MCCTF December 1, 1999 Meeting Minutes I. The meeting was called to order at 9:41 a.m. II. The meeting opened with introductions. III. There were no additions to the agenda. IV. Announcements:
	A. Susan Safford from Rep. Godchaux's office announced that the Child Care Challenge application is available on the Michigan 4C website (www.mi4c.org), or by calling Representative Godchaux's office. The deadline for applications is March 19.
V. Business:
	A. Steve introduced Olivia Spencer, the new communications coordinator at MiAEYC funded through the Frey Grant. She will facilitate communication between the MCCTF and the legislature and assist in the development of the Task Force database. B. Steve reminded everyone that mass mailings are costly, and that those who have access to electronic mail are encouraged to use it. C. Lindy Buch reported that School Readiness reports are in, and the Board of Education is reviewing applications for competitive grants. She also stated that the Lansing technical assistance meeting is to be held April 26. Lindy announced that she has been appointed to the Summit Planning Committee as a representative from the Board of Education. D. Steve's report on the Ready to Learn Leadership Summit was postponed for lack of time.
VI. Presentation by Paul Nelson, Director of FIA-Child Development and Care Division:
	A. Paul stated that the CCDF federal funding block grant requires state review every two years, and that the FIA is now developing a Child Care and Development Plan for fiscal years 2000-200. The plan is to be approved by August 1, and a draft of the plan will be available to anyone interested. Contact FIA or see the FIA website (www.mfia.state.mi.us/). B. Paul announced that the FIA is planning public hearings regarding the new plan, and he will present the plan at the April 7 meeting of the MCCTF. The FIA is also planning public hearings in the Detroit area, Grand Rapids, Gaylord, and possibly the Upper Peninsula. C. Paul announced major changes and revisions to the plan:
		1. Increase in funding 2. Name/philosophy change 3. Deleted references to Early Childhood Links and Head Start Wrap Around 4. The FIA is partially funding the Summit 5. Certificate payment system 6. Processes with parents revised 7. Enhanced quality through scholarships, EQUIP grants, etc.
	D. Comments on the new plan should be directed to Kathy Pioszak at pioszakk@state.mi.us
VII. Presentation by Sharon Parks, Senior Planning/Research Associate at MI League for Human Services:
	A. Sharon reported that childcare is the fastest growing sector in the FIA, and as caseloads go up, there is an increased demand for funding. She announced that the LHS does not wish for the TANF surplus to go toward funding low-income day care programs, and stated that this is "one of the greatest pressures on the budget." B. Sharon stated that legislators need to become better informed about child care issues, because funding discussions will soon move to the House. She said that representatives should be concerned about day care quality and availability, as well as problems in the following areas:
		1. Alternative hours 2. Sick Children 3. Special needs children 4. Infant care
	C. Sharon suggested that there be pressure to change the statue for Work First programs. As it stands, mothers are required to return to work 12 weeks after the birth of their child, and Sharon suggests that is too early. Sharon also expressed her concern about the new TANF guidelines for "good cause" for declining an employment offer.
IX. Presentation by Senator Beverly Hammerstrom:
	A. Senator Hammerstrom commented about her position on several issues, including:
		1. Mental health 2. Child safety 3. Substance Abuse 4. Childcare and early development 5. HMO access to pediatricians
	B. Mark Sullivan of 4C stated that Senator Hammerstrom's campaign was based almost entirely on child advocacy, and asked how she was so successful. Senator Hammerstrom believes that her incorporation of children into every aspect aided in her success.
X. Ready to Learn Leadership Summit:
	A. Steve reported that planning for the Summit is in full swing.
		1. The Summit will be held June 11, 1999 at the Novi Hilton. 2. Valora Washington, Larry Schweinhart and Deborah Phillips are confirmed presenters. 3. Steve is still contacting potential brain science and business sector presenters. 4. Community forums are scheduled for several areas throughout the state. 5. A current draft of the document "Components of a Quality ECEC System" is posted at the Michigan 4C website (www.mi4c.org). 6. Steve will develop a packet of information on brain science and the Summit, and will meet with the MCCTF to discuss it before the April 7 meeting. 7. Steve reported on new funding for the Summit:
			a. Frey &endash; $30,000 b. Kellogg &endash; $25,000 c. Skillman &endash; $20,000 d. Kmart &endash; $10,000 e. MSU Coalition for Children, Youth, Families and Communities &endash; $5,000
		8. Steve reported that the cash budget for the Summit is $262,250, with over $100,000 going towards the parent telephone poll.
XI. Announcements:
	A. The CPR and first aid requirements for child care centers have changed; there is now are one-year renewal for CPR and three-year renewal for first aid.
XII. The meeting was adjourned at 12:02 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7 at 9:30 a.m. in the Lake Ontario Room at the State Library. The FIA-CDC will hold a hearing on the Child Care and Development Plan from 10:00 until noon.
Minutes taken by Olivia Spencer, MiAEYC Communications Coordinator Comments or suggestions should be directed to kmyers@MiAEYC.org

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