Children’s Council Minutes – Skagit County – May 14th, 2008:
Lead Agency Report – Pat Holloran: This month had 89 IFSP; 3 new IFSP; 7 in
Transition (4 moving to Part B; 1 no longer qualified for services). Wednesday, May 28 th
from 5 to 7 pm is Joan Martin’s Retirement Open House @ Hillcrest Park in Mount
Vernon.
Lead Family Resources Coordinator – Cindy Hubert: Have completed the CC &
Infant/Toddler Report to the State; 1 improvement support (documentation). Just
had the final family resource coordination meeting for the school year.
Public Awareness/Child Find & Recruitment – Cindy: Explained the process & passed
the sign-in sheets around the table.
Parent to Parent - Cindy: Group has been really busy with Parent Autism lunch; a
successful workshop presentation on special needs trusts; Down Syndrome Potluck
(with 60+ attending); & Mom’s Night Out at the Hampton with buffet, spa night, & treats
(with 41 moms attending).
Child Care Liaison – Annette Driscoll: Had 2 home care visits, busy with resource
requests.
Family Focus Tip – Barbara Smith: Born Learning sheets on Recipes for Literacy – for
both babies & toddlers.
Monthly Tip – Gang Prevention in Skagit County – Part 2, with Bob Hicks of Skagit
County Human Services. Much work is being presently done, with the formation of
committees to address different aspects of this issue. It is a large & complex issue,
& many people are interested – the committees offer a way to break up the work, &
accomplish more in a timely fashion. One Mount Vernon Pilot project is working with
the Prosecutor’s Office to evaluate how much current crime might be gang related –
which will provide a community barometer. The group is also looking at surveys in
schools, & how to offer alternative activities for pre-gang involvement. Sports activities
are one way to interest pre-teens, but many kids are not athletic – so what must happen
in the community to divert vulnerable kids away from the gangs?
Fund Raising Discussion: Group discussion on should there be a voluntary dues
structure for Children’s Council. How would the money be used? Would that prevent
many of the smaller organizations from participating in the CC? Would invoices be
required? Many non-profits cannot make voluntary donations – there needs to be a
form for accounting purposes. Could there be a Sponsorship form instead? No decision
was made, more discussion will occur after the Executive Committee looks at this issue.
Skagit Early Learning – Karen Rose: A recent meeting was held to discuss future
funding opportunities; & if the Economic Development Council of Skagit County would
be a logical financial home. A preliminary meeting was held; & an official Business
Meeting will be held in late May before the EDASC Board.
The Reading Readiness Grant – Barbara: The grant is moving forward, with employees
nearly hired, & recruitment of families starting soon. Preliminary training has been
completed.
The Creativity Fair – Barbara: 52 pieces of art have been collected, & have been sent
out for professional framing. There will be a kick-off at the Burlington Public Library on
June 3rd for the Art Fair.
General Discussion of the Skagit Early Learning Center – Joan Youngquist: a
preliminary meeting was held to assess community interest in the concept. There was
much interest & conversation generated. Definitely the group was enthusiastic about
some possibilities. More details will come over the next few months.
General Discussion over the fate of the ESD 189 Behavior Specialists – since the Safe
Schools Grant will be ending in 2009. So much good work has been accomplished - &
how will continued support & funding be accomplished?
Public Awareness & Communications Committee - Cindy: work is continuing on media
materials to be made accessible for the upcoming flat panel displays that are being
distributed around area medical clinics, etc. More ideas & participation are welcome.
Agency Updates:
Work is already commencing on next year’s Connections Conference for March 21st,
2009 (not Easter weekend).
The Skagit Provider Appreciation Night will be Friday, May 16th at the Sedro-Woolley
Community Center, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Sign-In Sheet:
Cynthia Hubert/SPARC
Lisa Dills – BPL
755-0760
Teresa Van Haalen
tvanhaalen@mv.k12.wa.us
Carol Thomas
cthomas@ESD189.org
Barbara A. Smith SVD/ESD 189
Bob Hicks - Skagit County FS
bobhicks@co.skagit.wa.us 336-9379
Annette Driscoll – SPARC
Stella Ng OIC-SHIBA Helpline
stellan@oic.wa.gov 206-389-2749
Melissa Self – Community Action
Joan Youngquist – SIHS
Joey Wasson – EL @ Crossroads
Karen Rose
Janet Simpson
Debra Peterson – S-W Public Library ddpeters@fidalgo.net
Lynn Christoferson
lynnc@skagit.csp.org
Marlys Vollegraaf – BLS
Diana Mincin – ASD
Nikki McMurtry – TOSA-MVSC Special Services
D. Peterson - Secretary