Early Care & Education Committee

Committee Chair:  Laura Bloom 
 University of Montevallo, Dept. of Family and Consumer Sciences
205-665-6385
Blooml@montevallo.edu
 

Early Care and Education Committee Meeting Report
Thursday, March 31, 2011
9:00- 10:30 at Noah’s Park, Alabaster

Members present: Laura Bloom, Barbara Williams, Bob Kuehner, Kelli Gerchow, Yolanda Foy, Myra Shaw, and Ladye Franklin Kelly

Initially, the group discussed the history and purpose of the committee.

It was decided that we would identify concerns that the committee members had seen in Shelby County involving very young children. Kelli reported that she had been getting calls from parents and grandparents of children with behavioral or social emotional issues. Further discussion led to the fact that there were not any on-going parenting classes in Shelby County for children under the age of five. Bob also reported having issues with children in his centers- to the point where the center has implemented behavioral plans. The group decided there was a need for a general “Parenting Series” of classes. Ideas for the title included “Children Don’t Come With a Manual.”

The series could be modeled after other existing parenting courses that agencies like the Exchange Club Family Skills Center provides. As a past Executive Director for the ECFSC, Laura volunteered to explore options for the curriculum/topics. It was decided that 15 weeks would be a good length for the course. Participants would be able to receive a certificate of attendance at 12 weeks, with a further “Perfect Attendance” award at 15 weeks (including some sort of ‘prize’ like a gas or Wal-Mart gift card). Our goal is to have DHR and the court system involved in referring families to this course. Different topics would be covered each week, with a variety of speakers. Also, perhaps having the classes at the same location each week would be less confusing for the families. Starting off offering 2 sessions a year (once in the fall and once in the spring) to begin with was agreed upon. Bi-lingual materials will also be needed.

Furthermore, the committee would like to involve other child care providers as well as provide child care for the families attending the classes. University Baptist, Chase Learning Center, La Petite, Pink and Blue, Ready/Set/Grow, Little Learners, and First Impressions were all centers mentioned.

One question that arose was where would the money come from to fund this project? Barbara suggested we attempt to apply for CTF funds ($5,000). The RFP will be available in April with the grant due in May. Laura has agreed to work on that with assistance from Barbara. The group also agreed that a fee of $25 for the entire series of classes would be reasonable and help cover some of the expenses. Expenses involved include: printing, copying, supplies, food, speaker recognition (although some will very well do it at no expense). Student groups could possible provide the childcare and receive service hours for that. With this project, there are many opportunities to utilize volunteers and in-kind donations.

Laura will type up the minutes, send them to the committee members, and begin recruiting assistance with specific tasks. The next meeting date has been set for Thursday, April 21^stat 3:00 at Noah’s Park Child Development Center near the entrance to Weatherly in Alabaster.