MCCTF Minutes 040500

MCCTF April 5, 2000
Meeting Minutes

I. Opening Business:

A. Co-chairs Erin McGovern and Steve Manchester called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m. The meeting opened with introductions.

B. The agenda was approved.

C. Announcement: Jane Zehnder-Merrell distributed a press advisory regarding the use of TANF funds for the Homestead Property Tax Credit. More information is available at the Michigan League for Human Services at 517.487.5436.

II. Update on the Business of the Task Force

A. School Readiness: Lindy Buch reported that competitive grants have been read and awarded. Spring grants are available and are listed in the pamphlets Lindy distributed. The Department is still seeking grant readers, if you are interested please contact the Department of Education at 517.373.8483.

B. Child Care Center Rules: Senator Beverly Hammerstrom has suggested that members of MCCTF review the rules and suggest technical changes. If this avenue is not effective, we will work for legislative action. Steve Manchester and Erin McGovern will request that a DCIS representative attend the MCCTF meeting in May or June. If this is not available, Steve and Erin will make plans to meet with a DCIS representative.

III. Featured Speaker: Joan Firestone, Early Childhood Consultant, Oakland Schools

A. Joan gave a brief overview of the brain's structure, highlighting the brainstem (survival), cerebellum (movement), limbic area (emotions), and cerebrum (thought processes). She added that the cerebrum is covered by the cortex, a neuron-rich area that varies in thickness from person to person, which may determine intelligence. Joan also outlined the structure of a neuron, and showed examples of enriched neurons and deprived neurons. Providing good environments for children promotes neuronal branching, synapse, development of the limbic area and cerebrum, and thus learning. Children who develop in neglectful or abusive environments rely on their cerebellum and brainstem, and are not able to reach their full potential. These children's limbic systems secrete cortisol, which adversely affects brain formation.

B. Joan discussed techniques for combating criticism:

1. Recognize the overemphasis on 0-3 development
2. Recognize the interplay between genetics and environment
3. Highlight evidence about children whose brains are stressed, and the cortisol they secrete
4. Draw on personal experience

IV. Featured Speaker: Mary Richards, Co-Director of State Operations, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids

A. Mary explained that the Fight Crime: Invest in Kids initiative is comprised of sheriffs, chiefs of police, prosecuting attorneys, and crime victims. She outlined data from High/Scope, Syracuse, and other studies that indicate an investment in high quality preschool programs reduces the incidence of arrest when children become teens and adults.

B. Mary explained the Fight Crime: Invest in Kids philosophy:

1. Use uniformed officers as advocates: people respond to authority
2. Develop policy reports and public policy recommendations
3. Educate the public through mass media
4. Identify and target key community leaders

V. Update on the Business of the Task Force…Continued

A. House Budget Update: Representative Lynn Martinez and Mark Sullivan announced several notable items:

1. The Family Independence Agency (FIA) has increased its child care allocation to $500M, up from $100M in 1994.
2. Income eligibility tables have been adjusted, allowing families at up to 200% of the federal poverty level to be eligible to receive a 30% child care subsidy.
3. Payment rates for providers have been increased, particularly for those who care for children 0-3.
4. More money has been allocated to EQUIP.
5. Money has been allocated to the Ready to Succeed Dialogue with Michigan.
6. $300,000 has been allocated to promote public/private partnerships.
7. The state shall implement the TEACH program.
8. A negative item&emdash;$27M in TANF funds are still earmarked for the Low Income Property Tax Credit.

Please write thank-you letters to member of the Appropriations Committee: Representatives Jansen, Godchaux, Kukuk, Mortimer, Price, Clarke, and Martinez; Senators Goschka, Gougeon, and Emerson. Call MiAEYC at 800.336.9700 for district and contact information.

B. Employer-Sponsored Child Care Committee: Erin McGovern reported that she has minutes available for the committee's meeting; contact her at 800.351.4171. The Committee discussed connections to the Dialogue, the Child Care Challenge, and Summit 3.

C. The Legislative Children's Agenda has been printed. They are designed to give to community leaders, elected or otherwise. Copies are available from Michigan's Children, call 517.485.3500 or 800.330.8674.

D. Olivia Spencer, MCCTF Recording Secretary, will be leaving her position at MiAEYC. Olivia thanked MCCTF members and expressed that she will be available until April 14th to handle requests and solve problems; contact her at ospencer@miaeyc.com.

E. Mark Sullivan announced that Phoebe Lowell will leave her position as Director of the Michigan Head Start Association, and invited her to play a game of "Who Wants to Win a Dollar?" Phoebe expressed her gratitude, and her sadness at leaving MCCTF. Erin McGovern Presented Phoebe with gifts: earrings and a bracelet.

F. Sara Clavez noted that training materials and resources for brain development are available from the Saginaw Valley regional 4C office, call 517.497.0680 or 800.468.2043.

IV. Closing Business:

A. Next month's meeting will feature Jan Ellis, Director of the Read, Educate, and Develop Youth (READY) program, Michigan Department of Education.

B. The next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. on May 3 at the Michigan State Library, in the Lake Ontario room on the third floor.

C. The meeting was adjourned at 12:02 p.m.

"The mission of the Michigan Child Care Task Force is to advocate on behalf of children and their families to assure that all children have access to high quality, affordable, nurturing early education and care."

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MCCTF April 5, 2000 Meeting Minutes

I. Opening Business:
	A. Co-chairs Erin McGovern and Steve Manchester called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m. The meeting opened with introductions. B. The agenda was approved. C. Announcement: Jane Zehnder-Merrell distributed a press advisory regarding the use of TANF funds for the Homestead Property Tax Credit. More information is available at the Michigan League for Human Services at 517.487.5436.

II. Update on the Business of the Task Force
	A. School Readiness: Lindy Buch reported that competitive grants have been read and awarded. Spring grants are available and are listed in the pamphlets Lindy distributed. The Department is still seeking grant readers, if you are interested please contact the Department of Education at 517.373.8483. B. Child Care Center Rules: Senator Beverly Hammerstrom has suggested that members of MCCTF review the rules and suggest technical changes. If this avenue is not effective, we will work for legislative action. Steve Manchester and Erin McGovern will request that a DCIS representative attend the MCCTF meeting in May or June. If this is not available, Steve and Erin will make plans to meet with a DCIS representative.

III. Featured Speaker: Joan Firestone, Early Childhood Consultant, Oakland Schools
	A. Joan gave a brief overview of the brain's structure, highlighting the brainstem (survival), cerebellum (movement), limbic area (emotions), and cerebrum (thought processes). She added that the cerebrum is covered by the cortex, a neuron-rich area that varies in thickness from person to person, which may determine intelligence. Joan also outlined the structure of a neuron, and showed examples of enriched neurons and deprived neurons. Providing good environments for children promotes neuronal branching, synapse, development of the limbic area and cerebrum, and thus learning. Children who develop in neglectful or abusive environments rely on their cerebellum and brainstem, and are not able to reach their full potential. These children's limbic systems secrete cortisol, which adversely affects brain formation. B. Joan discussed techniques for combating criticism:
		1. Recognize the overemphasis on 0-3 development 2. Recognize the interplay between genetics and environment 3. Highlight evidence about children whose brains are stressed, and the cortisol they secrete 4. Draw on personal experience

IV. Featured Speaker: Mary Richards, Co-Director of State Operations, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids
	A. Mary explained that the Fight Crime: Invest in Kids initiative is comprised of sheriffs, chiefs of police, prosecuting attorneys, and crime victims. She outlined data from High/Scope, Syracuse, and other studies that indicate an investment in high quality preschool programs reduces the incidence of arrest when children become teens and adults. B. Mary explained the Fight Crime: Invest in Kids philosophy:
		1. Use uniformed officers as advocates: people respond to authority 2. Develop policy reports and public policy recommendations 3. Educate the public through mass media 4. Identify and target key community leaders

V. Update on the Business of the Task Force…Continued
	A. House Budget Update: Representative Lynn Martinez and Mark Sullivan announced several notable items:
		1. The Family Independence Agency (FIA) has increased its child care allocation to $500M, up from $100M in 1994. 2. Income eligibility tables have been adjusted, allowing families at up to 200% of the federal poverty level to be eligible to receive a 30% child care subsidy. 3. Payment rates for providers have been increased, particularly for those who care for children 0-3. 4. More money has been allocated to EQUIP. 5. Money has been allocated to the Ready to Succeed Dialogue with Michigan. 6. $300,000 has been allocated to promote public/private partnerships. 7. The state shall implement the TEACH program. 8. A negative item&emdash;$27M in TANF funds are still earmarked for the Low Income Property Tax Credit.
	Please write thank-you letters to member of the Appropriations Committee: Representatives Jansen, Godchaux, Kukuk, Mortimer, Price, Clarke, and Martinez; Senators Goschka, Gougeon, and Emerson. Call MiAEYC at 800.336.9700 for district and contact information. B. Employer-Sponsored Child Care Committee: Erin McGovern reported that she has minutes available for the committee's meeting; contact her at 800.351.4171. The Committee discussed connections to the Dialogue, the Child Care Challenge, and Summit 3. C. The Legislative Children's Agenda has been printed. They are designed to give to community leaders, elected or otherwise. Copies are available from Michigan's Children, call 517.485.3500 or 800.330.8674. D. Olivia Spencer, MCCTF Recording Secretary, will be leaving her position at MiAEYC. Olivia thanked MCCTF members and expressed that she will be available until April 14th to handle requests and solve problems; contact her at ospencer@miaeyc.com. E. Mark Sullivan announced that Phoebe Lowell will leave her position as Director of the Michigan Head Start Association, and invited her to play a game of "Who Wants to Win a Dollar?" Phoebe expressed her gratitude, and her sadness at leaving MCCTF. Erin McGovern Presented Phoebe with gifts: earrings and a bracelet. F. Sara Clavez noted that training materials and resources for brain development are available from the Saginaw Valley regional 4C office, call 517.497.0680 or 800.468.2043.

IV. Closing Business:
	A. Next month's meeting will feature Jan Ellis, Director of the Read, Educate, and Develop Youth (READY) program, Michigan Department of Education. B. The next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. on May 3 at the Michigan State Library, in the Lake Ontario room on the third floor. C. The meeting was adjourned at 12:02 p.m.


"The mission of the Michigan Child Care Task Force is to advocate on behalf of children and their families to assure that all children have access to high quality, affordable, nurturing early education and care."


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