Champaign County Birth to 6 Council

Minutes

Attendance

Mary Anne Wilson (Mental Health Center), Jessica Lofu and Kimberly Hile (CFC #16), Teresa O’ Connor (U of I), Nicole Seidman Sikora (Mental Health Center), Lisa Ellis (McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership), Stephanie Alumaugh (DSCC), Nancy Gaumer (Parkland), Betsy Shea (Champaign Public Library), Felicia Gooler (DSC), Beverely Baker (United Way), Mary-alayne Hughes (UIUC – Special Education), Jane Amundsen (Parent Wonders), Susan Fowler (U of I Children’s Research Center), Kim Woolridge (LIC Coordinator)

Announcements

Mary Anne welcomed everyone and asked members to introduce themselves and share announcements from their agencies.

Jane Amundsen shared that Parent Wonders is in need of a sponsor for next fiscal year which begins July 1, 2010.  Several agencies offered possibilities for a new sponsor.

Betsy Shea shared information about two workshops at the Champaign Public Library on Sat., April 24, 2010; Dancetalk with Kate Kuper from 1 to 3 pm, registration required, and David Howie on April 24 at 10:30am.  Both are free. 

Susan Fowler passed out copies of their newsletter.  They are looking for parents to tell their stories about their experiences with the Early Intervention system. Rough drafts are welcome, staff can edit.

Beverley Baker shared that the April 17, Ready, Set, Grow event was a success.  They had very good feedback from many agencies involved.  This may turn into an annual event.

Approval of Minutes

Mary Anne distributed copies of the minutes from the March meeting. Beverley Baker made the motion to approve the minutes.  Mary-alayne Hughes  seconded the motion.  All were in favor of accepting the minutes as written.

CFC Report and Updates

Jessica Lofu shared that there were 65 referrals last month, many of them from family members.  They are still seeing a lot of referrals coming in after 32 months of age.  Jessica will e-mail an electronic version of the Red Flag Warnings to Beverely Baker so they can be included in the Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar.

Presentation : Mental Health Center Early Childhood Mental Health Programs and Services

Nicole Seidman-Sikora and Mary Anne Wilson shared information and a PowerPoint presentation on the services, goals and outcomes of the Early Childhood Mental Health and Development programs at the Mental Health Center.  Mary Anne presented details on the Healthy Young Families program for teens living in Champaign County.  Services include home-visiting and group services for pregnant and parenting teens and prenatal groups for pregnant teens.  Group services are provided in the Champaign-Urbana area and include transportation, food and child care.  Home visiting services are provided throughout Champaign County for teens age 13 to 18 at intake. Services are voluntary and can be long-term, until the mom reaches age 22 or her child turns 5.

Nicole discussed the Healthy Families Program which provides similar home visiting services for first and second-time moms age 19 and older. Healthy Families serves English and Spanish-speaking families throughout Champaign County. All services are free and voluntary. Typically, staff engage with moms during pregnancy or shortly after the birth of their baby. Services are strength-based and family-centered. Father involvement is encouraged, and the department has a male Infant-Parent Educator who can work with the dads.

Handouts including brochures from the Early Childhood Mental Health and Development Department, with contact information, were distributed.  If anyone knows a family that can benefit from home-visiting services, Mary Anne can take referral information over the phone or a one-page referral form can be faxed or mailed.

Old Business

It was noted that the LIC must vote on spending the remaining balance of this year’s budget – around $1,700.00 by May 31, 2010.  Kim Woolridge asked that anyone with suggestions to email them to her.  She will compile a list and email ideas to the LIC.  The budget items must be voted on at the May 10th meeting.

The possible slate of officers to be voted on at the May 10th meeting was also shared.    Mary Anne Wilson and Beverely Baker – Co-Chairs; Felicia Gooler – Child Find Committee Chair; Public Awareness Committee Chair – Open;  Provider Recruitment Committee Chair – Open.

Nancy Gaumer indicated she may be interested in the Public Awareness Committee Chair if we can persuade Angela Reinhart to co-chair with her.  This would leave only the Provider Recruitment Chair position to be filled.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on May 10th at noon at Developmental Services Center in the Board room.  NOTE:  This date is the second Monday in May.  Felicia Gooler will present information on the Play Project at the meeting.