services.

IV.             Review  Goals

             a.  “Work with IRRC and the Lansing School District on methods to get information to non-English speaking families and have discussions about culturally sensitive parenting practices.”  (A#4)

              b.      “Expand the array of parent-child activities available in the community…joint programming at sites where families with young children are present…”  (B#2)

              c.       “Identify resources and programs targeted for at-risk groups such as non-English speakers, grandparents…” (C#1)

 
      V.       Mission Statement update

The next Parent Education Work Group meeting will be on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371-1347).

Parent Education Workgroup

Minutes - May 6, 2008

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mt. Hope  Lansing, MI

Members Present:  Yvonne Phillips, Great Start Collaborative-Faith Liaison; Lisa Chambers, Ingham County Health Dept/Jump Start; Rachel Prosen, Child Abuse Prevention Services; Barry Kaufman, CEI Community Mental Health; Lucy McClintic, CACS Head Start; Beany Tomber, WKAR; Laurie Linscott, MSU Child Development Lab; Michelle Nicholson, Ingham Intermediate School District; MC Rothhorn, Great Start Collaborative-Parent Liaison/Business Liaison; Ken Sperber, Great Start Collaborative; and Jamie Yeomans, Great Start Collaborative- Parent Coalition. 

Introductions

            The Parent Education Workgroup meeting was called to order at 1:35 pm. The meeting was co-chaired by Lucy and Jamie.  Members introduced themselves and new participants Yvonne Phillips, Rachel Prosen, Laurie Linscott, and MC Rothhorn were welcomed.

Approval of 4/14/08 Minutes

            The following corrections were made to the April minutes:

1.      Under Role of the Committee the words “Action Agenda” were 

      capitalized (paragraph #1) and immigration clinic was replaced with      

      immunization clinic (paragraph #2).

2.      Under Funding and Sustainability both the $19,000 CRCF/CAUW

     grant and $21,000 ECIC matching funds were deleted due to    

     inaccuracy.

            The minutes were approved with the above corrections.

CAUW/CRCF Update

            Michelle and Ken reported that the CAUW/CRCF representatives were pleased with the goals submitted by the Parent Education Workgroup.  They requested additional information regarding “expected outcomes”. 

            Beany proposed using an integrated parent education curriculum among all agencies involved with the workgroup.  She also suggested adding WKAR as a provider for trainings and materials.

            Lucy suggested using “Parents As Teachers” as the primary curriculum with supplements from other programs. 

            Michelle discussed the possibility of having two levels of providers for this program:  the “facilitators” of the parent/child activities, and the “experts” that would come to discuss specific issues such as smoking cessation. 

Mission Statement

            Group members discussed possible wording for a mission statement.  A final draft was not adopted, as members requested additional time.  The current draft reads as follows:
 

“Develop a variety of education, support, and services that help strengthen the vital roles that all families play in their children’s development.  Meeting parents where they are in life and in their children’s lives to build confident compassionate families and homes.”

Goals

            Group members selected the name “Great Start Parents As Teachers” as the name for all agencies to use when referring to the services provided by the parent education workgroup. 

            In an effort to address our goal of reaching non-English speaking families, it was agreed that agencies would make an attempt to include non-English materials at parent education activities.  The Immigrant and Refugee Center was discussed as a helpful resource in meeting this goal.  

            Yvonne will visit several Food Bank sites to assess how they function, accessibility of space for parent/child activities, and verify times open for food dispersal.  Additional sites were suggested for later evaluation, such as the Clothing Closet and local shelters. 

Assets and Gaps in parent Education

            Michelle reported that she attends the Family Matters Workgroup and suggested that they help assist with parent education with families with substance abuse issues.

            Due to time constraints, further discussion regarding assets and gaps will continue at the June meeting

Reminder:  Star Power Rally is May 21, 2008

            Register with the IISD Early Childhood Office (244-1267).  Hope to see you there!

Next Meeting:  June 3, 2008

            Jamie reminded the group that the next Parent Education Workgroup meeting will be on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (549 E. Mt. Hope) in Lansing.  Childcare will be available by reservation (Kathy 371- 1347).   

Meeting officially ended at 3:35 pm. 

Parent Education Work Group

Minutes April 14, 2008

Members Present:  Ken Sperber, Birth to Five; Nichole Welz, CADL; Lucy McClintic, CACS Head Start; Barry Kaufman, CEI Community Mental health; Michelle Nicholson, Great Start Collaborative;  Lisa Chambers, Ingham County Health Dept/JumpStart; Sharlina Pye Mack, Jamie Yeomans, Parent Representatives; Rachel Hedein, Public Health Nursing (for Tiffany Doolittle); Beany Tomber, WKAR.

Tomber welcomed everyone to the first meeting of this new work group.  All those present introduced themselves.  Those who have expressed interest but were not able to attend this first meeting are Shera Emmons and MC Rothhorn, parent representatives, Keri Keck, Teen Parent Network, and Marcia Rysztak, LCC.

It was suggested that an agenda item for future meetings should be assets and gaps in parent education.

Role of the Committee

Members began by looking at the Action Agenda for Birth to Five and the RFP from the Capital Region Community Foundation and the Capital Area United Way.  (CRCF/CAUW)  Under the Action Agenda, Ingham County Family Support and Parent Education Area, they selected item A#4 as one priority for this group. “Work with IRRC and the Lansing School District on methods to get information to non-English speaking families and have discussions about culturally sensitive parenting practices.”    They wanted to target Hispanic families and also look at what is going on now with existing resources that focus on this item.  They would do this by looking at the needs assessment that was done last year and by supporting existing resources.

All the items in B #1,2,3,4,5 “Expand the array of parent-child activities available in the community”  were considered priorities with the highest being #2  “…expanded and joint programming at sites where families with young children are present…” (examples: playgroups at a shelter outreach at food pantry sites, library playgroups with service agencies, etc.)  Various agencies are already doing this to some extent.  Other non-traditional locations to present parent education suggested were, in no particular order, Lansing Housing Commission sites, Community Network Centers,  Haven House, Food Movers, Food Bank, Stepping Stones, South Police Precinct, WIC offices, Work First, McDonalds’, domestic abuse shelters, health clinics, immunization clinics, laundromats.

C #1 was also identified as a priority area “Identify resources and programs targeted for at-risk groups such as non-English speakers, grandparents,…..”

The Parent Education Work Group will deal with the location, the process (how content is presented), and the content of these parent education presentations.  We need a name for this parent education initiative.

Structure, Curriculum, Materials, Content

The sites selected for parent education should be for both parent and child.  Suggested curriculums to be incorporated into the parent education presentations were Parents as Teachers, Ready To Learn, and Parenting Counts.   There should be an integrated curriculum with key messages for each developmental stage, 0-1, 1-3, 3-5.  A short piece on available resources should be available to give out at sessions with information appropriate to the particular group being targeted, i.e. alcohol/drugs, court ordered.  Public service announcements should be available to play in clinic settings.  There should be translations of materials in as many languages as possible to represent the cultural groups in the Lansing area.  There should be interactive learning opportunities and age appropriate activities along with an activity calendar in the materials at the sites..

Funding and Sustainability

We should look at a reimbursement fee for service to agencies doing training, to pay for materials and to promote best practices.

Barry Kaufman suggested that we select a high need group to begin where we can have a success fairly immediately.  A group that might be selected for a pilot was the Refugee Center at Jolly and Waverly which offers a number of agency programs already, i.e. Food Movers, GP Play Group.  We might look at a bi-weekly schedule connected to the needs of the families already using the site.

Regular meeting date, time and place

It was decided that the Parent Education Work Group would meet on the first Tuesday of the month, 1:30-3:30 at Mt. Hope Bethlehelm Lutheran Church.  Child care will be available by reservations with Kathy Kelly,CAPS.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Next Meeting May 6, 2008

Ingham GSC Parent Education

AGENDA Parent Education Meeting 4/14/08

Welcome and Introductions

Role of this Committee
            Relationship to Birth to Five Action Agenda
            Composition of Committee
            Organizing schedules, sites
            Curriculum
            Promotion
            Recruitment

Inventory of current programs – MIGreat Parent web site
            Who’s offering what?
            0-3
            3-5
       
Title I
            What are parent involvement criteria?
            What money is available?

Materials out there
            What materials are available from existing programs for us to use?
                        Birth to Five,  Born Learning,  Building Strong Families, Early On,  Head Start, Jump Start, KEEP,  Nurturing Fathers,
                        Parenting Counts,  Ready to Learn,  and Others

Capital Area United Way/Capital Region Community Foundation Proposal Process
                      (see RFP Summary)

Meeting Times/Locations