Champaign County Birth to 6 Council

Minutes

Attendance

Mary Anne Wilson (Mental Health Center of Champaign County), Jessica Lofu and Kimberly Hile (CFC), Barb Lintner (Urbana Free Library), Teresa O’Connor (U of I),  Nicole Seidman Sikora (Mental Health Center), Lou Anne Burton (CCRS), Mark Driscoll (CC Mental Health and DD Boards), Lisa Ellis (McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership ) Stephanie Alumbaugh (DSCC), Angela Reinhart (U of I Extension) , Nancy Gaumer (Parkland), Betsy Shea (Champaign Public Library), Lanette Bowring (Mental Health Center), Amanda Raklovits, Felicia Gooler (DSC)

Announcements

Mary Anne asked each person in the group to introduce themselves and share announcements from their agencies.

Mary Anne brought brochures from the Mental Health Center that shares information about the services that the MHC provides for children from birth to three years old.  If anyone knows a family that can benefit from home-visiting services, please refer the individuals to Mary Anne.

Mary Anne stated that the Mental Health Center is co-sponsoring a free training on Shaken Baby Syndrome on March 12 from 9 to noon at the Champaign Library.  The training is free but registration is required. CEU’s will be available for a fee at this training. 

Betsy Shea has calendars that list all of the events that are happening at the Champaign library.  More information can be found on the website.  Betsy stated that she would be willing to give a tour of the library following today’s meeting.

Felicia Gooler shared that one of their long-time DT’s has left  DSC.  They are now hiring to fill the position.  She also stated that she would like to provide information to the Birth to 6 Council about P.L.A.Y. Project which is facilitated at DSC.

Mary Anne has information on the training, “What Little Boys are Made Of?”  She also has a tentative flyer for “Ready, Set, Grow.” This event will be an educational resource for expectant parents and for parents with young children through kindergarten.

Approval of Minutes

Mary Anne distributed copies of the minutes from the January meeting. Mark Driscoll made the motion to approve the minutes.  Lou Anne Burton seconded the motion.  All were in favor of accepting the minutes as written.

CFC Reports and Updates

Jessica Lofu shared that the CFC has a couple of prospects for the LIC Coordinator position.  Jessica Lofu and Kimberly Hile will be interviewing one candidate on Thursday, February 11th at noon.  The other interview is not scheduled yet but she will keep the LIC informed.  Individuals in the LIC are welcome to be a part of the interview process.  Jessica stated that she will provide dates/times of the interviews to the LIC.  If anyone is interested in participating in the interview and is able to do so, please let Jessica know.

Jessica also shared the monthly statistics with the LIC.  She stated that we have had many children referred to the CFC who are 32 months or older.  She stated that we need to find ways to reach children sooner.  If we find children earlier, we will be able to make a bigger difference for the children and their families.

Jessica said that the Provider Luncheon was a great success.  We spent approximately $169.00 on the meal.  She said that 20 people attended.  Felicia Gooler suggested that we do something for all of the providers particularly since many of them could not attend the luncheon.

Jessica shared the struggle that CFC is facing for Spanish-speaking families.  She stated that our full-time interpreter in Champaign County is leaving the area and we do not have someone who can fill in all the gaps.  Mary Anne mentioned that there is a Latino Partnership and she will contact Rick Krandel to see if he can help.

Equipment Loan Program Update

Felicia Gooler stated that with the help of several volunteers from the Council, they picked up all of the therapy equipment from the U of I.  She said that there were several loose pieces.  The items will be incorporated into the therapy lending program.  DSC will include these items in the updated picture catalog.

Felicia stated that they need a volunteer for their Resource Center.  The volunteer would work 3-6 hours a week.  They would love to have a retired librarian to help them organize and catalog their books.

Nominations

Mary Anne Wilson stated that it is time to nominate individuals for next year’s Council chairs.  She has not received any strong commitments at this point.  If anyone is interested in taking on that role, please let Mary Anne know.  Elections are in May, and the chairs take their position on July 1st.

Public Awareness Committee

Felicia Gooler stated that she has a resource binder that was given to physicians in the past.  She said that she would bring the binder to the next meeting.  We will need to decide if the LIC wants to take on the project of updating the binders and distribute them to local physicians.

Our next meeting will be at the Children’s Resource Center and we will be given a demonstration of our website and other CRC resources.  The CRC is located at 51 Gerty Dr. in Urbana.

Jessica mentioned that other LIC’s have put information on County Market screens to let people know who we are.  There is a minimal cost but the advertising seemed to be an effective means of letting people know who we are.

Child Find

No report.

Literacy Committee

Beverly Baker is working on completing the Getting Ready for Kindergarten calendar for distribution in August.  The LIC could co-sponsor the calendar and pay $150 in our next budget.

Barb Lintner has been updating the diversity book list and Betsy Shea is going to add those items to her list.  Felicia Gooler will also share her list of recommended books as well.

Other Discussion

Mary Anne would like to host the LIC meeting for April at the Mental Health Center. Nicole and Mary Anne asked the Council to take on the role of an advisory group at the April meeting to assist the Early Childhood Department in better meeting community needs.

DSC would like to share information about the P.L.A.Y. Project during the May meeting which is scheduled for May 10th.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 15th at noon at the Children’s Resource Center, 51 Gerty