Workgroup: Operations Committee The Operations Committee of Ingham Birth to Five is composed of volunteers from the Ingham Great Start Collaborative and includes broad representation of different sectors of membership, including parents.  Beginning in November 2007 the committee will regularly meet on the 1st Friday of each month from 1:30-3:30pm, at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.   The duties of this committee include, but are not limited to:  - Planning the agenda for Birth to Five Subcommittee meetings  - Draft the annual Work Plan and Budget and bring to the Birth to Five Subcommittee for approval  - Act as the steering committee for annual assessment process  - Assist in drafting and preparing grant applications in support of the Birth to Five Subcommittee  - Review and provide recommendations on personnel and  contracts  - Assist in building formal system operating procedures and policies  - Act in situations that are urgent and require immediate action, on behalf of the Birth to Five Subcommittee

GSC Website Navigation   GSC, Birth to Five homepage   GSC Agenda and Minutes   GSC Workgroups   GSC Training   GSC Members   GSC Meeting Calendars

Birth to Five, GSC
Operations Committee

NOTES August 1, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing, MI 48906

Present: Lori Brasic, Fran Jozefowicz, Michelle Nicholson, Stephanie Peters, MC Rothhorn, Ken Sperber

CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal updates

            The Capital Region Community Foundation Board reviewed the Youth Initiative RFP at their meeting on 7/22/08.  The overall response was positive and Ken & Michelle will be meeting with Brad Patterson (CRCF) and Sharon Granger (CAUW) next week to follow-up and agree on the next steps.  After the meeting we will have a better understanding of the total dollar amount committed for each of two years and the timing for the release of the funds.

Review 2009 Work Plan and 2009 Budget

            The proposed 2009 Work Plan was reviewed by the Committee.  Most of the items were similar to items in last year’s work plan.  Additional activities were added to address new items in the ECIC Performance Measures.  After discussion, the Operations Committee voted to support the 2009 Work Plan and recommend that the GSC approve it at the GSC meeting on 8/13/08.
            Michelle shared a draft of the proposed GSC budget for 2009 using ECIC funds totaling $165,000.  This budget has a slight increase ($5,000) compared to the 2008 budget.  The ECIC requires at least a $10,000 line-item be included in the budget for Parent Support. The proposed budget included salaries for parts of IISD staff (Michelle, clerical and Finance Services staff) in the amount of $42,762 (plus 14,967 for fringe benefits).  The initial budget proposed by Michelle included $80,000 for contract services (including performance contracts with Ken Sperber, MC Rothhorn, Yvonne Phillips, MSU and $4,000 TBD (To Be Determined at a later date).
           MC Rothhorn and Ken Sperber excused themselves from the meeting to allow the Operations Committee to discuss the contracted services portion of the budget in greater detail, without any appearance of conflict of interest.  When they returned Fran complimented MC and Ken for all their efforts and work on behalf of the GSC.  Fran reported that the Committee was going to recommend that the contracted services for Ken and MC be continued at the current rates for the time being.  Fran stated that the Committee intends to review the performance contracts with MC and Ken in the Fall for possible amendment to include additional funding.  This wait and see approach will enable the Operations Committee to review the financial and work situation after the new IISD staff is in place, and the Youth Initiative project funding is in place.
          Fran also reported that, while Ken and MC were excused from the meeting, the Operations Committee recommended changing the proposed budget to decrease the performance contract with the faith liaison by $5,000 and place those funds in the TBD line-item to allow greater flexibility in the use of the contracted service funds. 
          There was discussion about the way honorariums, mileage, and child care reimbursements are provided to parent participants in the Parent Coalition, GSC meetings and workgroups.  MC will be developing Letters of Commitment for parent participants to clarify expectations and responsibilities. There was consensus to also encourage Jaime to serve as a paid Parent Liaison, working with MC, utilizing Parent Support funds.  The Operations Committee agreed to change the proposed budget to include the costs for a cellphone ($720/year) for Michelle to use.  Up until now Michelle has been using her personal cellphone for GSC business, and the extra minutes have been adding up.
          Michelle agreed to make all the changes in the proposed budget as recommended by the Operations Committee.  Ken will email the proposed 2009 Work Plan and revised proposed budget to the GSC so it can be considered and voted on at the 8/13/08 meeting.  The 2009 Work Plan and Budget must be submitted to the ECIC by 8/15/08. 

Status on Letters of Commitment

            Michelle reviewed the Letters of Commitment received so far (Stockbridge, CAUW, and MSU) and those “in the mail” (LCC, ICHD, CMH).   The Committee members offered to help re-contact the other organizations to remind them about the need for the Letters.  Ken will re-send the email with the Letters of Commitment explanation and sample Letters to the Operations Committee members so that they can use it in their follow-ups.

Plan for GSC meeting on 8/13/08

            The Committee chose to have Fran Chair, and Stephanie serve as Timekeeper for the GSC meeting on 8/13/08.  The proposed meeting Agenda was reviewed including updates about co-sponsoring the League of Women Voters registration events in September, and approval of the 2009 Work Plan & Budget.
            The Action Agenda portion of the meeting will be used to review and chart progress year to date.  For the Agency spotlight it was agreed to invite Keri Keck to talk about the Teen Parent Network.  It was suggested that future community spotlights include CATA Transportation (highlighting the upcoming November millage), and the March of Dimes (featuring their many publications and resources), and Stephanie offered to contact a member of the Safe Kids Coalition (car seat safety).

Next meetings

           The Operations Committee usually meets on the first Friday of each month.  Several members spoke about the difficulty of traveling to the meetings on the north side of Lansing.  Lori passed on the request from OYC to use speakerphones for conference calls at the GSC meetings, Operations Committee, and other workgroup meetings.  Michelle responded that would involve considerable expense since many of the meeting facilities do not have the equipment or phone line capabilities for conference calls.  It was suggested that alternately the future Operations Committee meetings could be held at different member sites on a rotating basis.  It was decided the next Operations Committee Meeting will be on 9/5/08 at 1:30pm at the Human Services Building, 5303 S Cedar Lansing.  {Lori has reserved the Administration Conference Room in the Ingham County Health Department for the meeting on 9/5/08}.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing, MI 48906

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Operations Committee Meeting Notes - June 30, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing, MI 48906

Present: Lori Brasic, Fran Jozefowicz, Lucy McClintic, Stephanie Peters, MC Rothhorn, Ken Sperber, Marcia Rysztak, Beany Tomber and Jamie Yeomans 

CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal updates

            Ken & Michelle will be meeting with Brad Patterson (CRCF) and Sharon Granger (CAUW) on 7/8/08 to share the latest versions of the RFP charts, budgets, and narratives.  A lot of the narrative in this draft is based on materials written for the GSC Strategic Plan and other previous grant applications.  The funders will be reviewing the written materials and letting us know what additional content or directions need to be developed.

ECIC updates from Petoskey TA session

            Michelle, Jaime, and MC attended the ECIC Quarterly Technical Assistance sessions in Petoskey on 6/24 and 6/25.  MC and Jaime shared their impressions from the TA sessions.  In their opinion many of the local GSC and Parent Coalitions are experiencing problems that are not really issues in the Ingham GSC.  MC and Jaime expressed that they felt that the parents in the Ingham GSC were included in the GSC workgroups and decision-making, and that the Parent Coalition was supported by the local GSC.  The parent involvement in other local GSCs appeared to be different.  Jaime said she felt thankful that our community agencies, the Ingham ISD, and parents were all working together so well.
            It was reported that the FY 2009 GSC Grant Application, Budget and supporting documents have to be submitted to the ECIC by 8/15/08.  The Ingham GSC budget allocation has been increased by $5,000 to a total of $165,000 for FY 2009.  At least $10,000 of this funding has to be reserved for Parent Coalition.  The Ingham GSC, and many other local GSCs have been given a six-month extension to complete the Finance Project activities. 
            The ECIC is requiring that the members on the local GSCs must include the directors or CEOs of the human service agencies.  According to ECIC the directors may send delegates or designees to the regular GSC meetings on their behalf, but the ECIC is requiring that the directors personally attend at least two meetings per year.  There was discussion on the best way to meet the intent of this ECIC requirement, given practical realities of the time demands of the agency directors.  Members pointed out that the issue is compounded by the fact that many of the GSC agencies serve multiple counties.  In Ingham County the local GSC Birth to Five is a Sub-Committee of the Power of We Consortium (the multi-purpose collaborative body).  Since the Power of We Consortium (POWC) meetings are attended by the agency directors is was agreed that the GSC would meet with the Directors by providing presentations at the POWC at least twice a year, as well as encouraging the agency directors to attend other GSC meetings during the year.

Plan for GSC meeting on 7/9/08

            Lori and Fran offered to serve as Chairperson and Timekeeper for the GSC meeting on 7/9/08.  It was agreed that the business part of the GSC meeting should include: GSC Coordinator Report & ECIC updates (Michelle); information on the 2009 GSC Allocation and Grant Application; a review of GSC member requirements and Letters of Commitment; updates on the ECIC technical assistance sessions with the Parent Coalitions (MC & Jaime); and the latest on the Federal Grant Application for Home Visitation (Lisa).

            Ken reported that he had tried to invite the Capital Area Safe Kids Coalition at Sparrow Hospital to present information on car seat safety as the featured agency spotlight for the 7/9/08 GSC meeting.  In case Safe Kids does not agree to present, Ken asked for other suggestions form the group.  It was suggested that we invite a representative form Immigrant and Refugee Resource Coalition for the 7/9/08 meeting, and if they are not available then we should use the time to discuss with other GSC members ideas of other agencies to present at GSC meetings in the coming months.

Unassigned RFP chart activities

            Ken reviewed the RFP charts and the GSC workgroups agendas and noticed that there are two projects in the RFP charts that are not being discussed in any workgroup.  The areas of Oral/Dental, and Child Care Scholarships are currently not assigned to any workgroup for the development of implementation strategies.  It was suggested that they could be worked on in the Operations Committee, but after discussion the consensus was that it would be more appropriate to assign the task to another workgroup since the Operations Committee will be reviewing the overall CAUW/CRCF project and budget.  It was decided to ask the Parent Education Committee to work on the Oral/Dental component, and ask the Quality Initiatives workgroup if they would be willing to work on the Child Care Scholarship component.

The next Operations Committee Meeting will be on August 1, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.

Birth to Five, GSC
Operations Committee

AGENDA June 30,2008

at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing, MI 48906

1)     CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal updates

2)     ECIC updates from Petoskey TA session (Finance Project, 2009 Grant Application)

3)     Plan for GSC meeting on 7/9/08

a)     Identify Chair and Timekeeper (Lori, and ?)

b)    Review Agenda topics including: RFP updates, Federal Grant Application for Home Visitor Programs, Organizing Statements, and Letters of Commitment

c)     Agency Focus/Spotlight - any suggestions?

4)     Unassigned RFP chart activities (Oral/Dental, Scholarships)

5)     Review Action Agenda progress

6)     Other items or announcements

Next Operations Committee Meeting will be on August 1, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.  The Operations Committee usually meets on the first Friday of each month.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Meeting Notes - June 6, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing, MI 48906

Present: Lori Brasic, Barry Kaufman, Lucy McClintic, Stephanie Peters, Michelle Nicholson, MC Rothhorn, Ken Sperber, Beany Tomber and Jamie Yeomans

CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal Updates

In a conference call on 6/4/08 Ken Sperber and Michelle Nicholson spoke with Sharon Granger (Capital Area United Way), and Brad Patterson (Capital Region Community Foundation) about the CAUW/CRCF Youth Initiative.  Brad and Sharon reviewed the three documents (Executive Summary, Component Area Charts, and Budget Summary) that they received from the Ingham GSC.  Brad also shared these documents with the CRCF Board at their meeting in late May 2008.

Overall the feedback was very positive.  Brad and Sharon outlined some clarifications they would like to see in the charts and the budget, and described the next steps.  Most of the requested revisions were organizational, including items such as: numbering the component areas in the chart (using a Roman numeral and alphabet outline format); using a corresponding numbering scheme in the budget page; and clearly labeling the budget columns (base funding and expanded funding). 

The funders also requested that additional information be included in the component area charts.  In the “Budget Range “ column we are being asked to include a broad list of the items the funds would cover (such as in the example of the Play & Learn Groups, the $30,000 in expenses includes staff, mileage and supplies).  The funders have also requested that we expand the component area charts to include separate columns for Indicators and Measures.  They requested that the revised charts should include separate and revised columns on the charts showing Outcomes, Indicators, and Measures for each of the project component activities.  The current version has Outcomes and Measures for each of the activities, but lacks “Indicators” for each activity.  Sharon will be forwarding us examples of Program Outcomes, Indicators and Measures that CAUW has used with other community based projects, as a guideline.

The funders have also requested that we write a full narrative for the proposal describing the overarching goals and strategies, and how the different component areas fit together.  They intend to use this “grant product” to forward to other potential funders to gain more financial support for this project.  They have requested that this new narrative section of the proposal address each of these topics:  

§         The target audience for the specific type of service;
§         Details of the service: how it will be delivered, where it will be delivered, how the target audience will be accessed and engaged;
§         Identification of the partners supporting the specific component of the project;
§         Key staff and their qualifications and/or experience to deliver this service;
§         Identification of the outcome(s) and indicators that will characterize success in addressing this specific aspect of school readiness -- what success will look like; and
§         A completed budget page (from the CRCF Common Form) with any discussion of specific line items you feel is appropriate

The next steps are for us to prepare and submit the revised charts and budget pages with all the requested changes, and the new narrative section to the funders by 7/18/08.  We have set up a meeting on 7/8/08 with the funders to review the rough drafts of these items (to make sure that we are working on the right track).  Brad wants to have the revised materials ready to submit to the Foundation Board for their review and approval at their meeting on 7/22/08.

Ken and Michelle will work with the Operations Committee and Workgroup leaders to ensure the necessary changes are made and the new narrative is developed for the RFP.  With the continued support and assistance from the Ingham GSC these written materials should be ready by the next set of deadlines

Plans for Orientation meeting on 6/11

Ken and Michelle reviewed plans for the new member GSC Orientation meeting. Nineteen people were invited, and 7 (including Ken, Michelle & MC) have confirmed attendance.  We will continue having these Orientation meetings quarterly with the next meeting on September 10, 2008. It was suggested that all Operations Committee members receive copies of the Orientation notebook, so that if new members join us in the next couple of months, they can be informally orient them and not just wait for the next meeting in September.

Plans for GSC meeting on 6/11/08

MC agreed to chair the next GSC meeting and Lori agreed to serve as timekeeper. The Committee reviewed the proposed Agenda and topics. We will go back to the format of asking for updates for each Goal Area in the Action Agenda.  It was suggested that for the Part III – Action Agenda, Building Links section the featured Agency/Programs be used for viewing the video clip and discussion of the PBS series “Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? Part 2 “When the Bough Breaks”.   Ken and Beany will try and acquire the video clip and Michelle will contact Lisa Chambers to see if she will lead the discussion.

Others Items

Michelle mentioned that Cheri Barber will no longer be the ECIC Technical Assistance Representative to the Ingham GSC, instead she will be working with the Parent Coalitions statewide.  The designated ECIC person providing TA to the Ingham GSC will become Joan Blough.

There is an opportunity to apply for a Federal grant to improve Home Visor programs in our area.  The Committee discussed the advantages of funding a project to support programs like Early Head Start/Head Start, Jump Start/PHN, Great Parents Great Start, Early On, CAPS, and CMH home visitors.  The application is due July 21, 2008 so the Committee agreed to place the topic on the GSC Agenda for discussion on 6/11/08.

Lori mentioned that she is on a listserve thru the 211 regional call center that may be helpful for publicizing community events. Email blast requests may be sent to 211@lifewaysmco.com

Due to the July 4^th Holiday, an alternate for the next Operations Committee meeting was set for Monday June 30th from 9:30-11:30am at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

AGENDA June 6, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing, MI 48906

1)     CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal
    a)     Updates from discussions with Funders
    b)    Discussion of next steps

2)     Plans for GSC Orientation meeting on 6/11 at 11am

3)     Plan for GSC meeting on 6/11/08
    a)     Identify Chair and Timekeeper (MC, Lori?)
    b)    Review Agenda topics including: RFP next steps, updates
    c)     Report on Star Power Rally 5/21/08
    d)    Agency focus (EVE, Tomorrow’s Child Grief Support, Care Seat Safety, others?)
    e)     Early On Annual Report

4)     Finance Project updates and Work Plan Revisions

5)     Set next Operations Committee meeting date (alternates for July 4^th  - 6/30 or 7/31am)

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Meeting Notes- May 2, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow, Lansing MI

Present: Fran Jozefowicz, Barry Kaufman, Lucy McClintic, Stephanie Peters, Michelle Nicholson, MC Rothhorn, Marcia Rysztak, Ken Sperber, Beany Tomber and Jamie Yeomans

The Operations Committee members welcomed the GSC workgroup leaders to this expanded Operations Committee meeting.

CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal

            Michelle reviewed the RFP budget and explained the amounts of funds that were already committed and the amount of money that was available for new projects.

$225,000 Full grant amount

-20,000 Imagination Libraries Clinton & Eaton Counties (requested by funder)
$205,000

-21,333 Matched funds for ECIC Investment Fund
$183,667

-17,281 Ingham ISD Indirect Costs (at rate of 8.43%)
$166,386

Each of the workgroup leaders presented the proposals that their committees were recommending and the group discussed the projects.  The proposed project components included Parent Education and Family Support through home-visits and play & learn sessions; Early Literacy events and activities; expansion of Imagination Library in Clinton and Eaton Counties; Dental/Oral Health training and activities; Early Education and Care scholarship/subsidies; Professional Development for caregivers through training and coaching; improvements in Social-Emotional Health through training, multi-disciplinary consultation teams and use of a gap fund; and Public Awareness efforts using the media to promote the importance of investing in early childhood.

Even though the total cost of all the projects presented was more than the available funds, Ken and Michelle agreed to bring all the proposals to their meeting with the funders on Tuesday 5/6/08.  To assist with the presentation of all these projects to the funders each workgroup leader was asked to complete a chart for their component area. 

Project Component Name:

Outcomes:

Michelle cautioned the group that even though we would be presenting each of the component area charts (including the budget ranges) to the funders on Tuesday, the funders still had the prerogative to decide which projects to fund or decline to fund, and their relative funding priorities.  After the meeting with the funders Ken and Michelle will be reporting back to the Operations Committee and the GSC Workgroup leaders.  An email will go out to all the GSC members with the latest version of the charts before the GSC meeting on 5/14/08.

Plan for GSC meeting on 5/14/08

The main focus of the GSC meeting on 5/14/08 will be the consideration of the RFP component area charts.   It was agreed to set up the Agenda to allow sufficient time for discussion and approval of the component area charts.  Lucy agreed to Chair the 5/14 GSC meeting, and MC agreed to serve as Time Keeper.  The Lead Coalition has been invited for the agency spotlight portion of the Agenda.  The members suggested that future spotlight agencies might include car seat safety and the Finance Project. Stephanie requested that time be set aside in the June GSC meeting for the Early On Grant Application review and approval.  The Operations Committee reviewed and approved the proposed Agenda for the 5/14 meeting. 

Revisions to the GSC Workplan

Michelle reviewed the Finance Project, and the expectations written into the Ingham GSC 8-month workplan.  Much of the GSC time lately has been focused on the deliberations and consensus building process to respond to the CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal.  This shift in priorities, due to this exciting and challenging RFP opportunity, has meant that the timeline for working through the Finance Project activities has moved back.  In addition, we are still awaiting clarification from the State as to what data is readily available broken out County by County. After discussion, the Operations Committee voted to recommend that the Ingham GSC approve a change in the 8-month Workplan by pushing back the Finance Project activities an additional three months.

Operations Committee Members

The Operations Committee extended an invitation to each of the workgroup leaders to join the Operations Committee on a regular basis.  This would help with continuing discussions on the CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal, as well as the implementation of the Action Agenda.  To increase parent representation Michelle also asked MC to invite another member of the Parent Coalition to join us at the Operation Committee meetings.  The next Operations Committee Meeting will be on June 6, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing. 

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

AGENDA May 2, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing, MI 48906

1)     CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal

   a)     Recommendations from Workgroups
   b)     Discussion of recommendations

2)     Invite additional Operations Committee members (Workgroup leaders)

3)     Plan for GSC meeting on 5/14/08

   a)     Identify Chair and Timekeeper
   b)     Review Agenda topics including: RFP Priorities,
   c)     Star Power Rally 5/21/08
   d)     Lead Coalition

4)     Finance Project and Work Plan Revisions

Next Operations Committee Meeting will be on June 6, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.  The Operations Committee usually meets on the first Friday of each month.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Meeting Notes  April 4, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

101 E Willow, Lansing

Present: Stephanie Peters, Michelle Nicholson, Sharlina Pye-Mack, and Ken Sperber

CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal

            Ken and Michelle shared a one-page summary of the CRCF & CAUW Request for Proposal (RFP) and answered questions based on their meeting with Sharon Granger (Capital Area United Way) and Brad Patterson (Capital Regional Community Foundation).  The Operations Committee discussed a process to respond to the RFP that included all the workgroups and the GSC membership.  The Committee suggested that the RFP summary be revised to include more information, the timeline, and the involvement of the workgroups in the process. (See revised RFP Summary). 

            It was recommended that in the April workgroup meetings each of the GSC workgroups should review the RFP, and discuss how the objectives in the Action Agenda first year priorities fit with the RFP 6 targeted areas.  The workgroups should be asked to reach consensus on:
1) recommendations of what activities could use financial support,

2) which area from the list of 6 targeted areas above does the activity address,
3) the range of costs for the support,
4) who the partners would likely be in the activities,
5) possible measurable outcomes from the activity 

The CRCF & CAUW are expecting a written draft proposal to be submitted to them by mid-May 2008.  In order to expedite timely consideration of these ideas it was also suggested that all the GSC workgroup leaders be invited to attend the Operations Committee meeting on Friday 5/2/08 at CACS Head Start at 1:30pm.  Based on those discussions at the 5/2 Operations Committee, a draft of the proposed activities for the RFP will be prepared.  The response to the RFP will be presented for discussion and approval at the GSC meeting on 5/14/08.  

Plan for GSC meeting on 4/15/08

            Sharlina agreed to Chair the 4/15 GSC meeting, and Lucy will be asked to serve as Time Keeper.  The Operations Committee reviewed the proposed Agenda for the 4/15 meeting.  The regular Agenda was re-arranged to leave adequate time for guest speakers:
a) Sharon Granger (Capital Area United Way) and Brad Patterson (Capital Regional Community Foundation) - CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal Summary and Q&A
b) Al Bay (MI Dept of Community Health) and Tara Clark (Maximus) -

“Covering Kids Together” an on-line application process for MI Child, Healthy Kids, Plan First and MOMS

Operations Committee Members

            The Committee discussed ideas to add additional members to the Operations Committee.  The workgroup leaders will be invited to the next Operations Committee meeting to discuss the CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal.  It was suggested that we take the opportunity at that meeting to also ask them if they would like to join us on the Operations Committee on a continuing basis.  It was also suggested that the Parent Coalition might also want to choose another parent representative to join the Operations Committee.

Clerical Support for KEEP Task Force

            A request has been received from the KEEP Task Force serving as the workgroup on the social-emotional goals in the Action Agenda for clerical support to write-up the meeting minutes.  The Operations Committee recommended that Michelle explore further the costs of using IISD temps and/or CMH clerical staff to write-up minutes from audio recordings of the workgroup meetings or by attending the meetings.

Next Operations Committee Meeting will be on May 2, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.  The Operations Committee usually meets on the first Friday of each month.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

AGENDA April 4, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing, MI 48906

1)    CAUW/CRCF Request for Proposal
      a)    RFP Summary
      b)    RFP process

2)    Plan for GSC meeting on 4/15/08
      a)    Identify Chair and Timekeeper
      b)    Review Agenda topics including: Parent Coalition Plan, MSU students PSAs, and Ad Hoc Transpo Committee Survey request
      c)     CAUW/CRCF RFP presentation and Q&A (Brad and Sharon)
      d)    Medicaid Outreach on-line enrollment (Al Bay)

3)    Recruit additional Operations Committee members

4)    Clerical support for KEEP Task Force

Next Operations Committee Meeting will be on May 2, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.  The Operations Committee usually meets on the first Friday of each month.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Meeting Notes  March 7, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

101 E Willow, Lansing

Present: Lori Brasic, Fran Jozefowicz, Stephanie Peters, Lucy McClintic, Michelle Nicholson, MC Rothhorn, and Ken Sperber

2008 ECIC Grant Application (revisions)

            There were some minor revisions that ECIC requested be made in the 8-month Work Plan that was submitted in January 2008.  Most had to do with explaining the cross references to activities in the Action Agenda.  Ken and Michelle worked on these revisions and re-submitted the Work Plan to the ECIC.  ECIC identified an additional $3,330 that was supposed to be included in the Ingham GSC 8-month budget.  This would bring the requested funds from the ECIC for the Ingham GSC 8-month grant up to $163,330. The revised budget documents were submitted to ECIC showing additional expenses for secretarial support, parent supports, and a lap top computer.  The Ingham ISD has received notification from the ECIC for approval of the Ingham GSC grant award in the amount $163,330.

Budget & Staffing

            Michelle discussed with the committee several personnel items.  Sharlina has given notice that she intends to relocate to Tennessee and resign her Parent Coordinator position.  Michelle has been talking with Jaime and MC about the possibility of picking up some additional hours and their willingness to take on Sharlina’s position when she leaves.  Jaime has decided not to assume any additional responsibilities at this time.  MC also talked to the Operations Committee about his background in accounting, community organizing, and working with businesses. His experiences include working with International Peace Brigades in Germany, teaching English as a Second Language, manager of an After-School Program, community organizer in San Francisco, and business manger for the Lansing Northwest Initiative.
            The Operations Committee recommends to the GSC that a $5,000 performance contract with MC Rothhorn be approved.  MC would serve as an independent contractor to the Ingham GSC, as an outreach liaison, working with parents and the business community.
            The Operations Committee suggested that Michelle continue discussions with Jaime and MC and coordinate any necessary increases in service hours that may be necessary when Sharlina leaves her position.

Plan for GSC meeting on 3/12/08

            The Committee reviewed the proposed Ingham GSC meeting Agenda for 3/12/08. Fran agreed to facilitate, and Lucy to time-keep at the meeting.  The general consensus was that the new Ingham GSC Agenda format seemed to work well, and help focus our discussions on the Action Agenda.  It was suggested that we reverse the order for the Goal Area discussions.  Lucy agreed to do a presentation on Oral and Dental Health, and talk about the Miles for Smiles fundraiser during the agency spotlight time slot.  Ken and Michelle are trying to arrange for Medicaid Outreach and the Lead Coalition to be the featured agency spotlights at the April and May meetings.   

New Member Orientation (3/12/08)

            The first new member orientation meeting will be held before the GSC meeting on 3/12/08.  So far 19 participants have signed up to attend.  A member handbook with the materials suggested by the Operations Committee is being prepared.  Ken and Michelle are meeting to develop a power point presentation and agenda to make sure all the important items are covered.  Committee members asked if they should also attend the new member Orientation meeting, and Ken suggested that their assistance would be  more valuable in helping mentor and support new members after the orientation meeting.  The importance of engaging new members in also joining the GSC workgroups was  discussed.

Other updates

            No new written communications have been received from the United Way / Foundation Youth Initiative, nor the MSU / Power of We Kellogg Foundation grants.  However, we have received verbal assurances that some written communications will be coming within the next two weeks, Michelle was informed that we can expect a sole-source contract RFP from the United Way / Foundation Youth Initiative shortly; and Ken was assured that we would be receiving a copy of the latest draft of the MSU / Power of We Kellogg Foundation grant application soon.
            Michelle shared a correspondence that she received from the CAPS Board stating that they are maintaining the Executive Director position as vacant, while they continue strategic planning and consider an alliance with another service agency.  In the interim, Jim Paperella through Child & Family Services is providing administrative services.
            Michelle updated the Operations Committee on items discussed at the ECIC meeting for GSC Coordinators earlier this week.  There is a new composite logo that ECIC is finishing work on, for the local Great Start Collaboratives.  It will incorporate the familiar State mitten and an ECIC tagline.  The ECIC has agreed to help sponsor the MI-AIMH Fatherhood Conference as requested by the Ingham GSC with $2,000 from the MI Head Start Collaborative budget.  The Star Power Rally date has been set for 5/21/08.  The next ECIC technical assistance training meetings will be in Petoskey June 24-25, 2008.  Michelle suggested that the Finance Project be included on our next Operations Committee meeting Agenda.

Next Operations Committee Meeting will be on April 4, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.  The Operations Committee usually meets on the first Friday of each month

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

AGENDA March 7, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

 CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing, MI 48906

      a)     Work Plan
      b)    Budget & Staffing

2)     Plan for GSC meeting on 3/12/08
      a)     Review Agenda, identify Chair and Timekeeper
      b)    Discuss revised format and GSC meeting time allocations
      c)     New Member Orientation (3/12/08)

3)     Other updates
      a)     United Way / Foundation Youth Initiative
      b)    MSU Kellogg proposal

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Meeting Notes February 8, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

at Ingham ISD Thorburn Ed Center  2630 W Howell Rd, Mason

Present: Fran Jozefowicz, Stephanie Peters, Sharlina Pye-Mack, and Ken Sperber

MIAMH Conference

            Fran requested support on behalf of CANEY the local chapter of MIAIMH, for the Fatherhood Conference on April 21-22, 2008 (Nurturing the Fatherhood Commitment: Engaging and Understanding Fathers of Infants and Young Children).  The Operations Committee supported the idea, and recommended that we send on a letter to the ECIC to become one of the agency sponsors since it is a statewide conference.  Fran will send Ken the details to include in the letter to the ECIC.  Ken shared with Fran the MSU CEU contact information for Elaine Williams.

Review Action Agenda - Goal VI  Infrastructure

            The Operations Committee reviewed the Action Agenda - Goal VI Infrastructure and chose Strategy A increase GSC membership as highest priority.  The Committee began working on Objective A.1. Developing an orientation packet and a mentoring system for new members.  Sharlina shared the orientation pack that has been developed for the Parent Coalition.  Members offered suggestions of what to include, and offered wording revisions.  It was suggested that we make sure to include new logos, phone number and website for all documents.  The consensus was reached to develop one packet with info for everyone (Parent Coalition and GSC members).  The group suggested that the information include: Power of We chart, membership list (and contacts), GSC Organizing Statements, GSC Brochure, Star diagram (version with workgroups added), Action Agenda (with Intro letter), and Status Report to the Community, in addition to the items already in the packet.

            After much discussion the Committee endorsed the idea of holding Quarterly Orientation luncheon meetings for new members.  These would be in addition to the written Orientation Packets and the standing offer to stay after any GSC meeting to get additional information from Ken or Michelle.  The quarterly Orientation meetings will be scheduled for 11:30am - 12:30pm, before the monthly GSC meetings on March 12,
June 11, September 10, and December 10, 2008.

            The Committee discussed renewing contacts with agencies whose representatives have not been attending regularly (CAUW, MSU Extension, DHS, Courts, ICHD-PHN) and trying to bring in additional representatives from early education and care programs like MSRP and area child care centers.  Michelle explained that is also timely to have the required organizations (from original GSC application) renew their letters of commitment.  Michelle will develop a template or sample letter to present to the agencies with a copy of their original letter.

            Ken reviewed some of the other Action Agenda Infrastructure items for Year One that the GSC has already made progress in.  These include the development of an outreach Database, Alignment of the Workgroups, and beginning the development of a Speakers Bureau. 

Plan for GSC meeting on 2/13/08
            The Committee reviewed the proposed Agenda and the revised format.  Stephanie offered to serve as the chairperson for the meeting and Fran will act as timekeeper.  Members agreed to help with the Action Agenda reports in the 5 star goal areas when the workgroup leaders make their reports.  Ken agreed to provide the GSC an update from the Operations Committee on the Infrastructure Year One progress on the Action Agenda.
The Committee discussed the conflict with the 4/9/08 GSC Meeting date with the school districts spring vacations.  Other alternate dates discussed were 4/23 or 4/15.  No one date was found when all could attend.  It was decided to propose the GSC to switch the April meeting date to Tuesday April 15^th, same time 1-3:30pm

Next Operations Committee Meeting will be on March 7, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.  The Operations Committee usually meets on the first Friday of each month.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

AGENDA February 8, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

at Ingham ISD Thorburn Ed Center 2630 W Howell Rd, Mason

1)     Review ECIC & Budget Updates

2)     Review Action Agenda - Goal VI  Infrastructure

3)     Infrastructure - Membership
   a)     Renew Letters of Commitment
   b)    Invite additional members
   c)     Orientation Pack and Mentors

4)     Plan for GSC meeting on 2/13/08
   a)     Agenda (revised format)
   b)    Chair & Timekeeper

5)     Other updates

6)     April GSC Meeting Date (4/9 or other alternative)

Next Operations Committee Meeting will be on March 7, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.  The Operations Committee usually meets on the first Friday of each month.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Birth to Five, GSC Operations Committee

Meeting Notes January 4, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

CEI-CMH, 838 Louisa Lansing

Present: Lori Brasic, Fran Jozefowicz, Stephanie Peters, Sharlina Pye-Mack, and Ken Sperber

2008 ECIC Work Plan & Budget

            The Operations Committee discussed the proposed Work Plan for 2008.  The version that the Committee reviewed was the same one that was sent to the GSC membership on 12/21/07 via email.  The few email comments received to date were supportive of approval of the Work Plan.  The Operations Committee approved the plan, and recommended that it be forwarded on to the ECIC with the 2008 Grant Application.

            The Operations Committee reviewed the proposed 8-month budget for the period of 2/1/2008 through 9/30/2008.  Ken explained that this 8-month budget essentially follows the pattern of the previously approved 4-month budget that ran from 10/1/07 through 1/31/07.  It continues supporting the current contractual staff positions for Parent Coordinator (Sharlina), Parent Liaisons, Faith Liaison (Yvonne), and Staff to the Committee (Ken).  It also continues providing funding for the GSC Parent Coalition and other parent activities, honorarium and child care reimbursements. 

            In the proposed 2008 Budget the only new area to be funded is $21,333 for an “Infrastructure Investment Fund”. The ECIC has given local Great Start Collaboratives the budget option to set aside ECIC budget funds that must be matched with local funds for discretionary infrastructure projects.  This proposed budget includes the maximum amount allowed for a GSC Infrastructure Investment Fund (with a cash match from Capital Area United Way & Capital Regional Community Foundation Youth Initiative).  This budget place marker will enable the Ingham GSC the discretion to direct GSC funds towards local implementation plans.  In order for funds to be set aside for this Infrastructure Investment Fund (a new expenditure increase), an existing budget line-item had to be decreased by the same amount of funding.  To accomplish this, the proposed budget shows that a smaller portion of Michelle’s salary will be paid by ECIC grant funds (and a larger share will be paid by the Ingham ISD match).  This will not affect Michelle’s salary, fringes or time on the grant, it only adjusts the identified funding sources for her position in the budget.

            After discussion, the Operations Committee voted to support the proposed 8-month budget as written.  The Operations Committee also voted to recommend that the GSC approve this budget and have it submitted to the ECIC for funding.

Planning for GSC meeting on 1/9/08

            The Operations Committee reviewed the proposed Agenda for the GSC meeting on Wednesday January 9, 2008.  Some revisions were made to the draft of the Agenda.  Ken said he would try and email out the new meeting Agenda to the full membership by the end of the day.

            There was discussion about the flow of the GSC meetings and the use of GSC meeting time.  In the coming year the GSC will be needing to monitor progress on the implementation of Action Agenda, and also taking on a new role in the Capital Area United Way & Capital Regional Community Foundation Youth Initiative.  The Operations Committee recommended that the GSC meeting times should be extended an additional half hour to end at 4pm.  In addition, the Operations Committee suggested that the GSC meetings be re-organized to focus on the 5 Goal Areas in the Action Agenda.  It was suggested that the Workgroup Reports and the member announcements and updates could be redirected to occur during the time set aside for progress reports, updates and discussions in each of the 5 Goal Areas.  Members asked for Ken to try and make a chart showing the alignment of the current GSC Workgroups and the 5-point star illustrating the 5 Goal Areas.  Members discussed how this new format for GSC meetings could be worked into a new agenda template.  The discussion of the proposed GSC meeting changes (time & agenda format) will be continued at the GSC meeting on 1/9/08.

Next Operations Committee Meeting will be on February 1, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

AGENDA January 4, 2008 1:30-3:30pm

at CEI-CMH Early Intervention Services
838 Louisa Street, Suite D,
Lansing, MI 48911 (517) 887-5251

1)     Review 2008 ECIC Grant Application (due 1/15/08)

        a)     Work Plan

        b)    Budget

2)     Plan for GSC meeting on 1/9/08

         a)     Review Agenda

         b)    Discuss use of GSC meeting time

3)     Other updates

Next Operations Committee Meeting will be on February 1, 2008 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.  The Operations Committee usually meets on the first Friday of each month.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Meeting Notes December 7, 2007 1:30-3:30pm

CACS Head Start 101 E Willow Lansing

Present: Lori Brasic, Fran Jozefowicz, Michelle Nicholson, Stephanie Peters, Ken Sperber

Review GSC Retreat (11/14/07)

            Overall the Committee felt the November GSC Strategic Planning Retreat was successful.  Even though the number in attendance was not as many as we had hoped, there were enough participants for each small group to accomplish the objectives and the tasks assigned.         
            The Committee reviewed the drafts of the Strategic Planning charts (Ingham Early Childhood Action Agenda) for each of the five component areas and offered comments and suggestions.  The Committee also reviewed the draft of a sixth section for Infrastructure and discussed content and revisions. 
            There was discussion about designating the KEEP Task Force to serve as the Social-Emotion Health Workgroup for the Ingham GSC to guide the implementation for the Social Emotional Health component area strategies and objectives.  It was agreed to move ahead with this plan to have the KEEP Task Force become a designated GSC Workgroup, understanding that additional resources and committee members may be needed to succeed in this effort.  This proposal was also discussed and agreed to at the KEEP Task Force meeting on 12/6/07.  Ken will begin working on adding the KEEP materials to the GSC Workgroup section of our website (www.cacvocies.org/birthtofive).  Barry Kaufman and Ken will meet in January to begin discussing some of the logistical and programmatic details of this dual function for the KEEP Task Force.

Funding Proposals

            Michelle shared information regarding two big funding opportunities.  The first is the joint funding for a youth initiative sponsored by Capital Area United Way & Capital Region Community Foundation with other foundations.  Michelle has received preliminary indications that the funders have chosen birth to five to be the designated focus of this 3-year, $1.5 million dollar funding initiative, with Ingham GSC in the lead role.  For their final deliberations the funders have requested a list of the types of projects that the Ingham GSC could help initiate.  The Operations Committee agreed that the projects should be interagency and collaborative, and meet needs identified in our planning process, using the strategies and objectives in our Strategic Planning charts.  The Operations Committee suggested that we use the Strategies list from our Strategic Planning charts and a list of associated project ideas, but not present them (at this point) with a price tag for any particular project or prioritized list. 
            It was agreed that the entire Ingham GSC membership will have to first approve the Strategic Planning Charts and then develop a system to prioritize the initiatives before we can begin to designated top priorities or price tags for particular projects. All members agreed that the planning process has worked well so far, in part because of the inclusive nature of our decision making and in building a group consensus, and that we should continue these strategies as we move from planning to implementation.
            Congratulations were offered to Michelle for her effective efforts in presenting the case for early childhood to the CAUW and foundations funding panels. 
            In addition, MSU Outreach and Engagement along with the Power of We Consortium is planning on submitting a multi-year $1 million dollar grant to the Kellogg Foundation.  This grant would foster a University and community partnership to focus on three critical areas: birth to five, middle school and workforce entry.  Michelle and Ken have provided the group writing this proposal the drafts of the Ingham GSC Strategic Planning charts for them to fold these ideas into the grant proposal.  We are awaiting more information on this proposal.
            Ken and Michelle reported that they have met with two instructors for the MSU Service Learning Center to try and arrange student projects for the Spring semester to promote the Ingham GSC and build the public will to invest in early childhood.  In conjunction with the Capital Area Community Media Center, MSU students in this class will be creating public service announcements about GSC initiatives and video spots that can be used on the GSC website and through their YouTube portal.

Review sections of 2008 Grant Application (due 1/15/08)

            Michelle shared the outline and the Work Plan format that must be submitted to the ECIC by January 15, 2008 as part of the GSC funding application process.  Most of the information is already included in the Strategic Planning charts and the other materials that Ken and Michelle have been preparing as part of the Strategic Planning Process using the ECIC templates.  Because of the timing and the Holidays it was agreed to send out the 2008 Grant Application for an email approval vote in the beginning of January 2008.

Agenda for GSC meeting on 12/12/07, and Next Op Comm Meeting

            Ken shared a proposed draft Agenda for the 12/12 GSC meeting and members offered suggestions and revisions on the timing and agenda items.  At this point, after discussion and with the mutual consent of OYC, the Agreement with OYC for business outreach will be discontinued.  A new agency or individual will be sought to lead the GSC business outreach initiatives and to be responsible for the distribution of the business toolkits.  This discussion will be continued at the next Operations Committee meeting on January 4th.

Next Operations Committee Meeting - on January 4, 2008 at 1:30pm
Tentative location CEI-CMH Early Intervention Services
 838 Louisa Street, Suite D, Lansing, MI 48911 (517) 887-5251

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Birth to Five, Ingham GSC Operations Committee 

Meeting NOTES from November 2, 2007

at CACS Head Start 101 E Willow Lansing

Present: Lori Brasic, Lucy McClintic, Michelle Nicholson, Stephanie Peters, Sharlina Pye-Mack, Ken Sperber

Planning for GSC Retreat on Nov. 14^th 

Ken shared a proposed AGENDA for the Ingham GSC Retreat on 11/14/07.  Members offered suggestions to revise the Agenda.  Lucy offered to share some activities from the “I’m Moving I’m Learning“ training and curriculum and Lori volunteered to lead the group in a “Stumbling Blocks and Barriers” activity. Operations Committee members agreed to lead the five small group discussions: Social Emotional (Fran); Physical Health (Lori); Early Care & Education (Stephanie); Family Support and Parent Ed (Sharlina); and Economic Security and Child Safety (Lucy).  Ken and Michelle will work on preparing a revised Agenda with time allocations.  Op Committee members agreed to help with follow-up calls if the RSVP numbers on 11/9 are not large enough.

GSC/ECIC Logo issues

          The Op Committee members reviewed the letter that Ken and Michelle posted to the GSC listserve.  The Op Committee strongly agreed with the perspective that the Ingham GSC logo should remain like the State of Michigan Great Start logo and not change to an ECIC style logo.  Almost all local GSC Coordinators, who responded on the listserve,  agreed with Ken & Michelle, and the ECIC has taken the issue under advisement for further re-consideration.

Foundation Funding Proposal Updates

          Michelle reported on the meetings with Capital Area United Way and the Capital Region Community Foundation and other partner funders considering sponsoring a unified focused Capital Region Community Youth Initiative.  One of the areas actively under consideration is a focus on Birth to Five.  The next meeting of the funders group will be on 11/29/07.  They are considering funding a $500,000 initiative for each of several years, and to date Michelle has been providing them lots of information about economic return on early childhood, and the importance of early childhood education and care.  To date we have let them know that the Ingham GSC is currently working on a strategic plan and Children’s Action Agenda that could help identify priority areas for possible initiative funding.  At the funders meeting on 11/29 “academic experts” will be making presentations, and there may also be an additional opportunity for Michelle to provide additional information about the benefits of investing in early care and education.
            Pat Farrell spoke briefly with Ken and Michelle about a grant proposal that the Power of We and MSU are considering submitting to the Kellogg Foundation.  This would be a multi-year grant proposal to provide funding for a broad range of youth initiatives for our area.  The current thinking is that the grant will be requesting $1million per year for 3-5 years to be divided among three target areas: birth to five, middle School initiatives, and workforce entry programs.  Pat said she would share more with the Ingham GSC as the grant proposal ideas became more clear.
            Michelle shared with the Op Committee information from the Junior League about their grant proposal process.  They fund projects of up to $20k that would benefit the community.  It was suggested that Michelle and Ken look into writing a proposal for a preschool scholarship fund (similar to the OYC City of Lansing Scholarship fund) that could be used County-wide and help meet some of the needs of families falling between the cracks.   The program could also be aimed at low-income working families not currently receiving assistance to enable them to enroll their children in preschools, childcare centers, or family day care homes.  Ken and Michelle will follow-up with Lori from OYC.

MIChild and Healthy Kids

            Michelle, Ken and Sharlina attended a training on 10/30/07 on the new on-line application system for health care insurance.  Now parents can apply on-line with one combined application for health insurance coverage under MIChild (S-CHIP), Healthy Kids (Medicaid), MOMS, and Plan First.  The website lets applicants use an on-line signature and enter pay rate information (without having to photo copy pay stubs) so that an eligibility determination can be made immediately upon completion of the on-line application.  In under 20 minutes a family can fill out the application, eligibility be determined and an authorization card be ready for immediate use. The website for the on-line enrollment is: www.healthcare4mi.com .    Ken has added a link to this on the GSC website in the “Other resources” section.

Kids Count

            Ken and Michelle have been working with a local coalition of groups who are going to help sponsor a Kids Count press event on 12/4/07.  This will be similar to the press conference we helped sponsor last year, but this year there will be more of a focus and child safety and local data.  This will also be an opportunity for the Ingham GSC  to share the “The Status of Young Children in Ingham County, 2007 Report to the Community on the Well-being of Ingham County’s Young Children and Their Families”

The next Operations Committee Meeting - Dec. 7, 2007 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing. 

The Operations Committee now regularly meets on the first Friday of each month at 1:30pm at CAC Head Start.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Birth to Five, GSC Operations Committee

10/4/07 Meeting Notes, 9-11am

Present: Lori Brasic, Fran Jozefowicz, Michelle Nicholson, Stephanie Peters, Sharlina Pye-Mack, Ken Sperber

ECIC and Budget Updates

Michelle reported that in response to ECIC feedback several (minor) changes had to be made on the submitted Work Plan and Budget sheets.  In the 4-month Work Plan, in Sections B and C/D, the completion dates needed to be changed from 1/31/08 to 1/15/08 to align with the new ECIC deadlines.  In Section A, the name of the Parent Coordinator (Sharlina Pye-Mack) had to be added into the Plan.  The ECIC required Budget revisions included additional details, such as the number of parents supported, and the names of sub-contractors. Michelle made all the required changes and re-submitted the Work Plan and Budget sheets to ECIC.

  Michelle reported that even though the ECIC funding for the coming year will be in the form of a 4-month grant, and then an 8-month grant, the IISD fiscal office suggests that the sub-contracts be drawn up for a full twelve months (with an “if necessary” termination clause).  From the IISD perspective this is easier since there would be fewer sub-contracts coming to the IISD Board for approval.

Michelle outlined the expected work to be covered in extending each of three GSC sub-contracts (Ken, Yvonne, and Sharlina) for another year.  The contract for Ken Sperber would include combining the current two sub-contracts in place (one as support staff to the GSC, and the other for website work) into one twelve-month contract.  Using the currents rates for each of these subcontracts, and including around $1,000 for travel and overnight expenses (to the ECIC technical assistance meetings) the proposed contract for the new fiscal year would be for $45,000.  

Michelle explained that Yvonne Phillips has additional time that she can spend on the Faith-Based Initiative and recommended her contract be increased to $20,000.  Michelle also recommended that the GSC purchase additional Parent Coordinator services from Sharlina Pye-Mack and include a small amount for travel and expenses (to the ECIC technical assistance meetings) raising the amount to $7,500 for the year. Sharlina’s childcare expenses would not be included in the subcontract, but instead be reimbursed as needed from the parent activities portion of the GSC budget.  In addition, Michelle recommended budgeting $2,500 for other parent liaisons who are interested in more hours.

The Operations Committee reviewed and discussed each of these sub-contract recommendations.  There was unanimous support for moving ahead with continuing each of these ongoing subcontracts with the new dollar amounts suggested by Michelle. The Operations Committee noted that each of these subcontracts helps support the work of the Ingham GSC and fits in the Ingham GSC budget.  These recommendations will be presented to the GSC at the next meeting on 10/10/07 for approval.

Review GSC Birth to Five Agenda for Next Meeting on October 10^th

            Stephanie agreed to Chair the next GSC meeting on 10/10/07, and Fran offered to serve as the timekeeper.  The Operations Committee agreed to continue rotating members to serve as Chair for the GSC meetings.  It was suggested that the timekeeper serve as the Chair for the following meeting. 

The Committee reviewed the Agenda for the 10/10 GSC meeting, and focused on the Infra-Structure Review section.  It was agreed to cover 4 sections: Organizing Statements, Examples of inter-agency agreements, Collaborative workgroups/coalitions, and an Assessment of collaborative governance on a continuum.  Ken and Michelle will prepare materials (handouts and overheads) and the Operations Committee members agreed to help with the discussion in each of these areas. 

Planning GSC Retreat 11/14/07

The plans are starting to shape up for the 11/14 meeting.  Instead of the usual two hour meeting in November we will be holding a Strategic Planning Retreat.  It will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 1900 Boston Blvd Lansing 48911.  It will go from 9:30am until 3:30pm, and lunch will be included.  The site was chosen because it has more windows in the large meeting room and small breakout rooms are also available.

The focus of the Retreat will be on developing an Action Agenda for each of the 5 component goal areas.  Participants will be given the feedback from the community conversations distilled into themes.  Members will be asked to use these, and their own experience and expertise to help us develop strategies, objectives, timeframes, starting points, responsibilities and contributions, and system/family/child outcomes.  It was suggested that the morning be spent in individual component area workgroups, and then in the afternoon we share the ideas with the larger group.  Each member of the Operations Committee will facilitate one of the morning small group component area discussions: Fran - Social Emotional Health; Lori - Physical Health; Stephanie - Early Ed; Lucy - Basic Needs; Sharlina - Parents.  Ken and Michelle will prepare charts to be used in each small group and help out where needed.

Parent Coalition -  GSC Logos

         The Shiawassee GSC purchased lawn signs that say “We support the Great Start Collaborative.  Sharlina suggested we distribute a similar item but make it more like a window cling sign.  In the discussion it was suggested that maybe we can get it in a few sizes so it could be used for car windows as well as large store front windows.

But there is a new issue with the logo - apparently the ECIC wants each of the local Great Start Collaboratives to change the logos that they are using to a new one.  Currently the local GSCs are using a variation on the brightly colored Great Start logo with the map of Michigan in the background.  The ECIC wants everyone to switch to using the ECIC logo with small tag line identifying it as a Great Start Collaborative.  Every member of the Operations Committee thought this was a bad idea.  It would upset the identity we have been building in the community and confuse our recognition with that of the ECIC.  Members commented that this apparent unilateral decision is not very “collaborative” and that we are a local GSC not a local ECIC.  It was suggested that we should try and get the ECIC to re-consider this decision.  The Operations Committee felt very strongly that the Ingham Great Start Collaborative should continue to use the Great Start logo and not switch to the ECIC logo.

--- Current logo version                                ---ECIC proposed version

Next Meeting

     The next Operations Committee Meeting will be on Nov. 2, 2007 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.  The Operations Committee will start to regularly meet on the first Friday of each month beginning in November 2007. from 1:30pm- 3:30pm at CACS Head Start.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

AGENDA 10/4/07, 9-11am

1.     ECIC events and budget updates

2.     Community Report & Community Conversation feedback

3.     Review GSC Birth to Five Agenda for Next Meeting on October 10^th

a. collaborative governance

b. examples of inter-agency agreements and collaborative training

c. local Great Start service system integration

4.     GSC retreat for Nov. 14^th meeting

5.     Parent Coalition - logos or signs

Next Operations Committee Meeting - Nov. 2, 2007 at 1:30pm at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow Lansing.  The Operations Committee will start to regularly meet on the first Friday of each month beginning in November 2007.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Meeting Notes August 24, 2007, 1:30-3:30pm, 

CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow

ECIC, contract, workplan, and budget updates

            Most of the meeting was spent discussing the proposed 4-month Workplan and the proposed 4-month Budget.  The Ingham Great Start Collaborative has asked for "Planning Continuation" funding for the first four months of the new fiscal year.  To be eligible for this funding, the ECIC is requiring the Ingham Great Start Collaborative to submit a revised Work Plan and a 4-month Budget to cover the period of Oct 1, 2007 through Jan 31, 2008.

            The deadline for the submission of these required documents to receive continuing ECIC contract extension funding is Sept 12, 2007.  This Planning Continuation funding is a 4-month extension, and then in January 2008 the Ingham GSC can apply for an 8-month "Implementation" grant for the remainder of the fiscal year funding.

            Since our next full Ingham GSC Collaborative meeting isn't until the deadline date of 9/12/07, the Operations Committee recommended that the GSC membership approve the revised Workplan and Budget via email. 
            The revised 4-month Workplan is based on the current Workplan and additional items listed in the ECIC Workplan Template.  The focus for the next 4 months will be on developing the Strategic Plan and the Early Childhood Action Agenda for our community, both of which must be submitted to the ECIC by 1/15/08 to be eligible for Implementation funding for the next 8 months of the fiscal year. 

            The budget is a continuation budget in almost every line-item.  Essentially the same amount of money was allocated for most line-items on a pro-rated basis to develop a 4-month $53,330 budget.  The 4-month budget of  $53,330 is required to include an allocation of $3,330 designated for parent coalition activities and support. The sub-contracts for Faith, Business and Parent Outreach, Website and Staff to the GSC are all included in the budget as discussed and voted on at the 8/15/07 Ingham GSC meeting. 

            After a thorough discussion and a few changes the Committee voted to approve the Workplan and Budget and to send it on to the GSC membership for their review and approval.

Community Report & Community Conversation feedback

            So far there have been about a dozen Community Conversation meetings with feedback from over 50 parents and about 50 agency staff members.  Lori and Sharlina agreed to do the session in Stockbridge on Wednesday 8/29, and Lori also offered to do another session with OYC staff.  Ken, Sharlina and Michelle are scheduled to do about another ten sessions.  The feedback to the Report presentation has been positive and many participants have offered suggested strategies to address the identified issues.  Ken and Michelle will be working to pull common themes out of the feedback sessions and report back to the GSC. 
            It was suggested that the October GSC meeting could focus on outlining the parts of the Strategic plan and then focusing on the Infrastucture review and governance issues.  At subsequent meetings other parts of the Strategic Plan will also be discussed.

Review GSC Birth to Five Agenda for 9/12/07 Meeting

The Operations Committee reviewed the proposed Agenda and discussed both items to be on the Agenda, and the way the meetings are being conducted.  There was agreement that there doesn’t seem to be enough time to cover all the information during the current 2-hour GSC meetings.  Sometimes topics run longer and others don’t get addressed as thoroughly.  The Operations Committee suggested several ideas to help the meetings run more smoothly including having someone serve as a time-keeper and having someone other than Michelle or Ken chair the meetings.  The Operation Committee members offered to serve on a rotating basis in these two co-chair positions - meeting leader and time-keeper.  Lori and Stephanie offered to serve in those roles for next GSC meeting.

An item will be included in the Agenda of the next GSC meeting to discuss with the full GSC whether we are providing the appropriate content (level of detail to members) and scheduling adequate time (length of meetings).  It was also suggested that the Agenda include a discussion of the Strategic Plan timeline, and that the meeting start punctually at 1:30pm.

Next Operations Committee Meeting

Unfortunately the last regular meeting date the Operations Committee settled on conflicted with the Quality Initiatives workgroup meeting time.  After calendar consultations and discussions it was agreed that the Operations Committee will begin regularly meeting on the first Friday of each month at CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.  Since the Family Growth Center will not be in session to offer child care, child care reimbursement will be available to parent participants in the meetings. 

Due to conflicting schedules the next Operations Committee meeting will be on Thursday 10/4/07 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E Mt Hope Lansing, from 9-11am.  The next 4 Operations Committee meetings will be 10/4 (BLC), 11/2(HS), 12/7(HS), 1/4(HS).  All meeting dates, Agendas and Minutes will be posted to the GSC website.

The next Operations Committee meeting will be on Thursday 10/4/07 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E Mt Hope Lansing, from 9-11am. 

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

AGENDA  August 24, 2007, 1:30-3:30pm

CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow

1. ECIC, contract, workplan, and budget updates
2.  Community Report & Community Conversation feedback
3.  Review GSC Birth to Five Agenda for Next Meeting on September 12^th
   – Note: GSC meeting place change back to BLC (Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing).
4. Next Operations Committee Meeting
   - RESOLVE regular meeting dates for Operations Committee (without conflict with other standing meetings)

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Meeting Notes  7/31/07 , 2pm – 4pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lansing

 
Present: Lori Brasic, Lucy McClintic, Fran Jozefowicz, Michelle Nicholson, Stephanie Peters, Sharlina Pye-Mack, Ken Sperber

ECIC updates, Contract Extensions

Michelle shared an email from Cherie Barber (ECIC) that stated that a budget extension for 3 month period would require a new budget and a new workplan for Oct 1 thru Dec 30^th , and then another budget and workplan for January thru September 2008.  There was discussion about the fact that our current approved workplan does not list a completed Strategic Plan as a required item by 9/30/07.  ECIC has indicated that local GSCs can not carry over funds past the current contract ending date of 9/30/07.  It was suggested we let the ECIC know that we plan on completing all the items in our approved workplan (and that we will be completing the Strategic Plan by Jan 31, 2008).  It is not clear if this means we must apply for a contract extension.  After further consultations with the ISD Michelle will discuss this further with the ECIC.

Review Budget Expenses

The 4^th Quarter written projection estimated $61k in expenses, current estimates are that actual spending will be closer to $51k.  In addition to this $10k underspending in this quarter there was $5k underspent in previous quarters.  Several suggestions were made and discussed of how to spend this $15k in the Ingham GSC budget.  The Operations Committee recommended that GSC grant funds be used to:

1) pay a larger portion of Michelle’s time (currently the grant pays 25% of her time - but she is spending almost 70% of her time on the GSC efforts)

2) spend grant funds on a temp employee to attend Community Conversations to provide clerical support

3) contract with Ken to provide facilitation at the Community Conversation meetings, and assistance in helping develop the themes to be used in the Strategic Plan

4) add additional time and effort into the Faith-Based outreach efforts
5) purchase some signs that say “Supporter of Ingham Great Start Collaborative” with the logo, for display at area businesses and faith-based organizations joining the GSC efforts.

6) look into additional help for writing of the Strategic Plan

Michelle will look into each of these suggestions and request line-item transfers to re-allocate grant budget funds, if necessary.

Mott Dental Coalition has developed a dental wheel – Baby Your Baby Teeth, Birth to Three.  Lucy has talked with Delta Dental about reprinting a large quantity, maybe jointly with Ingham GSC.

Next year the Ingham GSC budget may include a small amount of funds for investment in infra-structure building.  ECIC has not made it clear exactly what they mean by this. One example they offered was for coordinating parenting curriculum and certification, such as PAT; but this needs more clarification.  Ken and Michelle will be attending a TA session by ECIC in mid-August that will hopefully better define planning, system change, and infra-structure building, as well as developing and funding new GSC activities.

Community Conversations

The Community Conversation Schedule was revised, Ken will post updated versions to the website. Sharlina and Ken reported on the first two Community Conversation meetings held at the end of July.

Next Meetings

The Committee reviewed the GSC Birth to Five Agenda for Next Meeting on August 15^th.  The Committee discussed moving the regular meeting dates of the Operations Committee to the 1st Tuesday of each month from 2-4pm, or the 1^st Wednesday of each month from 1:30-3:30pm.  The group agreed to the Wednesday meeting day, so the next meeting will be Sept 5^th at BLC*.

(*NOTE: due to conflict with the QI schedule of meetings the Op Comm will need to re-discuss and decide on a different regular meeting date)

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

AGENDA - 7/31/07, 2pm – 4pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lansing

1. ECIC updates, Contract Extensions
2. Review Budget Expenses
3.  Community Report & Community Conversation Schedule
4.  Review GSC Birth to Five Agenda for Next Meeting on August 15^t
   – Note: GSC meeting place change for summer (UUMC – 1120 S Harrison, East Lansing).
5.   Next Operations Committee Meeting
   - We discussed moving the regular meeting dates to the 1st Tuesday of each month from 2-4pm, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.  That would tentatively put the September meeting on 9/4/07 at 2pm

Ingham GSC Operations Committee

Meeting Notes 7/10/07, 2:00pm – 3:30pm

 Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lansing

Present: Michelle N, Sharlina P, Ken S, Lori B

Review Budget, Proposed Purchases

Michelle ordered $19,868.99 of books and child development materials, as discussed in previous Operations Committee meeting.  Many of the shipments have already arrived at the IISD.  Labels will get printed with Ingham GSC logo and contact info to place on all the materials.  Also, plastic bags have been ordered with GSC contact information.  The Halo Sleepers are really well made - have “Back to Sleep” slogan printed in the pattern on the sleepers; when unzipped have a Safe Sleep tip sheet; and some have velcro swaddle attachment.

We are spending pretty close to what the budget plan projected ($54k for the Quarter).  The bids for the 4 color glossy Community Report to print 1,000 copies – bids so far range from $1,000-$1,220.

After discussion it was agreed to give out infant toddler books and Meijer ($25) gift cards to all parents at the Community Conversations.  Copies of the calendars will also be given out at those parent meetings.  The nursery rhyme music CDs will also be used as gifts (parents will get to choose one item from these three choices: infant book, toddler book, music CD).  Halo Sleepers will be reserved for use in Business, Faith and Parent outreach efforts to encourage them to create their own welcome baby bags and support Safe Sleep. 

The outreach efforts will be using the following purchased items which will be tracked in the database: Baby Teeth Wheels, Bunnaby Bunny Reader, Calendars, Child's Play Booklet, Kids Basics, Nursery Rhymes Booklet, Nursery Rhyme CD, Rockabye Reader, Sleep Sacks, Social-Emotional Wheels-Infant/Toddler, and Social-Emotional Wheels-Preschool.

Community Report & Community Conversations

The 7/2 draft of the Community Report has been emailed to GSC members, and posted on website.  We received several compliments and a few suggestions.  The wording around “Action Agenda” was revised to better explain what we mean by that term, and some of the charts have been more clearly labeled.  We will also print up the consensus Goals for use at the Community Conversations.  We will be using the questions from the backpage of the Community Report during the Community Conversations.

Ken and Michelle suggested a variety of methods to get feedback from participants using a round robin format.  Depending on the length of time allocated for the activity, and the number of people in the meeting one of the techniques might work better:

Easel - poster sheet to record suggestions called out by participants

Sticky notes - for people to individually write-up and then collect and display up front

Index cards - to hand-in with suggestions and comments (works when very little time available)

Small Groups  – 5 small groups rotate to 5 areas with pre-labeled poster sheets (with sub-topics and questions), write and discuss ideas posted and then move to next area.

It was suggested we write up talking points, and closing remarks to help have consistency in Community Conversations.

            This is the current schedule of Community Conversation meetings:

Early On Family Committee                    7/26/07            6-8pm (Sharlina & Stephanie)

Infant Health Disparities Coalition              7/30/07            1-3pm (Ken)

Early Childhood Literacy Coalition            8/14/07            9-10:30am (Michelle, Ken)

Public Awareness Workgroup            8/20/07            1:30-3:30 (Michelle, Ken, Sharlina)

Quality Initiatives Workgroup            8/1/07              (Michelle, and Lori or Ken)               

Safe Sleep Coalition                                   8/20/07            9-11am (Ken, Sharlina)

Head Start Policy Council              September       10am -12 noon (Sharlina & Lucy)

Immigrant & Refugee Coalition            9/10/07            9-11am (Michelle)

Power of We Consortium                   9/21/07            1:30-2pm (Ken & Michelle)

Superintendents Roundtable                   September            (Michelle)

Curriculum Directors                                  September            (Michelle)

Special Ed Directors                                  September            (Michelle)

Homeless Resolution Network            ? Sept.             (Ken)

Clergy Forum                                       ? Aug.              (Yvonne, Michelle)

IMPACT                                             ?Aug or Sept            (Sharlina, Michelle)

CMH Partnership Council             9/14/07            6-8pm (Sharlina)

Stockbridge Community                   8/29/07            (Jo, Michelle)

GPGS Playgroups (Sharlina or Shera):  Holt 8/6/07 at 10-11am, Willamston 8/7 at 10-11am, Haslett 8/8 at 10-11am, Stockbridge 8/9 at 10-11am, Oak Park Y 8/9 at 2-3pm, Foster Community Ctr 8/10 at 10-11am, East Lansing 8/16 at 10-11am.

Next Operations Committee Meeting

The next Operations Committee meeting will be July 31, 2007 at 2-4pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E Mt Hope Lansing.

We discussed moving the regular meeting dates to the 1st Tuesday of each month from 2-4pm, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.  That would tentatively put the September meeting on 9/4/07 at 2pm.  We will finalize this at the next Operations Committee meeting on 7/31/07. 

Ingham GSC Operations Committee 

7/10/07 Agenda, 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lansing

Review Budget, Proposed Purchases

Community Report

Community Conversations

Review GSC Birth to Five Agenda for Next Meeting on July 11^th

 – Note: GSC meeting place change for summer (UUMC – 1120 S Harrison, East Lansing).

Next Operations Committee Meeting (8/2? & place?)
 -  The Operations Committee usually meets on the 1^st Thursday of each month from 2:30-4pm, at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church. 

Ingham GSC Operations Committee 

Notes from 6/7/07 Operations Committee Meeting

CACS Head Start, 101 E Willow, 2:30pm – 4pm 

Present:  Lori B, Michelle N, Ken S, Sharlina P, Diane W, and Cheri B

Michelle report that she had received a report about the MI Great Parents website utilization.  In the most recent ten months (7/2006 – 5/2007) The Ingham website has received 1,987 visits.  This is up from 1,326 visits in FY2005 and 1,688 visits in FY2006.  Ingham County website visits indicate the 2^nd highest usage in the State.

Star Power Rally

Michelle distributed Star Power evaluation forms for participants to complete.  Lucy forwarded a letter she received from Rep LeBlanc thanking her for her visit and the Early Childhood Education information.  Lori described her two positive legislative visits as well.  Lori and her group felt both Rep. Ball (on Shiawassee GSC), and Rep Caul (former Spec Ed teacher) were very supportive of our issues.  Sharlina visited with Rep. Agema who talked about the role of faith-community in providing community services. 

A Lansing State Journal reporter contacted Michelle to do a rally follow-up story.  Michelle is working with Ingham ISD and with the ECIC to prep materials to share with the reporter.

Review Budget, Proposed Purchases

            Michelle mentioned that there was another Venture grant opportunity.  Since re-submitting our previous proposal will not work, the deadline is July 13^th, and it is for a relatively small amount of money ($5k) for “innovative and new ideas”, we will not submit an application this round. 

Michelle discussed the line-item transfer request of $4,500 from Communication & Outreach (telephone, fax) to move to Contract Services.  Michelle also discussed that Lynne Martinez will not be billing Ingham GSC for initial business efforts with Bill Millett lecture and any follow-up services.  Ingham ISD has not been charging Ingham GSC grant for postage costs.

The Operations Committee discussed and recommended that the Ingham GSC grant purchase the following items to use as incentives and outreach supports.

$2,500 - for Meijer gift cards ($25 certificates face value, with small purchase discount)
$2,000 - Social-Emotional wheels (@ $1 each) - Infant/Toddler, Preschool & Spanish $1,000 - Baby Those Baby Teeth pamphlets
$1,000 - Learning is Childs Play, (@$2/book) $.65-$2.75 with logo
$1,000 - Rock-a–Bye-Reader (English and Spanish versions) (@$1.95/copy)
$1,000 - Bun-a-Bye-Bunny toddler version (@ $3/book)
(Diane shared that new Clinton GPGS coordinator may have other inexpensive books)
$800    - Halo sleepers (100 @ $8)
$1,650 - Audio CD of ACTS nursery rhymes (by Joyce at Ingham ISD), and other CDs and DVDs
$ 1,200 - Watch Me Grow Calendars -  English & Spanish (@$1)

Sharlina suggested CD, tapes or DVDs with educational songs and games and fingerplays.  Michelle or Sharlina was going to check with Beany about PBS items, Ken about the NAEYC store (website), and Lori about Scholastic Book discounts. 

USES
- Community conversation meeting incentives for parents
- Stockpile incentives for other community events (eg. Early Childhood Literacy Coalition fall Mall events, Family Fun Fair)
- Yvonne use with faith based outreach, Lori OYC with business outreach, Sharlina with parent groups

The Ingham GSC received ECIC foundation money ($1,200) in advance of the Star Power Rally.  Ingham GSC only spent under $200 for mileage and childcare, but balance can be spent on other parent activities or carried over to next year’s budget.

Priorities, Goals, Strategies & Strengths

Based on the ideas discussed at the May 2007 Ingham GSC meeting, Ken and Michelle worked on a revised draft of the Priorities, Goals, Strategies & Strengths document.  The Committee reviewed the draft and offered additional comments and suggestions.  The updated version will be emailed to all Ingham GSC members before the next meet on 6/13/2007 for discussion and consensus approval at the meeting.  Ken will also post the document on the website see: http://www.cacvoices.org/organizations/birthtofive/minutes/june

 Draft GSC Birth to Five Agenda for Next Meeting on June 13^th

The Operations Committee reviewed the Agenda for the next Birth to Five, Ingham GSC  meeting. Note: GSC meeting place change for summer months (UUMC – 1120 S Harrison, East Lansing).

Next Operations Committee Meeting

Due to the July 4^th holiday the next Operations Committee meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday July 10^th, from 2-3:30 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee 

AGENDA - June 7, 2007, 2:30-4pm, CACS Head Start 101 E Willow

Review Budget, Proposed Purchases

Priorities & Strengths

Community Report

Draft GSC Birth to Five Agenda for Next Meeting on June 13^th

 – Note: GSC meeting place change for summer (UUMC – 1120 S Harrison, East Lansing).

Next Operations Committee Meeting (date-7/5? & place?)

 -  The Operations Committee usually meets on the first Thursday of each month from 2:30-4pm, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Ingham GSC Operations Committee 

NOTES - Operations Committee May 4, 2007

Diane W. announced that her last day at CEI-CMH will be 6/15, and there will be a farewell on 6/14 in the CEI-CMH Atrium on Jolly Rd in the afternoon.  Diane reported that her replacement had been selected and would be announced shortly.  Diane and her replacement will be at the next Birth to Five meeting on May 23^th.

ECIC Updates

     Rob Grunewald – will be speaking at the Lansing Radisson on 5/17/07 from 3-5pm.  Invitations and email announcements have gone out, so far received 20 RSVPs.  Michelle  will be in contact with him to coordinate with his earlier part of the day (11-3pm he will be speaking at Round Lake Conference Center in Laingsburg).  At the Radisson Michelle is arranging for snacks to be served, the schedule is for arrival and sign-in 3-3:15pm, Rob to speak for 45 minutes (3:15 to 4pm), and then Michelle to talk about Great Start Collaborative, and Rob will take questions at end.  Ken will set up sign-in table.

     Star Power Rally – May 29^th Rally begins at 8:30am.  ECIC is looking for 25 people, at least 12 parents, to come from each local Great Start Collaborative.  Attendees will be offered prepaid parking; parents can receive child care & mileage reimbursement; and free T shirts will be available for all.  Special activities are planned for kids (who are accompanied by parents).  ECIC is preparing talking points to share with those in attendance before they go to meet with their legislators.  ECIC is identifying 3 State Reps and 3 State Senators to give out champions awards nominated by local GSC’s in their Districts to receive “Star Awards”.  Michelle urged Operations Committee members to encourage others to also attend.  Michelle requested all who plan on attending to RSVP via email directly to MNichols@InghamISD.org as soon as possible.

     Local Needs Assessment – ECIC has set up a TA meeting for June 18^th 1:30-3:30pm on data collection.  One issue remains with our local data, CEI-CMH data is aggregate of all three Counties.  Diane will try to separate out by County for home visits and other CMH data if possible.  Lori will send info to Diane that we would like separated by County if possible.  The data collection then will be complete, next need to use the data to develop priorities and a document such as a Report to the Community as part of a strategic plan.  Lucy shared what Shiawassee GSC has done so far.  Lucy believes that Ingham has a larger number of at-risk children, and clearly we have more agencies providing services. 

Michelle shared ECIC outline of what must be included in the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan needs to answer, for the community, the following questions:

• What is the current status of young children and families, and our local early childhood system?
• What does our community need to accomplish to improve the status of young children and families and develop a more comprehensive and cohesive system of programs, services and supports?
• What will our community need to do to get there?
• How will our community know we are making progress?

            Lucy suggests we start by looking right at birth, ie the number of children born into poverty, on Medicaid.  Diane would like to see