September Board Minutes

September 14, 2010
Early Learning Partnership
Board Meeting Minutes

Attending: Jim Vining, Suzanne Merritt, David Lisk, Stephen Cox, Sylvia Echols, Susan Martoccia, Jean Marshall, Jane Turpin, Sue Gover, John Gettys, Lauren Powell, Lynn Gessner for George Gessner,
Julie Case, Cherie Barton.

Staff/Guests Present: Donna Wooldridge, Teresa Creech, Penny Sanders, Karen Hill.

Jim Vining welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Penny Sanders for hosting us.

Sylvia introduced John Gettys, an attorney from Rock Hill, as a new board member. He was not here last month when the other new members were introduced. George Gessner’s wife, Lynn, represented him at this meeting.

Penny welcomed everyone. She told us that home visits started August 30. Their case load is already full. English classes and Adult Education have started. PECAN training is continuing. Back to school events were held at the four local schools. The dedication of the new high school is September 26.

Suzanne reviewed the August financial reports. Both revenues and expenses were lower than expected. The Nurse Practitioner is budgeted. Amounts are as follows:
August 2010 $279,967.87 Total Assets and Total Liabilities & Capital

$ 1912.24 Total Revenue

$ 15714.90 Total Expenses

$ -13802.66 Net Income

David reported that some slots were lost for teen moms due to Budget cuts. First Steps will work with the Resource Centers to help some of these moms. They have $4000 from the First Steps board and EarthFare. First Steps is working toward having a Nurse Family Partnership in York County along with Lancaster and Chester Counties and the Catawba Nation. The Catawba Nation has access to funds and provides enough population to make this viable. They need to find funding and an implementing agency. There are grants for Indian tribes for this kind of program. The nurses will target at risk mothers and make home visits until the child is two years old. The mother has to be enrolled by the 28^th week of her pregnancy. This kind of early intervention has been very successful in other parts of the country. David has met with a church alliance of eight churches in Fort Mill that serve at risk children.

Lauren told the Board about the party to retire the Tapestry cookbook. It will be November 3 at the White Home from 5:30-8:00pm. Artists that were involved with the cookbook will be there to sign copies, and some of their work will be for sale. The Board was asked to sell tickets at $35 per person and $50 per couple. Sylvia mentioned that a big draw will be the location, since the White Home is opening in October. The house can accommodate a maximum of 250 people. The proceeds will go to ELP.

Julie reported that the Bowl-a-Thon made $42,000 last year. She hopes to increase it this year and will start working on it in January.

Teresa reported on the activities of the Resource Centers and Medical Clinics.

Medical Clinic # of People Seen Resource Center # of People Seen

Clover 16 Clover 156
Fort Mill 24 Fort Mill 1018
Rock Hill 32 Rock Hill 975 + 500 at Healthy Home Town
York 20 York 109

Teresa spoke to the Homeless Coalition and told them about the medical clinics. Yesterday she and Donna met with the Resource Center Coordinators. They will meet each month on the Monday before the ELP Board meeting.
Ellen Crouch and Peggy Medlin are in the Fort Mill Resource Center along with a staff of volunteers. There is a smaller presence there, but families are being served. Ann Bogan bought two dehumidifiers and put in WiFi in the Resource Center/Medical Clinic – paid for out of her budget.

Teresa thanked Winthrop for moving an exam table from Rock Hill to Clover. She thanked Dr. Oehme, who despite two deaths in his family has continued to take donations to the Rock Hill Clinic.

Jodi Harris is interviewing people for the Nurse Practitioner position.

Teresa discussed an article in The Herald about insurance for children. South Carolina has a program for those who do not qualify for CHIP called Healthy Connections Kids.

Teresa will be collecting success stories about people being helped by ELP’s programs. United Way and the Funders of ELP need to know how we help the population. She asked board members to submit any success stories they may be aware of.

Stephen reviewed ELP’s relationship with CMC and the two health care employees, Scott and Amy. They are loaned from CMC. The clinics are managed by Jodi and the doctors at Rock Hill Pediatrics. Sylvia made a motion that Stephen work through the agreement with CMC. The motion was seconded and carried.

Donna reported that the Born To Read training was done in Clover with about 20 people attending. The volunteers in this program visit new mothers in the hospital and take a bag, bib, CD and a book for the new baby. This contact will help to get them involved in Resource Center programs.

Donna asked for approval to write a grant request to the River Hills charities. Last year the grant of $3000 was used for operating costs. A motion was made for approval, seconded and carried.

ELP is in the middle of an audit with David Noble’s group.

There are 3,297 children enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. First Steps will pay for 10 children per Resource Center at $28 per child. The school district will give $10,000, and Penny will probably get $1000 from the York Rotary Club.

Donna and Teresa will attend the United Way kick-off on September 23.

Lin Hollowell is coming from the Duke Endowment for a site visit and to talk about the grant proposal following this meeting.

Jim welcomed John and Lynn.

Jim asked for approval to secure the website name of ELPofyorkcounty.org for two years at a cost of $60. A motion was made, seconded and was passed. He would like a committee to work on the website, made up of Donna, Teresa, Julie, and Karen. Ad hoc members may be added.

Jim reminded the Board that this will be another hard year for the school districts, and that we need them to know what we do, along with the City and County Councils.

Next Meeting: October 12, 2010, 8am at the Clover Family Resource Center.

The Bilingual Bonus

September 15, 2010

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.
-Edward Gibbon

“There is no doubt that speakers of more than one language have nimble brains.”

This bold claim was made in Psychology Today (October 2010; psychologytoday.com) in an article that also made these claims…

“All told, half of the world’s population conducts life in multiple languages....
“Infants as young as 4 months who live in bilingual environments can distinguish between two languages, monitoring lip and facial movements.  Babies also show a strong preference for the language their mother spoke during pregnancy…

“Contrary to conventional wisdom, bilingual children are not delayed in language acquisition.  In fact, words learned before age 5 have an added emotional kick, regardless of how many languages are learned.  Because the child’s brain is developing so quickly, across so many regions, the words learned during this critical period carry thick visual and emotional associations....

“Bilingualism enhances attention and cognitive control in kids and adults.   Also bilinguals are better at learning additional languages, even if those languages bear little resemblance to the ones they already know.”

Rock Hill's White Home To Open For Fundraiser

August ELP of York County Minutes

August 9, 2010

Early Learning Partnership

Board Meeting Minutes

Attending: Jim Vining, Stephen Cox, Sylvia Echols, Tom Faulkenberry, Suzanne Merritt, Sue Gover, Anne Suite, Dan Holloway, Laurie Leader, Jean Marshall, Lauren Powell, Mark Sosne, Jane Turpin

Staff/Guests Present: Donna Wooldridge, Teresa Creech, Cindy Hunt,

Karen Hill

Stephen welcomed everyone to the monthly ELP board meeting and thanked Cindy Hunt for hosting us.

Sylvia introduced the new board members: Dan Holloway, a returning board member and pastor of Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill; Lauren Powell, President of the Junior Welfare League from Rock Hill; John Gettys, attorney from Rock Hill (not present); and George Gessner, President, Research Resources International (not present). She also introduced Karen Hill, who will be the Literacy Coordinator and administrative staff since Hannah Gregory will be doing her student teaching this semester. Sylvia shared a recent article from The Herald. Kids Count reports that South Carolina is ranked 45th in the nation for children’s well-being. There is still a lot of work to do to have children ready for school and subsequently for life. Despite continuing local efforts, we continue to rank higher than only 5 other states. The article discusses the role of the #1 Question in this community and its goal to involve businesses, civic groups, and others in the community in understanding the importance of child development and school readiness.

The Junior Welfare League has been a great supporter of ELP, both financially and by providing volunteers for many of our programs and resource centers.

JWL has decided to retire The Tapestry Cookbook. There are 4000 copies left. They will be sold at the event and many of the artists that participated in the creation of the book will be available for signing a new copy. The party is being planned for early November at the White Home. Admission will be $35 a person or $50 a couple and will be catered. Lauren hopes to have food and drink donated so more proceeds from the Tapestry Retirement Party can come to ELP. JWL is asking ELP board members to help promote the event and sell tickets.

Sylvia made a motion that ELP pay the $750 for the rental of the White Home. The motion was seconded and carried.

Cindy reviewed the annual report for the Rock Hill Resource Center. The report included the number of children and families served last year in programs through home visits and parent groups, the number of at- risk families and children identified and served, as well as, special activities and new initiatives. She reported that the annex across the street is for sale. First Steps of York County will relocate

to the Resource Center. They hope to be opening a new exam room soon for

the new Nurse Practitioner to see patients. An infant room will be added for parents who are in GED or ESL classes at the Center.

August 28 is the SummerFest Festival in York. First Steps, the Resource Centers and ELP will be represented and have information about programs and services. She distributed a signup sheet for anyone interested in volunteering to be at the booth that day. It is difficult to staff all the back to school events that are happening around the county that day including the Library, Earth Fare and Northside Baptist to name a few.

Suzanne reviewed the June and July financial reports. Amounts are as follow:

YTD June 2010 $241,260.84 Total Assets and Total Liabilities & Capital

$356,321.32 Total Revenue

$350,994.35 Total Expenses

$ 5,326.97 Net Income

July 2010 $293,752.69 Total Assets and Total Liabilities & Capital

$64,060.00 Total Revenue

$11,568.15 Total Expenses

$ 52,491.85 Net Income

Steven reviewed the 2010-2011 budget, going over the programs and financial needs/financial resources. He reviewed the SCANPO report as a way of salary review. Donna is slightly under average, and this was discussed. A bonus as opposed to raise was approved for Donna and Teresa. A motion was made and carried unanimously for a $1500 bonus for Donna and a $500 bonus for Teresa. The budget was approved with Total Revenue equal to $378,700 (including $30,000 for Other Income which is being pulled from “Cash Reserves”), Total Expenses of $378,566, and Net Income reflecting $134.

Cindy reported for First Steps in David Lisk’s absence. ELP will receive $8000 for the medical management fee as in the previous year. First Steps is having a cookout Thursday evening for their Countdown to Kindergarten families. They are expecting

about 300 in attendance. The event will be held at Manchester Meadows. First Steps is in the early stages of exploring a Nurse Family Partnership grant. They would partner with Chester, and Lancaster, along with some tribal money, for a second nurse practitioner. FS has a partnership with Earth Fare from July through September. On the second Thursday of the month, children can have a free meal.

Teresa reported on the activities of the Resource Centers and Medical Clinics - 1623 people were seen in all of the clinics during the 20092010 school year. 32,000 people were seen in the Resource Centers last year. She and Donna distributed and reviewed the 2008-2009 annual report. Any board member who would like to take annual reports to share with groups or funders about ELP, may contact Donna. The Children’s Attention Home needs luggage for the children to use when they leave the Home.

Dr. Steve Oehme, a substitute doctor, lost his mother recently. If you would like to send a note of sympathy, his address is 524 Teal Court, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

Teresa proposed a slogan to go along with the ELP logo that best describes what we do - “Ready to Read, Healthy to Learn”. The board unanimously voted to have that added to the logo package.

Donna went over a change in the Strategic Plan. The board unanimously voted to change the strategic plan to reflect our current objectives.

• From: Increase Quality Child Care Experiences to

Increase school readiness by providing children from birth to 6 with quality literacy experiences

The Sisters of Mercy granted ELP $62,000 for a nurse practitioner to increase patient access to the medical clinics, available both in the mornings and afternoons. This person can treat and write prescriptions. Target awarded a $2000 grant to ELP for Reach Out and Read. The Junior Welfare League gave ELP $1500 in proceeds from the cookbook. Dr. Vernon Prosser made a donation to Dolly Parton in memory of one of his board members. A Duke Endowment site visit is set for September 14^th after our next board meeting in York. We will know in November if we will receive funding for a nurse and clerk, along with other support funds for the clinics.

3260 children are currently enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Strikers bowling alley is having a school supply drive for resource center children. Donna updated the Board on the current situation in Fort Mill. She met with Ann Bogan and the head of the school nurses, Robin Brown. Agreements were made on various responsibilities. Ann agreed to buy a dehumidifier for the FM clinic because of the moisture problem and its affect on medicines etc.(she bought 2) and she has secured Wifi access for the clinic to receive data on patients and other immediate information at her expense. Robin Brown is located at the FM Resource Center and is checking medications 2x a day and logging per DHEC standards. The staff at the clinic seems to be doing well and seeing a lot of patients. The volunteer interpreters and receptionist are back in the Center working every Wednesday. Ellen Crouch, a home visitor, will be meeting with ELP staff and the other RC coordinators and assume the role, in terms of some participation from FMRC in ELP activities and services i.e. Born To Read, Coordinator meetings, left vacant by the departure of the Fort Mill Resource Center Director and LEAP Ahead Coordinator, Ms. Julie Durham. Herald insert, Rejuvenate Magazine featured a picture of the winning team of the Bowl-a-thon benefitting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library held last May. Our own Sue Gover’s husband was pictured.

Why We Do What We Do - No. 2

BREATHING

Just wanted to share a patient encounter I had this morning at the free clinic.  Mom brought her severely asthmatic 10 year old son in to see me.  They often walk to the clinic in Fort Mill, but when they can or have to, they get  down to the Rock Hill clinic.  I have a lot of respect for this mom--someone I see as "holding it all together by a thread."  They are not eligible for medicaid because Dad is a tree guy and makes just a little tiny bit too much.  Neither can they afford health insurance.  And like I said, this kid has scary terrible asthma.  I had given him extra medications for the summer since we are closed in July.  

I asked her how the summer went.  "Well, we've had better summers."  She then went on to tell me that her husband hadn't felt well for a couple of months but wouldn't go see a doctor...until his prostate infection got so bad that it spread to the rest of his body, especially one leg which the surgeons had to filet open in order to take out the infected, dying muscle.  The surgeon told the mother the husband would not be going back to climbing trees.  "Please don't tell him that yet," she requested.  "Imagine if you lost your right hand tonight.  He can't hear that right now."  The dad is now home with the mom doing  dressing changes on this open wound (they can't afford home health nurse).  The mom is pretty sure that come hell or high water, he'll go back to what he did before. 

Anyway, as the dad got sicker, the mom and 10 year old boy took over his lawn service (which he did to earn extra income when tree stuff was slow).  As they were mowing, people would stop and ask the 10 year old how much he'd charge to do their lawn, so he picked up extra business, saved his money, and recently bought a Wii so he could get more exercise (he is a bit overweight, plus he thought it'd be good for his asthma).  On the day that the dad was being wheeled into surgery, the boy's asthma was getting very bad.  

"So I spread my arms like this," he told me, spreading his arms very wide, "and I closed my eyes and breathed in and out very slowly.  It seemed to help.  Now I am saving my money for Wii Fit so I can do yoga and practice stretching and breathing.  I think it's going to help me."  

Now you see why I wanted to share this story with you...

(I told him I have a 10 year old girl and I hope she marries a kid just like him). 

Why We Do What We Do - No. 1

The Gift of Books:  Breaking the Cycle of Poverty, Child by Child

In honor of National Reach Out and Read Literacy Week (May 2-8), pediatricians and nurse practitioners, both nationally and locally, will celebrate by working to promote early literacy through participation in the Reach Out and Read Program (ROR).  For the past ten years, several local pediatric practices have partnered with the Early Learning Partnership of York County to bring the ROR program to our community.  We value the opportunity to discuss the importance of family literacy at every well child visit by providing patients ages 6 months through 5 years with an age-appropriate book and discussing the importance of making reading a major part of every child’s daily routine. 

Many studies have shown that children who develop a love for books and reading early are more successful in school, have higher graduation rates, and are ultimately more successful in the work place.

In contrast, children who have not routinely snuggled with a caregiver to share a good book often come to the first day of kindergarten poorly prepared to learn to read.  These children start school a step behind their peers, and it’s very difficult for them to catch up.  Children who aren’t taught about the joys of reading in the early years are at increased risk for absenteeism, dropping out, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy.

Grabbing a book and reading to a child is easy for many parents, but for many others, children’s books are a luxury and not easily accessible.  Today in America, there are more than 11 million children aged 5 and under who are living in poverty.  Through programs like ROAR or the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (also supported locally by the Early Learning Partnership of York County), low income families can begin to surround these children with a wealth of information in the form of books. 

Reach out and Read works in part because the medical profession has early and unparalleled access to families.  Together, through ROR, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and family doctors can help break the cycle of poverty by prescribing books and empowering parents to read with their young children, thus ensuring that every child arrives at school ready to read and ready to learn. 

The ROR program has added a whole new level of care to my pediatric practice. I use books both as a diagnostic tool to measure development and parent-child interactions and as a safe, effective therapeutic intervention for childhood problems at any age.  Yesterday, for example, I gave a board book to a wide-eyed 15 month old.  She took it gratefully, turned it right side up, carefully turned a few pages and pointed at some of the pictures, showing them to her mother and babbling eloquently in toddler-ease.  Then she carried it over to share with her great grandmother who was sitting quietly in the corner.  In fifteen seconds, I was able to begin to evaluate this toddler’s language, social, fine, and gross motor skills and to observe that her developmental abilities were generally on track.  It was clear that she had been raised with books and was well on her way to school success in later years.

Books are the closest thing to a panacea the pediatric world has ever seen.  Take any common childhood challenge, and a recommendation to read with the child is part of a successful solution.  Examples might include:  

Language delays in a toddler?  Read with your child.

Explosive tantrums in a two year old?  Withdraw attention temporarily, then when he calms down and is cooperative, find a favorite book and read with your child.

Bedtime struggles and sleep disorders?  Establish a consistent bedtime routine which must always include reading with your child.

Lice?  After applying special shampoo, have your child read to you as you comb out the little critters.

Rebellious, anxious, or uncommunicative teenager?  Find a book to share together or just share a few minutes before bedtime reading together silently.

Home from school with a fever?   Read to him.  School age child with learning problems?  Have her read to you.  Long car trip to visit relatives with carsick children? Expand your child’s vocabulary with an audiobook and the hours will magically zip by.

Let’s all join together to make school readiness a reality for ALL children in South Carolina.   Read with your children anytime, anywhere.  If you don’t currently have a child at home, consider donating some time routinely to read with a child at school or the Children’s Attention Home.  Support a Reach Out and Read program in your community or make a donation to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.  Donations in support of these programs may be sent to:

ELP Of York County Meeting Tuesday in York

Early Learning Partnership Of York Count September Meeting

8:00 AM, Tuesday, September 14, 2010
York Family Resource Center, 37 Pinckney Street   York, SC 29745803/684-1504
803/684-1504
Please call 323-2180 or 984-3097 Or E-mail if you are unable to attend

wooldridged@winthrop.edu

Directions from York

Congress Street south Veer right onto Pinckney Street (it will look as if you are going into a residential street)

Directions from Clover

US-321 south, Turn left at Pinckney Street

Directions from Rock Hill

Highway 5 south, Turn left on Liberty Street (York School District Office will be diagonal from the light), Turn left on Congress Street, Veer right onto Pinckney Street (it will look as if you are going into a residential street)

OR

Highway 161 towards York (York School Dist. Office will be on the right side of the street, Hwy 161 becomes Liberty St.), Turn left on Congress Street, Veer right onto Pinckney Street (it will look as if you are going into a residential street)

Direction from Fort Mill

US 21  to Celenase Road/SC161 turn right, Turn right onto Highway 161 (York School Dist. Office will be on the right side of the street, Hwy 161 becomes Liberty St.)

Turn left on Congress Street, Veer right onto Pinckney Street (it will look as if you are going into a residential street)

Directions from Charlotte

77 South to Exit 82C ( Highway 161-Celanese Road) Highway 161 towards York  (York School Dist. Office will be on the right side of the street, Hwy 161 becomes Liberty St.), Turn left on Congress Street, Veer right onto Pinckney Street (it will look as if you are going into a residential street)

April Minutes

April 20, 2010

Early Learning Partnership

Board Meeting Minutes

Attending: Julie Case, Ouida Dest, Sylvia Echols, Sue Gover, David Lisk, Suzanne Merritt, Susan Roberson, Judy Sanford, Marc Sosne, Anne Suite, Jane Turpin, Jim Vining

Staff/Guests Present: Donna Wooldridge, Teresa Creech, Brenda for Nina Feemster

Sylvia in Stephen’s absence welcomed everyone to our monthly ELP meeting and thanked Brenda for her hospitality in Nina’s absence. Nina’s daughter was having knee surgery and Nina could not attend.

Stephen asked Donna to bring the board up to speed on the latest executive decisions at the Fort Mill School District that may affect ELP in his absence. She shared this information and e-mails with the board and discussed next steps. A meeting will be scheduled with Dr. Callicutt and Dr. Epps to discuss possible options of keeping the integrity of these grants and programs that would be cost effective for the district. Other details will be left at board level. Absent board members may call Donna or any Executive Council Member for details or questions.

Brenda, Nina’s secretary, reported that they served 286 people in Clover in March. Clover Family Resource Center and Bright Beginnings reported on the activities of the Parenting Program and Family Resource Center. She reported that they continue their Music and Me classes, and Eating Smart and Moving More. The York and Clover programs will take their families to Wells Farm during April, Garden month. The Colgate Dental Van will be there on May 6^th and their annual Stories on the Lawn will be on May 11^th.

David Lisk, Executive Director of York County First Steps, gave the First Steps report. He shared he is now working on his new budget. “CountDown To Kindergarten” will be held again this summer and they will host 30 per district. The state office is looking at all agencies to get a snapshot of at- risk, 0-6 children in the state. He and his board of directors are still very concerned about the direction the Fort Mill SB is taking with the FMRC and the PAT program they support.

Suzanne Merritt reviewed the March General Ledger, assets and liabilities. Everything is in line for this time of year. We will not print out the checking information/reconciliation in the future because it is not useful for the board.

Julie Case updated the board on the Bowl-a-Thon fundraising activities.

Kinard elementary with Jim Glover will host a dance on Cinco de Mayo to benefit DPIL. Thank you Sue’s Jim!!

We’re up over $7000 for banner sponsorships. Silent Auction items are due May 7^th. She reviewed the time frame leading up to and on the day of the BAT. We need ELP bowlers!! Call 323-2180 if you will bowl. Reminder to wear ELP colors on that day. It will officially begin at 9 a.m. Things are in good shape but remember that Each board member is responsible for at least one lane sponsorship and one silent auction item.

Teresa Creech reported on the number of children served through the Resource Centers and Medical Clinics for March 2010

Resource Center*		Medical*
Clover		31
Fort Mill		36
Rock Hill		42
York		74

*Unduplicated

1,314 children were served in the medical clinics from August to April 2010. Teresa reported that the Clover medical clinic numbers will approve with Head Start is moving to the Resource Center Building. She is participating in the Homeless Coalition Training which will benefit the resource centers and staff. She hopes to have a Nurse Practitioner volunteer to begin work in the clinic helping us use that pilot if we are funded by the SOM. Northwestern High School Key Club to donate.

Donna reported the following for the month of March.

DPIL- we are back up to 3486 children

• All of the school districts have now honored their pledge of $2,500 each for DPIL. We hope this will continue.
• Perihelion Club-Elizabeth Edgerton- donation for DPIL-$400
• And as Julie reported, funds keep coming in for Lane sponsorship @around $6500
• Change or delete strategic plan
• From: Increase Quality Child Care Experiences

Suggestion: Increase school readiness by providing children from birth to 6 with quality literacy experiences. Not a quorum.

County Council Grant was due on March 5-DPIL and the Reach Out and Read 6 month reports for each of the 6 sites was due on the 30th 4814 books

• United Way due Feb 26 - our program meeting was on the 30^th and budget meeting was on the 12th of April
• ROAR 6 month reports were due on the 31^st of March
• Sisters of Mercy was submitted on April 1^st.-Nurse Practitioner
• Lake Wylie Lioness Club- App for DPIL
• Literacy Week-May 2-8 I have asked Dr. Martha to write an Ed Op along the theme- Gift of Books- Breaking the cycle of Poverty-Child By Child, Pediatrician By Pediatrician-Highlighting ROAR as a gift all parents can give and the importance or reading aloud and making books an integral part of their children’s daily routine. So you should see that in the paper sometime that week.
• Financial and Internal Controls Policy-final
• ROAR SC- newsletter- Do you want to receive?
• Literacy Corner at York Pedes in State newsletter

Submitted by Donna

February Minutes

February 9, 2010

Early Learning Partnership

Board Meeting Minutes

Attending: Julie Case, Stephen Cox, Ouida Dest, Sylvia Echols, Tom Faulkenberry, Sue Gover, Laurie Leader, Brien Lewis, David Lisk, Susan Martoccia, Suzanne Merritt, Susan Roberson, Marc Sosne, Anne Suite, Jane Turpin, Jim Vining

Staff/Guests Present: Donna Wooldridge, Teresa Creech, Cindy Hunt

Stephen welcomed everyone to our monthly ELP meeting and thanked Cindy for her hospitality in hosting our meeting.

Stephen summarized the results of our recent audit for the board. Overall, the results were clean but a few items were suggested for improvement in terms of reporting finances. There were also a few weaknesses in internal controls that are often common with an organization of our size. Stephen revised our Financial and Internal Control Policy and addressed those specific suggestions to match what we say we are doing and actually how those things are executed. This process will be much easier with a new bookkeeper and software program, Peachtree, as well. The bookkeeper will work closely with Donna on site improving communication on financial issues. The board unanimously approved the revised policy.

Cindy Hunt, Rock Hill Family Resource Center Director reported on the activities of the Rock Hill Parenting Program and Family Resource Center. Cindy reported that their clothes closet is being moved, making way to a 2^nd exam room. Another pediatrician may assist on Fridays in the future and would be available for a nurse practitioner if future grants are approved. All of the literacy classes are full at this time.

Sylvia discussed the executive summary and conclusion of the “Focus on Kids” report. (enclosed) The report helps us look at figures of budget shortfalls and declines in state revenues as it has a real life impact on the children of South Carolina. It is still not known how these reductions will affect our children and may not understand the true extent of the damage for many years. She encourages us to share this information with others.

David Lisk, Executive Director of York County First Steps, gave the First Steps report. He shared that First Steps will probably experience more budget cuts and these reductions will not be able to be absorbed by the State. Programs will be affected; particularity literacy programs and direct services. He reported that he is researching the possibility of collaboration with the faith community and literacy programs. He feels like stimulus money will be coming. The Parents as Teachers program has been approved. The problem before was a data issue. Child care vouchers will be available for more children.

Suzanne Merritt reviewed the January General Ledger, assets and liabilities. Next month the board will be able to see all of the restricted and unrestricted funds broken down and see balances by program. The board unanimously agreed to allow Suzanne to move money.

Julie Case updated the board on fundraising activities, specifically the Bowl-a-Thon with preparations already underway. The new goal for this year is $40,000 to $45,000 dollars. She met with the parenting coordinators, Teresa and Donna on the 11^th of January to begin work. The 2^nd annual Bowl-a-Thon will be held at Strikers on Saturday, May 15^th, from 9-11:30 with registration from 8-9. Each board member is responsible for at least one lane sponsorship and one silent auction item. Items can be dropped off at any of the Family Resource Centers or the ELP office. Donna will develop a form to give to silent auction participants. Committees are needed in preparation for this signature event. Susan Martoccia and Anne Suite have agreed to oversee the silent auction activity. Thank you so much, ladies. She has developed an extensive list of frequently asked questions from last year to provide for a smoother event.

Dr. Sosne, on behalf of the Clover Rotary, is raffling tickets for a 50” TV and proceeds will go to DPIL. Thanks, MARC! Susan Roberson will look into Tapestry baskets to be auctioned at Bowl-a-thon silent auction. Herald will give us 3 add spaces for the Bowl-a-Thon. Teresa is talking to Kohl’s about their volunteer program to help with B-a-T.

Teresa Creech reported on the number of children served through the Resource Centers and Medical Clinics for January 2010

Resource Center*		Medical*
Clover	137	36
Fort Mill	1624	25
Rock Hill	1895	54
York	223	25

*Unduplicated

933 children were served in the medical clinics from August to February 2010. Teresa reported that we are nearing capacity in terms of how many we can serve without additional staff/space. She is exploring EXCEL classes for Amy, the medical clerk to fully computerize the clinics. She will work with Centers to get Census training to assist.

DPIL- down to 3200 after cleaning out database. Less non-deliverable books result after NCOA process.

Donna reported that ELP will complete an application to the United Way for funding in the amount of $18,000 for DPIL-Due Feb. 26^th. She will also apply to County Council in March for $30,000 support for DPIL since it is a county- wide effort. Received the Malpractice Liability Coverage effective Jan 1- Dec 31, 2010 listing for Joyce Barreda as an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of the Federal Tort Act. Silent Auction and Banner forms developed and distributed. Stephen asked Donna to send board members the current strategic plan for review.

Submitted by Donna

March Minutes

March 9, 2010

Early Learning Partnership

Board Meeting Minutes

Attending: Julie Case, Stephen Cox, Ouida Dest, Sylvia Echols, Sue Gover, Laurie Leader, David Lisk, Susan Martoccia, Suzanne Merritt, Susan Roberson, Marc Sosne, Anne Suite, Jim Vining

Staff/Guests Present: Donna Wooldridge, Teresa Creech, Penny Sanders

Stephen welcomed everyone to our monthly ELP meeting and thanked Penny for her hospitality in hosting our meeting.

Stephen and Anne succinctly summarized the latest executive decisions at the Fort Mill School District that may affect ELP, because of financial Julie Durham, our Fort Mill Family Resource Center Director and LEAP AHEAD Parenting Coordinator was notified that LEAP was being eliminated and her staff was being moved to other parts of the district and her position was being eliminated. The night before, Stephen, Anne Teresa, Donna, Julie and others attended the Fort Mill School Board Meeting. David Lisk, First Steps Director, made a statement to the board explaining the directives of the FS grant and the necessity of having a coordinating entity in the Resource Center to work with FS families with PAT, collect, analyze, report, and oversee other state directives of First Steps families and data. Stephen, on behalf of ELP, did the same in terms of keeping the synergy among the 4 FRCs and being accountable to our grantors, especially the accountability and DHEC directives needed for the medical clinic located in the Center. Another Fort Mill administrator reported to the board that she expected all grants and services would stay as is currently. A meeting among David, Stephen and this administrator will be scheduled. Other specific information will remain at board level.

Penny Sanders, York Family Resource Center Director reported on the activities of the Parenting Partnership Program and Family Resource Center. Penny reported that they will be hosting a Parent Day and continue with their monthly teen parent meetings they share with Clover. She still offers story time to her families through collaboration with the York County Library. Parenting Partnerships have activities planned to celebrate the Week of the Child the week of April 1^st. She distributed a handout on a zero to 3 curriculum on Preventing Child abuse and Neglect.

David Lisk, Executive Director of York County First Steps, gave the First Steps report. He shared that First Steps will probably experience more budget cuts and these reductions will not be able to be absorbed by the State. Programs will be affected; particularity literacy programs and direct services. He reported that he is researching the possibility of a Community Literacy Pilot Program. He and his board of directors are also very concerned about the direction the Fort Mill SB is taking with the FMRC and the PAT program they support. Other information stays at board level. He feels like stimulus money will be coming. Child care vouchers will be available for more children; 25-30 children on vouchers through Endowed Scholarship Matching funds of $70,000.

Suzanne Merritt reviewed the February General Ledger, assets and liabilities. This month the board is able to see all of the restricted and unrestricted funds broken down and see balances by program. All assets have been moved and everything is closed at the other bank.

Julie Case updated the board on the Bowl-a-Thon .She and Teresa reported that Teresa will be working with Signs Now to produce the banners for the B-a-T at $19 apiece and the owner will display his company at the gold level. The 2^nd annual Bowl-a-Thon will be held at Strikers on Saturday, May 15^th, from 9-11:30 with registration from 8-9. Each board member is responsible for at least one lane sponsorship and one silent auction item. Teresa has spoken to Kohls and will get a $500 corporate check and volunteers to help with the Bowl-a Thon on that day. Julie has brought in over $2800 to date selling banner sponsorships. Her personal goal is $5000. Let’s all follow her example!!

Teresa Creech reported on the number of children served through the Resource Centers and Medical Clinics for February 2010

Resource Center*		Medical*
Clover	186	19
Fort Mill	1323	40
Rock Hill	1800	89
York	301	50

*Unduplicated

1,131 children were served in the medical clinics from August to March 2010. Teresa reported that she sent a Valentine remembrance to the medical staff as a token for all they do for ELP. She sent the doctors a dinner gift card in appreciation. The Parenting lunch is on the 18^th. Teresa also worked at the #1 Question Fair for the City of Rock Hill on behalf of ELP.

Donna reported that the DPIL is back up to 3366 children. York Rotary donated $2,071 from matching grant written to match donations from York DO employees last year for DPIL. The Clover Rotary donated $1000 from their TV raffle for DPIL. Bank of York sent $135 for the York DO for this year for DPIL. The ELP strategic plan was sent out last month to be looked at in terms of changing an item to reflect more of a literacy component. This will be visited later. Suggestion: Increase school readiness by providing children from birth to 6 with quality literacy experiences)

• County Council Grant due March 5
• United Way due Feb 26-better known as
• ROAR 6 month reports are due on the 31
• Lake Wylie Lioness Club- App for DPIL
• Nurse Practitioner approval for sisters of Mercy Grant due April 1
• Scanpo membership-$300 (see attached) unanimously approved.

Submitted by Donna

May Minutes

May 11, 2010

Early Learning Partnership

Board Meeting Minutes

Attending: Cherie Barton, Julie Case, Ouida Dest, Sylvia Echols, Tom Faulkenberry, Sue Gover, David Lisk, Jean Marshall, Susan Martoccia, Suzanne Merritt, Susan Roberson, Judy Sanford, Marc Sosne, Anne Suite, Jane Turpin, Jim Vining

Staff/Guests Present: Donna Wooldridge, Teresa Creech, Julie Durham

Sylvia, in Stephen’s absence, welcomed everyone to our monthly ELP meeting and thanked Julie for her hospitality in hosting our meeting.

Sylvia presented Judy Sanford and Susan Roberson with a framed certificate of appreciation for their services with Success By 6 and ELP. Judy has been with us for many years and through our transition as a non-profit organization. Susan has been a wonderful JWL representative and we commend their commitment to York County’s children. Marc Sosne has agreed to stay on the board another year to represent the superintendents. Thank you, Marc.

Stephen asked Donna to bring the board up to speed on the latest executive decisions at the Fort Mill School District that may affect ELP. She shared that a meeting was held with Dr. Callicutt and Dr. Epps and discussed possible options of keeping the integrity of these grants and programs that would be cost effective for the district. They were receptive to our proposals and will give us a final response on the 12^th of May.

Julie Durham, Fort Mill Family Resource Center Director and Family Literacy Coordinator, provided the board with the 2010-2011 LEAP AHEAD Parent Education and Family Literacy Major Accomplishments and Initiatives. The report included the number of children and families served last year in programs through home visits and parent groups, the number of at- risk families and children identified and served, as well as, special activities and new initiatives. Julie has developed a number of new and diverse partnerships to best serve the needs of her clients. Her Center served 13,932 individuals in the community last year and 339 Fort Mill School District children in the medical clinic. She reported that their annual cookout hosted by the Fort Mill Rotary was held on the 29^th and they had less of a turnout than in previous years. They hope to continue the home visits in the new year. They typically have over 1000 visits each year. That will obviously change with staff reductions. A volunteer has assisted with the large increase in ESL clients.

Sylvia Echols shared information about the plans for the new Children’s Museum. Van Shield, Executive Director of the York County Culture and Heritage Museums group, was one of the original participants in ChildWatch and shared our mission in his role of the importance of early learning. Sylvia shared the mission of the new Children’s Museum as: To prepare young learners and their families for the future by providing positive learning through creative play in a unique environment inspired by the art of Vernon Grant. The museum will be set up in age appropriate areas of experiential learning.

David Lisk, Executive Director of York County First Steps, gave the First Steps report. He shared he is now working on his renewal and budget spending plan. He is expecting a 10-12% cut and probably more to come. He anticipated that PAT will take a big cut. He doesn’t expect those cuts to affect ELP directly. He has sent a formal letter to the Fort Mill School District outlining expectations in terms of First Steps funds regarding conditions of the contract and hopes to get an immediate response. He discussed the Endowed Scholarship program and its 2 to1 match.

Suzanne Merritt reviewed the April General Ledger, assets and liabilities. Everything is in line for this time of year.

Julie Case updated the board on the Bowl-a-Thon fundraising activities.

We’re up over $10,000 for banner sponsorships. Today is the last day for all Banner and Silent Auction items. She reviewed the time frame leading up to and on the day of the BAT. Stephen will give opening remarks and Marc Sosne will present awards. A letter will be sent after Saturday to all sponsors thanking them and recognizing them for their contribution.

Teresa Creech reported on the number of children served through the Resource Centers and Medical Clinics for April 2010

Resource Center*		Medical*
Clover		24
Fort Mill		24
Rock Hill		35
York		21

*Unduplicated

The clinic was closed for a full week for Spring Break reflecting the decrease in numbers. Teresa reported that the Clover medical clinic numbers will improve with Head Start moving to the Resource Center Building. She hopes the Nurse Practitioner position will be funded by the SOM as the numbers support additional help for the doctors. There are other doctors in the community who are giving a day in the clinics when their schedule allows.

Donna reported the following for the month of April.

DPIL- we are back down to 3260 children because of a system cleanup from the Foundation

• Board unanimously voted to change the strategic plan
• From: Increase Quality Child Care Experiences to

Increase school readiness by providing children from birth to 6 with quality literacy experiences.

• York County Council Grant was not approved. Current programs were cut and they did not approve any new ones.

• Sisters of Mercy was submitted on April 1^st.- After a site visit, we are in the final stages of competition for a Nurse Practitioner
• Literacy Week-May 2-8 I had asked Dr. Martha to write an Ed Op along the theme- Gift of Books- Breaking the cycle of Poverty-Child By Child, Pediatrician By Pediatrician-Highlighting ROAR as a gift all parents can give and the importance or reading aloud and making books an integral part of their children’s daily routine. A copy of that is in your packet. Great Read!
• Stephen will be exploring the need for and various Director and Employee Insurance policies.

Other Business: Stephen Cox has completed 2 terms as President of this organization and is stepping down. Jim Vining will assume this position as the new President of ELP. Stephen will remain on the board. Marc Sosne will remain another year as the Superintendent’s Representative.

Submitted by Donna