Suffolk Early Childhood Development Commission Meetings

Date: Feb 1, 2023 Time: 2:00 to 4:00pm Location: City of Suffolk City Hall 442 W Washington St Conference Room 3 February 2023 Commission Meeting Members Present Members Absent Mark Furlo Catherine Pichon Marie Baker Gin Staylor Henry Dixon Sarah Townsend Shawna LoMonaco Guests Present Lisa Milburn Carol Wilson Stacie Prine Clint Rudy Tamie Rittenhouse Terrance Johnson I. Introductions/Welcome– Tamie Rittenhouse called the meeting to order. II. Review Minutes-The commission reviewed the minutes from Dec 7, 2022. Carol mentioned the misspelling of her name. Shawna will update. Marie Baker made the motion to approve the minutes Henry Dixon and Carol Wilson seconded the motion. The vote to approve the minutes was unanimous. III. Coordinators Report: A. Child Care Numbers: Shawna reported the only change to the child care numbers was an increase in FDH subsidy providers from ten locations to eleven. Tamie mentioned connecting with Ready Regions to access a list of Suffolk location participating with the Preschool Development Grant and promoting to those that are not. B. ECDC Update – Shawna shared the following: 1. The Resource Room and meeting space has been approved by the city. This space will be located at North Suffolk Library and will include a resource room for early educators, a small meeting space for 1-2 individuals, and a larger space for up to 12. Additionally, there will be a space on the outside  of the resource room to post and share family resources and materials. 2. All Tech kits have officially been distributed. Leftover bundles were distributed to SPS Early Start, Children’s Center, and Children’s Harbor. 3. Care Packs have been packed and distributed. Shawna noted a decline in interest with 13 locations still interested in receiving the items. 4. VAAEYC Scholarships are complete. Shawna noted a decline in interest this year, possibly due to the distance. A total of 15 VAAEYC Scholarship were funded. 5. ECDC is partnering with Parks and Recreation to bring back Preschool Gym Time on Feb 8. 6. We have filled the PT ECDC Coordinator position and waiting on final approval with HR. Her start date is scheduled for Feb 22. 7. Part of our Obici grant allows us to offer a two-year subscription of the Gee Whiz DOE approved Curriculum for Suffolk FDH accepting subsidy, up to ten locations. We currently have six locations registered. 8. The Ready Rosie yearly subscription has increased from $5500 to $6187.50. The subscription has been renewed but the commission discussed some of the pros and cons of the program and plan to consider other options. 9. Paula Bazemore with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities will lead a two-part workshop for Commission members during the May and June ECDC meetings. 10. An ECDC survey will be sent to all Commission members and guests. All are encouraged to complete the anonyms feedback form regarding ECDC efforts, initiatives, and meetings. Shawna encourages everyone to be open, candid, and include any information that may be helpful in strengthening ECDC. III. Other Business: A. Finance Report: Shawna LoMonaco provided the most up to date budget. She explained the adjustment to the learning library’s designated amount is due to the approval of the Resource Room. B. Partner Update: Suffolk Public Library – The Library Winter Reading program concluded with a total of more than 10k books read, exceeding the 7k books goal. Kelvin Ellis is a new SPL staff member providing exciting and interactive storytimes for children and families. Shawna encourages members and guests to spread the word and join a session on Thursdays at the North Suffolk Library 10am and 1045. Clint Rudy shared the City’s Program Guide and mentioned the request of a Sprinter Van and Passenger van for ECDC. The Literacy Council is looking for a part-time Adult Literacy Coordinator position with hopes to also support the ESL community. Suffolk Public Schools –Stacie shared the new SPS website launched on Feb 1st, the Early Start program hopes to start registration on Feb 7t , they anticipate 442 VPI spots and may add an additional classroom next year. SPS is currently looking for someone to fill a paid position assisting families with screenings. Stacie asks that the information is shared and anyone interest can connect with Stacie directly at stacieprine@spsk12.net.  Suffolk Social Services – Terrance shared the Child Care assistance program increased the income level to allow for more families to qualify for assistance and that vendors will be paid after only one swipe of the attendance card. He also shared that parents seeking employment can qualify for assistance as long as they are able to prove they are actively searching for employment. Tamie mentioned the potential of partnering with the VIEW program to support child care employment. Terrance identified the Bachelor degree requirement for the program as a barrier. He is advocating to have this requirement removed and will follow up with progress. Children’s Center – Tamie share information about the small but alarming fire that took place at the Executive Ct. Children’s Center location due to a faulty outlet. Staff followed procedure, all were evacuated safely, and the fire was put out quickly. The same location has just received a Conditional Use permit to expand facilities and allowing for six additional classrooms. Tamie explained Head Start’s plan to increase teacher salaries and noted that all preschool teacher positions are currently filled. Lastly, Tamie mentioned a difference in preschool behaviors along with an increase in families experiencing difficulties. Obici – Lisa reported an increase in deliveries from November to December and that the January and February Child Birth classes are all filled. There has been an increase in drug use among expecting mothers and teen pregnancies. She also explained a need for postpartum depression support and they are working to create a support group. Lisa will follow up with more information. Parks and Rec – Mark shared T-ball and soccer registration for ages 4 and up will open on Feb 6., Spring Break Camp and Therapeutic Camp registration has opened, Summer Camp registration will open in March. Mark specified the Therapeutic Camp is for ages 5-18. Ready Regions – Carol reported that Andy Gabriel has been hired in place of Heather and is a contact person for Ready Regions, Spring CLASS observations are to be completed by June 9 th, and Tyler Savage with Ready Regions has started a series of TyTalks to assist educators with LinkB5. IV. New Business: A. Code and Bylaws discussion: o The Bylaws group met in January. Tamie, Carol, Marie, and Mark were present. o Shawna and Tamie will meet to organize the notes from the meeting and will present to the Commission at the beginning of the March meeting. B. Mini Grants o Henry recommended leaving the Mini Grant process the same as last year. The Commission agreed. o Shawna will organize and share with educators. V. Adjourn: Our next meeting will be March 1, 2023