Great Start Collaborative Meeting Tuesday October 16, 2012

Those in Attendance: Marcia Campbell, Susan Chowen, Patty Clark, Janna Cotto, Michele Derenzy, Ron Fowler, Pat Fralick, Shirley Gillespie, Jill Haan, Kathy Hawes, Phyllis Hess, Maureen Hollocker, Kolleen Homuth, Tanya Janes, Natalie Kasiborski, Mickey Kilpatrick, JoAnna Kolodziej, Nicole Lindwall, Dianne Litzenburger, Marsha Miller, Mandy Peterson, Carly Rowe, Audrey Shapiro, David Spiller, Nina Wagar, Nicole Wallesverd, Joelle Wilcox, Maggie Kromm, and Jennifer Doumanian.

• Approval of Minutes (August 2012): Dianne Litzenburger moved the motion and it was seconded by JoAnna Kolodziej. None opposed.

• Introductions and updates from members (please limit updates to a few minutes) Marcia Campbell, Char-Em: We are still looking for preschool children for a few of our programs so please encourage families to apply. Nina Wagar, Char-Em: We are using coaching in the GSRP and Special education classrooms. The focus for the next 6-8 weeks is small groups. Jill Haan, Char-Em: We continue to serve lots of children throughout our programs Pat Fralick, Heath Department: Please remember to get your flu shots. There will be a clinic October 17th, from 4-7p.m. at the Petoskey Middle School. There will also be other clinics in the area. Phyllis Hess, Head Start: We are desperate for four year olds for some of our programs. There is a Free Preschool yard sign available if an agency would like to put it outside their building. Jannan Cotto, LTBB: The Apple yard child care center was recently acquired by the tribe. Natalie Kasiborski, Health Dept.: I have had some job changes - 2 days will be focused on behavioral health, 2 days at the Pellston Health Center and 1 day in Gaylord. We have staffed our parent support partner position through collaboration with ISD; Mandy Peterson will be doing this. Joelle Drader-Wilcox, Child & Family Services: We are continuing to offer the Nurturing Parent series. We have a new class starting and have room for families. Have interested people contact me. Audrey Shapiro, Charlevoix Library: Our story hour with Ms. Laura has grown to over 40 and counting. Michele Derenzy, Central Lake Public Schools: I am the pre k -12th grade principal. Nicole Wallesverd, WRC: Project Free looking for 4 year olds in the afternoon session. Nicole Lindwall, Early On: We are currently dealing with new state level data entry. Patty Clark, Community Mental Health: We are hoping to get some infant mental health trainings for endorsement as well as clinical level training. Tanya Janes, McLaren Northern Michigan: We are having a Cooking with Kids: Making myplate your plate on October 17, 20102 from 4-6p.m. at the wellness pavilion. This is for children ages 8-11 and we have a few slots open. The cost is $10.00.

Shirley Gillespie, DHS: We have 2 new CPS workers and are also getting a new foster care worker. I will be getting boxes out for coats for kids this month. The boxes will be at Kmart in Petoskey or Charlevoix. Christmas sign up is taking place – register with the organization in the community that you live in and make sure to sign up for only one program. Maggie Kromm, Child Abuse Council: Our annual community celebration lunch will be taking place on Nov. 1st at the Bay View Inn in Petoskey. A save the date bookmark for the Spring Conference, taking place on April 26, 2013 was handed out. We are looking for break out session presenters. Kolleen Homuth, Petoskey Pubic Schools: I am here to connect pre K to the schools. I take things back from this meeting and share with others at the school. Ron Fowler, Petoskey Library: The parent child lap sits take place at 10:30 on Monday and Thursdays. There is also a story hour for 3-7 year olds on Saturdays. Due to the weather change we have seen an increase of the homeless population. Marsha Miller, Great Start Resource Center: We continue to work with providers on navigating through the quality rating system. JoAnna Kolodziej, NCMC: We had our regional Early Childhood conference with just under 170 people attending. It was very successful. Many of you attended and presented. Thank you. David Spiller, Boyne City Public Schools: I am the Family Resource Liaison for Boyne City Elementary. Dianne Litzenburg, Char-Em: Just a reminder that the updates that you have shared today should be released to the news media and be put on your websites. Send me an email if you would like the ISD to add a link to your website at Litzd@charemisd.org. I will have the Homeless Liaison connect with the libraries.

• Parent Coalition Report (Mandy Peterson)

Parent Demographic Survey Report: Great Start Parent Coalition Demographic Survey results were shared with a recommendation to include a question about community mental health services on future surveys.

FreeCycle Online Forum & FreeCycle Book Bins Update: We have completed over 50 free cycles

and have over 300 likes. We now have free cycles bags and book marks. Bookmarks are now included in the Free Cycle book bins. Leadership Little Traverse has adopted the book bins as their service project and will be working on expanding this service. We have distributed about 1,000 books so far. Book bins locations are located at: East Jordan Family Health Center, Boyne City Family Health Center, Boyne City WIC Clinic, Central Lake Family Health Center, WRC, Harbor Springs Library, Petoskey Pediatrics, Pellston Hornet Health Center, and Health Departments in Bellaire, Charlevoix, and Harbor Springs. A suggestion was made to check out the Public Enrichment Foundation for a donation of books. Another suggestion was made that the current donation container is not very book donation friendly. A square container may work better and you may want to include library information on the book mark as well.

Regional Early Childhood Networking Night

Update & Flyers for upcoming events: Networking Nights are now being done in collaboration with the Health Department, Char-Em ISD, Great Start Collaborative and the Resource Center. The next one is scheduled for November 14, with Rene Beyette presenting on Tools for coping with challenging behaviors. The last networking event had 24 participants with great feedback from the participants.

Halloween Costume Exchange 2012 Update: We held our 3rd annual costume exchange. We had

great attendance with 65 families and about 135 children. Everyone left with a costume or received a Meijer card to help with purchasing a costume. Pumpkins were purchased from Bills Farm Market. Ron Fowler from the library played music.

• Maggie Kromm - Brain Break!

• Director’s Report (Maureen Hollocker) See the attached Director’s Report Research, Data, & News Legislative, State Budget, & Investment Corporation Work Plan 2012-13 Communications Upcoming meetings

• Committee Reports Childcare and Early Education

Strengthening Families Workshop Update – Susan Chowen: It was a 3 day workshop, Thursday focused on directors and administrators with 35 attending; Friday focused on community members and parent leaders with 32 attending; Saturday focused on early childhood providers and parents with 29 attending. Great feedback was received from attendees. We are currently working on implementing the Strengthening Families approach into our work plan. We are going to be meeting soon to start planning our parenting conference in March, tentatively the 9th or 16th of March.

Adaptive School Conference Report – Marcia Campbell & Susan Chowen: Adaptive

School Training is about developing strong schools or communities in which collaborative faculties or agencies are capable of meeting the certain challenges of today and the uncertain challenges of tomorrow. It was four days of training with 2 days occurring in June and 2 days in September. Our training was on Developing Collaborative Groups with a focus on enhancing presentation effectiveness and facilitation skills. We learned about inclusion activities, ways to facilitate meetings and communication techniques.

Social and Emotional - Natalie Kasiborski

ASQ Link Live Online – Update: It is live with access from the Great Start or Health Department websites. Since it went live we have had 20 screens come through our system. We are working on growing the enterprise system by partnering with the LTBB Health Clinic. I will also be working with other agencies to link them to the system.

Fund Development - Marcia Campbell

Preschool Scholarship Funds: We started this scholarship year with $7,693 of carryover funds and have received $3,800 of new monies from the Petoskey Harbor Springs Community Foundation. The $3,800 came from the Carpenter Family fund, the Tom and Susie Carruther fund and the L’Arbre Croche fund. We have also received $5,000 from the Olsen Foundation. This gives us a total of $16,493 to use for preschool scholarships for the 2012-2013 program year. The scholarship committee met and we have provided scholarships for 8 children to date, spending $10,744. Children receiving scholarships are from Charlevoix, Petoskey, Pellston and Boyne City.

Grant Request Updates: Requests for additional funding have gone out to the Frey

Foundation and the Charlevoix Kiwanis. We also have proposals ready to be sent out to PNC and Consumers Energy. We will keep everyone apprised of funding awards as we are notified.

There is new dad involvement information that Great Start purchased. Please look these

materials over. We will be distributing these materials in the community. Also, at the next meeting please bring business cards for Maureen.

• 2012-13 Committee Assignments: Members were given an opportunity to review the different committees

and sign up for those that interest them.

• Early Childhood Investment in Action Book: If anyone is not represented in the book and would like to please talk with Maureen. Community Mental Health is considering adding a page to the book as well as DHS and Probate Court.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, December 18, 2012

OCTOBER 2012

Director’s Report

Great Start Collaborative

CENTER FOR MICHIGAN – EDUCATION ISSUE GUIDE THE CENTER FOR MICHIGAN IS A “THINK-AND-DO” TANK FOUNDED BY PHIL POWER IN EARLY 2006. A 501(C)3 TAX EXEMPT NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, THE CENTER’S OBJECTIVE IS TO CURE OUR UNHEALTHY HYPER-PARTISAN POLITICAL CULTURE AND REINVIGORATE OUR BROKEN POLICY APPARATUS BY CALLING FORTH A BOTTOM-UP, COMMON GROUND CITIZENS’ AGENDA FOR MICHIGAN’S TRANSFORMATION. COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION THIS BRIEF ISSUE GUIDE OFFERS BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS CONVERSATION. HTTP://WWW.THECENTERFORMICHIGAN.NET/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2012/03/EDUCATION-ISSUE-GUIDE-FINAL.PDF MICHIGAN’S FORGOTTEN 4-YEAR-OLDS (BRIDGE MAGAZINE) THE CENTER FOR MICHIGAN’S BRIDGE MAGAZINE CONTINUES TO RUN ITS SERIES MICHIGAN’S FORGOTTEN 4-YEAR-OLDS ON STATE-FUNDED PRE-K. THE MULTI-PART SERIES LOOKS AT “HOW 30,000 MICHIGAN KIDS WHO QUALIFY FOR FREE PRE-SCHOOL ARE NOT GETTING THE EDUCATION THEY NEED, DUE TO INADEQUATE STATE FUNDING, LOGISTICAL HURDLES AND POOR COORDINATION OF SERVICES.” HTTP://BRIDGEMI.COM/

Research & Data update October 2012

Legislative Updates update October 2012

107TH State Representative - • Frank Foster (R) Incumbent • Suzanne Shumway (D)

• EARLY CHILDHOOD INVESTMENT IN ACTION! BOOK – We have updated the book. Books for participating organizations available today. We have begun to distribute books with grant requests. • CANDIDATE MEETING Jill Haan, Mandy Peterson, and Maureen Hollocker met with Suzanne Shumway candidate for the 107th House District to introduce Great Start and discuss the local in Early Childhood system and programs. We provided her with our Early Childhood Investment in Action! book. • 2012 – 2013 SCOPE OF WORK FOR OUR

GRANT NO LONGER HAS SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC WILL BUILDING.

In order to effectively continue our work, understanding what is happening in Lansing will continue to be important. Likewise, educating the community and promoting Early Childhood Investment will continue to be necessary for successes in our Strategic Plan. The ECIC will continue to provide supports in the area of advocacy with private funds through the Sandbox Party.

ELECTION 2012

105TH State Representative - • Greg MacMaster(R) Incumbent • William J. Wieske (D)

US Senator for Michigan •Debbie Stabenow (D) Incumbent •Pete Hoekstra (R) A poll conducted for The Detroit News and WDIV-TV last week found Stabenow with a 12.6 percent lead over Hoekstra, 50.1 percent to 37.5 percent. The poll was conducted by Glengariff Group Inc. and sampled 600 Michiganders.

ADVOCACY

US Congress District #1 •Dan Benishek (R) Incumbent •Gary McDowell (D) Benenson Strategy Group poll showing Gary McDowell winning 43 percent over Congressman Dan Benishek’s 40 percent

ELECTION RESOURCES

VOTE FOR MICHIGAN’S CHILDREN a new webpage created by Michigan’s Children that has resources you can use to make children a priority this election season. Election advocacy toolkit, issue briefs to help you and candidates learn facts about Michigan children. http://michiganschildren.org/VOTE-for-Michigans-Children/ For over 90 years, the objective of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan has been to provide factual, unbiased independent information on significant issues concerning state and local government organization and finance. CRC believes that the use of this information by policymakers will lead to sound, rational public policy in Michigan. http://www.crcmich.org/ The Michigan Sandbox Party is a nonpartisan movement for Michigan residents who recognize the need to make sure infants, toddlers and other children are healthy, strong and ready to go when they arrive at the kindergarten door. It’s also for those who understand the crucial role that school-ready children play in Michigan's economic revival. http://www.michigansandboxparty.org/ The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. http://www.lwvmi.org/

2013 STATE BUDGET

The House Fiscal agency announced this week that the state's September revenues are $77.8 million or 0.4 percent higher than it was for the same period last year. HFA estimates that General Fund revenue is up $30 million and School Aid Fund revenue is $5 million higher than anticipated through September. This is welcome news for supporters of early childhood programs and services as we gear up to make sure investment in quality early childhood programs and services is a priority in the upcoming budget discussions.

Early Childhood Investment Corporation update October 2012

SANDBOX PARTY ADVOCACY COORDINATORS The Early Childhood Investment Corporation is hiring Sandbox Party Advocacy Coordinators to educate and recruit members of the general public in the Upper Peninsula, Northern, Central, Southwest and Southeast regions of Michigan, to advocate for early childhood programs and services. • Actively recruit members for the Michigan Sandbox Party, to create a broad membership that reflects the racial,

socioeconomic and political diversity of the region. • Build relationships with regional legislative offices, Great Start Parent Coalitions, Collaboratives, Resource Center

Directors and other early childhood groups in an effort to understand and work collaboratively to increase the level of support and knowledge that each Legislator and community has about early childhood issues.

• Coordinate legislative meetings, forums and other events quarterly (as directed by the Director of Community Engagement) that provide opportunities for citizens to engage in advocating for early childhood funding and services.

• Represent the Sandbox Party and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation at Great Start Parent Coalition and other community group meetings within the region, by regularly attending meetings, forums and public events.

• Provide monthly updates regarding legislative policy and budget issues related to early childhood to identified groups, as provided by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.

• Provide detailed monthly reports to the Director of Community Engagement regarding legislative interactions and progress toward recruitment goals.

• Work collaboratively with other Early Childhood Advocacy Coordinators to ensure common messaging, and that best practices of engagement are utilized.

• Assist with the recruitment of attendees and planning of an annual statewide advocacy event in Lansing as directed.

• Participate in orientation, trainings, monthly staff meetings in Lansing and weekly phone meetings as directed by the Director of Community Engagement.

Work Plan April 1 – Sept 30 2012 update October 2012

Strengthening Families

• GSC members will be introduced to

the Strengthening Families model . • GSC members will be asked to

participate in a local SF forum to identify policy and practice changes needed to implement SF strategies.

• Assess current policies and integration of SF model in the work of agencies that are GSC members.

• Build relationships with non GSC members based on introduction of SF model for community wide results.

Public Will Building

• Great Start Book for legislators

that outlines the GSC system and local early childhood programs / systems

• Great Start North PSA’s & Website

• Star Power 2012 – 300 participants in virtual march & photo book to candidates

• Election 2012 – Candidates forum to present GSC and local early childhood programming and systems.

Social Emotional Health

• Internal flow chart of Organizations

and Providers that assess / service the SE needs of the P - 5 population. Distribution to and used by professionals.

• Begin planning of a SE community guide.

• ASQ / ASQ SE universally available to parents as a developmental screening tool for children 0-5 through an ASQ Enterprise Software System. Link will be available on the GSC website by 9/30.

Goal #2 Public Will Building

Goal #1 Priority #2

Goal #1 Priority #1

Work Plan April 1 – Sept 30 2012 update October 2012

Membership requirements for the GSC & GSPC • Various methods of outreach to obtain an elected official and other at-large members for GSC. • GSPC will survey all current parent members to obtain data on diversity and demographics.

Based on this data, various methods of outreach will be used to obtain additional parent members and increase core membership.

• GSPC will collaborate with the Regional Resource Center and Great Start to Readiness Program on regional early childhood networking and training nights.

• Great Start FreeCycle page will be promoted and used to help families help each other with needs for clothing and equipment for their children.

• Great Start Parent Coalition promotion of Facebook pages and Networking Nights • GSPC, GSC, RRC to build awareness of Great Start to Quality.

Membership, Parent Coalition, & Regional Collaboration

Work Plan October 2012 - September 2013 update October 2012

Strengthening Families • GSC members will participate in SF

program assessment to identify policy and practice strengths as well as shift organizational policies needed to implement community wide SF strategies.

• GSC subcommittee will be formed to identify a SF community framework based on program assessments that will aid selected programs/organizations in creating and executing SF action plans that will increase service coordination, expand quality of service supports, and increase community resources.

• GSC to hold a mid year evaluation of workshop participants to assess what policy changes have been made and further SF action plans.

• GSC to hold a end of year evaluation of workshop participants to collect outcomes and plan the next phase of implementation.

• Build relationships with non GSC members based on introduction of SF model for community wide results.

Early Childhood Data • Great Start Collaborative Early Childhood Data

Subcommittee will be formed with GSC members from various agencies including but not limited to the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, Char-Em ISD, Great Start to Quality Resource Center, GS Parent Liaison, Community Foundation Representative and a Professional Grant Writer.

• Data questions and demographics commonly sought after and compiled will be identified by the Great Start Collaborative Early Childhood Data Subcommittee.

• This list will be shared with greater Great Start Collaborative to get further input.

• Data that is readily available will be identified by agencies and sources

• Data that we need to obtain will be identified and discussion of why, how, and when data can be collected will be examined.

• Professional research and communication services will be researched for quality and cost for a professional presentation of our community data.

• Professional presentation of data will be sourced, funded and created.

• Charlevoix, Emmet & northern Antrim County Great Start Early Childhood Data will be shared with Great Start Collaborative Members, Community Leaders, Legislators, etc..

Social Emotional Health • Continue to make all concerned agencies aware

of the current system of support for Social Emotional Health. Distribution of flowchart of services to involved human service agencies, educators, and medical professionals. This includes press and marketing of the ASQ / ASQ being made universally available to parents in our area.

• Continue to identify and address voids in the current system of support for Social Emotional Health. Collect data on system voids such as early childhood care and program expulsions. Build consensus on strategies and implementation of action plans to address identified system voids.

• ASQ / ASQ SE made universally available to parents as a developmental screening tool for children 0-5 through a ASQ Enterprise Software System. This screening will be available through a variety of sources including but not limited to online, physician's office, home visits, & playgroups. Partner with Health Department of Northwest Michigan in collecting community data from the ASQ Enterprise Software System.

• Improve connections for families to receive social emotional support services through a partnership with the parent navigator from the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.

Goal #1 Priority #3

Goal #1 Priority #2 Goal #1 Priority #1

Promote social and emotional health for children 0-5 and their families through increased family support, prevention and intervention. Increase access to behavioral health services and family support of children 0-5.

We will strengthen our human and economic assets through the implementation and promotion of the Strengthening Families model for support, education, and wellness of families with young children.

Through data collection, compilation, and professional presentation we will increase access and coordination of high quality early childhood programs and build a case for support and reform of the early childhood system.

Work Plan October 2012 - September 2013 updated October 2012

Membership requirements for the GSC & GSPC #1 Provide evidence of an active GSC membership that includes all organizations listed in Appendix A. • Individual meetings for GSC membership outreach to obtain additional members and partners. • Attend Chamber of Commerce events to network for GSC membership outreach to obtain additional members and partners. • Attend community events for GSC membership outreach to obtain additional members and partners. • Execute communications plan for community knowledge of GSC and membership outreach. • Create Parent Leadership Council within the GSPC that will represent the GSC and GSPC at community events and meetings. • Create marketing / promotional materials that list all the GSC meetings including: times, explains the purpose of the meeting and lists community members to

connect and network with. • Create Great Start Collaborative Membership awards for long standing and effective members. • Encourage new leadership roles of members with subcommittee assignments. #2 Provide evidence that the GSPC has at least 10-15 active, core members who help the Parent Liaison/Coordinator organize/support the GSPC to achieve its core purposes. • Create a Parent Leadership Council (Core Parents)

• 10 -15 Council Members • Recruitment & application process to find Parent Council Members • Parent Leadership Council Members will be given stipends for meeting attendance and expense compensation to reduce barriers for participation. • Through orientation, meetings, and training Parent Council Members will:

• Understand the priorities of the Great Start Statewide Initiative and the mission and vision of our local GSC/GSPC • Understand the purpose of the GSPC / GSC and the importance of parent leadership and parent voice there within. • Be knowledgeable consumers of early childhood programming and services • Understand and begin system change implementation. • Expectations of Parent Leadership Council Members will include but not be limited to the following:

• Attend GSC / GSPC Meetings & Trainings • Represent and speak on behalf of the GSC / GSPC at professional and community events and meetings • Actively engage in and maintain GSPC projects & events • Play an active role in determining priorities for the work and action plans of the GSC / GSPC • Maintain current GSPC projects such as FreeCycle Book Bins • Participate in GSC / GSPC Social Media Forums • Distribute GSC / GSPC flyers and marketing materials • Turn in monthly Parent Leadership Council reports

Goal #2 Build and sustain a capable Great Start Collaborative and empowered Great Start Parent Coalition focused on leveraging change in the local early childhood system.

Work Plan October 2012 - September 2013 updated October 2012

Membership requirements for the GSC & GSPC #3 Provide evidence that the GSPC core membership includes a variety of parents who use or have used the programs/services of the GSC member organizations spanning across all five Great Start component areas. • The Parent Leadership Council Members will be selected to assure that we have parent leaders that span across our 3 counties. • Parent Leadership Council Members will be educated on the resources of early childhood programs and services in the area with the expectation that they are a

consumer of some of those programs/services. • The GSC / GSPC will continue to survey the current parent membership and leadership council to get a pulse on what services they currently use. The survey being

used will identify family dynamics such as district of residence, number of family members, programs utilized by the family, barriers to participate, and suggestions on services needed. The survey will support further work and encourage system change/enhancement where needed to ensure the needs of families are being addressed.

• Membership outreach will occur for any demographic / service areas that we lack parent representation.

#4 Provide evidence that the GSC and GSPC are working diligently to ensure the membership reflects the demographic (i.e. racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, etc.) diversity of the county(ies). • Parent Demographic Surveys will identify strengths in membership demographics as well as areas of membership that lack certain demographics. • The survey will provide data support in the areas of race, socioeconomic status, number of members in the family, and transportation needs. • Other demographics will be determined based on feedback from GSC/GSPC. • The current Parent Demographic Survey has been approved by the Early Childhood Investment TC Staff. We will re-evaluate the survey and make any necessary

adjustments.

Goal #2 Build and sustain a capable Great Start Collaborative and empowered Great Start Parent Coalition focused on leveraging change in the local early childhood system.

Work Plan October 2012 - September 2013 updated October 2012

Membership requirements for the GSC & GSPC #5 Provide evidence that GSC decisions have included input and experiences from constituencies of parents and diverse groups within the GSC service area that use or have used the programs/services of the GSC member organizations spanning across all five Great Start component areas. • FreeCycle facebook forum based on parent and home visitor input.

• The Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition have launched a FreeCycle forum on Facebook to give families an opportunity to give and take gently used items for their children. The Facebook page is for families and caregivers to seek specific items they need for their children such as sporting equipment, strollers, clothing and more. It also gives families the opportunity to share their gently used children’s items with other families in their community. We believe this builds the protective factor 'Concrete help in times of need / We all need help sometimes' and 'Building Social Connections'

• FreeCycle Book Bins based on parent and agency input. • As a spin-off of the FreeCycle forum, Great Start has created FreeCycle Book Bins with donated gently used books for kids to take with them for

FREE! These book bins will be placed throughout the Charlevoix, Emmet, & northern Antrim Counties at locations where families with young children visit. • Social Emotional Health Department Parent Navigator.

• Parent feedback was provided by Great Start Collaborative member from the Health Department. The Parent Navigator aids parent through the social emotional health system. Universal ASQ made available.

• Early Childhood Playground Options and Equipment Safety. • Based on parent concerns from a GSRP program, Great Start Collaborative was involved in the evaluation and problem solving on a local school playground

where equipment was deemed to be unsafe for children under the age of 5 years. Great Start Collaborative mediated assessment and solution. • Our current GSPC membership and collaborative relationships lend to input and program/service system changes. The new Parent Leadership Council will increase

and solidify this input. #6 Increase the number of parents (from FY12) connected to the GSPC network through email list and/or social networking membership. Provide evidence/examples of how the GSC and GSPC are partnering on a project(s) related to the Great Start strategic plan. • The GSPC will continue to actively recruit parents using various methods. • Parents Wanted Ad are sent out by Collaborative partners. • Women's Resource playgroup facilitators have agreed to make Great Start Brochures, and Regional Networking Night flyers available at their weekly playgroups. • Parent Leadership Council will be a GSC / GSPC voice in the community sharing upcoming events and inviting social network friends to "like" us on facebook. • Weekly posts related to strengthening Families Protective Factors will be posted to facebook. • GSPC Facebook posts are being shared on other facebook pages.*GSC / GSPC is creating a Pinterest page forum.

Goal #2 Build and sustain a capable Great Start Collaborative and empowered Great Start Parent Coalition focused on leveraging change in the local early childhood system.

Work Plan October 2012 - September 2013 updated October 2012

Membership requirements for the GSC & GSPC #7 Provide evidence/examples of how the GSC and GSPC are partnering on a project(s) related to the Great Start strategic plan. • The GSPC, RRC and Collaborative Members Direct service staff will work together to offer Monthly Regional Networking Nights in an attempt to introduce

Strengthening Families Protective Factors. Providing the Protective Factors in a Collaborative effort will ensure a consistent message and move the priorities in the Strategic Plan forward. Collaborative Agencies will be offered the opportunity to present on topics suggested by the GSPC to help enhance relationships.

• The GSC and GSPC have teamed up to offer a FreeCycle online forum and FreeCycle Book Bin program that strengthens families and collaborative community relationships relating to GSC Strategic and Action Plan.

#8 Provide evidence/examples of how the GSC/GSPC is partnering with the Great Start to Quality Resource Center to increase quality of early learning and development programs and providers in the GSC/GSPC area. • Coordinate efforts to introduce and train on TQRIS • Build awareness of Great Start Connect, Joint Application, and TQRIS to parents. • The GSPC, RRC and Collaborative Member’s direct service staff will work together to offer Monthly Regional Networking Nights to introduce Strengthening Families

Protective Factors. Providing the Protective Factors in a Collaborative effort will ensure a consistent message and move the priorities in the Strategic Plan forward. • The GSC, RRC, and Child Abuse Council are collaborating together to train, assess, and build a community framework of the Strengthening Families Model.. #9 Provide evidence/examples of efforts to educate the community, including community leaders, about the importance of early childhood and the need for systems change. • The GSC is in collaboration with other Northern GSC's in the creation of a group called Great Start North. We are sharing messaging within the Northern Michigan

area to further position Great Start as the primary source and focal point for Early Childhood. • Great Start North has PSA's air on local TV stations. Great Start North has a website that directs individuals to their area's Great Start Collaborative and Parent

Coalition. • Great Start Collaborative has redone their website based on member feedback. The website is now more user friendly and based on local information. The website

also provides a better search engine marketing and user feedback. • GSC and GSPC are actively operating 3 Social Media Facebook forums and have begun work on a Pinterest page. • GSC and GSPC have created a hard bound photo book highlighting the families and service providers behind Early Childhood Investment. The book includes photos

and quotes of children and families that receive the services and attend the programs that Early Childhood Investment fund. It also contains photos and quotes from the many service providers along with program information. The title of the book is "THE FACES BEHIND THE FUNDS... THE VOICES OF NEED AND SERVICE... EARLY CHILDHOOD INVESTMENT IN ACTION!" The book will continue to be updated and distributed to legislators, community leaders, and potential donors.

• GSPC Leadership Council will have a role in being a GS presence and educating the local community about Early Childhood systems and need for change.

Goal #2 Build and sustain a capable Great Start Collaborative and empowered Great Start Parent Coalition focused on leveraging change in the local early childhood system.

WEBSITE TRAFFIC

COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE OCTOBER 2012

Press & Public Will Building

Over 900 visits since the new site

in June

• Strengthening Families http://www.greatstartforkids.com/SFI_press.jpg

• Halloween Costume Exchange http://www.greatstartforkids.com/costume_exchange_press.jpg

• ASQ Behavioral Health Initiative Online Link

UPCOMING MEETINGS update October 2012

3RD TUESDAY EVERY OTHER MONTH 9 – 11AM

December 18, 2012 February 19, 2013

April 16, 2013 June 18, 2013

August 20, 2013 October 16, 2013

December 17, 2013

GSC MEETINGS

Strengthening Families Workshop A unique training opportunity Strengthening Families Illinois, a national leader in embedding the research-based Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors will be presenting three full day workshops. Strengthening Families is a research-based strategy to increase family stability, enhance child development and reduce child abuse and neglect. It builds five protective factors: Parental resilience Social connections Knowledge of parenting and child development Concrete support in times of need Social and emotional competence of children Building a Strengthening Families community wide framework and integration of the 5 protective factors within our Early Childhood system is a priority for the Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet & northern Antrim Counties.

This training is paid for and sponsored by the Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet, & northern Antrim counties, Great Start to Quality Northwest Resource Center, Child Abuse Council serving Charlevoix & Emmet counties and the Petoskey District Library.

September 13, 14 & 15, 2012

Strengthening Families Workshop Training

96 Attendees over 3 days “This is exactly what I needed both personally and professionally – Thank You!!” - attendee

P: 555.123.4568 F: 555.123.4567 123 West Main Street, New York, NY 10001

www.rightcare.com |

Great Start Parent Coalition Charlevoix, Emmet & northern Antrim

Parent Liaison Report * October 2012

P: 555.123.4568 F: 555.123.4567 123 West Main Street, New York, NY 10001

www.rightcare.com | http://www.facebook.com/GreatStartFreeCycle

The Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition have launched a FreeCycle forum on facebook to give families an opportunity to give and take gently used items for their children. The facebook page is for families and caregivers to seek specific items they need for their children such as sporting equipment, strollers, clothing and more. It also gives families the opportunity to share their gently used children’s items with other families in their community.

138 Likes Over 50 FreeCycles

http://www.petoskeynews.com/community/pnr-great-start-launches-freecycle-online-forum-for-families-20120717,0,6132056.story

NEW BAGS &

BOOKMARKS!

P: 555.123.4568 F: 555.123.4567 123 West Main Street, New York, NY 10001

www.rightcare.com | We are looking for books in good condition for ages infant to 12 years of age. Call 1.877.866.3714 or e-mail: greatstartforkids@gmail.com

Books out to community:

1,000

Books in reserve:

Over 800 Book Bin Locations:

East Jordan Family Health Center, Boyne City Family Health Center, Boyne City WIC Clinic Central Lake Family Health Center, Women’s

Resource Center, Harbor Springs Library Petoskey Pediatrics, Pellston Hornet Health

Center, Health Departments: Bellaire, Charlevoix, & Harbor Springs.

Volunteers screen & sticker books!

Books collected from Mom to Mom Sale

Leadership Little Traverse is taking on FreeCycle Book

Bins as their Community Project

for the year!!

P: 555.123.4568 F: 555.123.4567 123 West Main Street, New York, NY 10001

www.rightcare.com |

REGIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD NETWORKING NIGHTS

P: 555.123.4568 F: 555.123.4567 123 West Main Street, New York, NY 10001

www.rightcare.com |

Great Start 3rd Annual Halloween Costume Exchange

OVER 65 FAMILIES & 138 CHILDREN!!

THANK YOU TO: PETOSKEY DISTRICT LIBRARY & RON FOWLER, PNC BANK PETOSKEY, NMCAA EARLY HEAD START AND TARA RILEY, BILL’S FARM MARKET,

DR. REED’S OFFICE, & ALL WHO DONATED COSTUMES & VOLUNTEERED!!

P: 555.123.4568 F: 555.123.4567 123 West Main Street, New York, NY 10001

www.rightcare.com |

COSTUMES & ACCESSORIES

SNACKS & FREECYCLE TABLE CRAFTS & FUN

P: 555.123.4568 F: 555.123.4567 123 West Main Street, New York, NY 10001

www.rightcare.com |

P: 555.123.4568 F: 555.123.4567 123 West Main Street, New York, NY 10001

www.rightcare.com |