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Dubuque County Early Childhood Board Membership RequestJune 14, 2013 Dear City Clerk, Just a quick follow up on the enclosed letter I sent a couple months back. We are still open to placing a candidate from your city council on our open board position, and we would welcome additional questions and conversation. The time commitment is low — board meetings are only once a month, 10 times a year for about 1 -1/2 hours on the fourth Tuesday at noon. Board members usually serve on a committee, too, but those meetings are very flexible. The reward is high with the board's efforts instrumental in shaping quality services and system building to support young children and their futures throughout our county. Could you please share this again with your city council members and request they consider joining this important board of directors? Thanks so much for your efforts. For more info, call (563) 588 -1620. Sincerely, Julie Woodyard, Chair, Dubuque County Early Childhood Board 0 ES 0 C c MOM tW 55; 00020 Dubuque County www.dcearlychild.org Board of Directors Julie Woodyard, Chair Larry Loeppke, Vice Chair David Harris, Secretary Betsy Badger Jeanne Coppola Mary Rose Corrigan Lynne Devaney Meg Gilligan Sarah Harris Lee Hoerner Leta Hosier Eric Manternach Jim Osterberger Joel Reicks Judy Schmit Brian Spannagel Russ Stecklein Sherri Edwards, Director April 1, 2013 Kevin Firnstahl, City Clerk/City Council City of Dubuque 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Dear Mr. Firnstahl: As Chair of the Dubuque County Early Childhood (DCEC) Board and Board Development Committee, I am writing to issue an invitation. DCEC is a nonprofit organization that receives state funding to improve the lives of children age birth to five. For this goal, DCEC greatly values input from throughout Dubuque County and has a board opening for a representative from one city council from an area community. Would you please share this invitation with your city council? Attached are the following resources: ® An organizational brochure ® The Executive Summary from Annual Report showing recent activities ® A board member job description ® An application for membership We currently have a budget of approximately $600,000 for health and educational programs aimed at raising successful young children. Our goal is to strengthen pay luerships between citizens, local governments, and community partners — so that all children are healthy and ready to succeed in school and throughout life. DCEC would welcome your interest and further involvement in our collaborative efforts. If possible, I request your response by May 15, 2013. I would be happy to answer any questions or discuss this matter further. Please feel free to call me at (563) 690 -2860. Sincerely, Julie Woodyard, Chair, tCEC Board and Board Development Committee Enclosures (Board of Directors Citizens & Elected Officials: At Large Citizens City Council Business Citizen Community Volunteer County Board of Supervisors Faith Citizen Service Consumer Archdiocese of Dubuque Dubuque Community School District Public Neagh Representative Neagh Representative Justice System Representative Human Services Representative Western Dubuque County Community School District To obtain a list of those vdio hold board positions and theirterms of office, go to wawv dcearlychi Id.org. Dubuque County Early Childhood 2728 Asbury Road, Suite 500 Dubuque, IA52001 (563) 586 -1620 (563) 556 -2214 — fax www.dcearlychIld.org S4lission Statement Dubuque County Early Childhood builds community collaboration, commitment, and advocacy for a quality early childhood system. Guiding Principles To achieve its mission, Dubuque County Early Childhood implements the following actions: • Gather broad community input. • Educate the public. • Serve as a clearinghouse for information. • Provide leadership. • Promote collaboration to ensure efficient use of community resources. Focus on outcomes and community indicators. Current KPriorities • Quality community services • Family success skills • Early nurturing and learning • Safe and secure relationships • Healthy development Dubuque County EARLY CHILDHOOD Bui.ldi.ng our community... so all young children are healthy eZ successful www.dcearlychild.org f Du6uque Count) EARLY CTE4UrDHOOD About Vs Children in Dubuque County are our future citizens, leaders, and parents of the next generation. We want to give them the best possible start in life. Through quality health care and early learning experiences, our children can succeed — when they start school and throughout their lives. Dubuque County Early Childhood works collaboratively within our community to facilitate access to high - quality child care, education, health care, and family services for all young children. In our county, this is accomplished through partnerships with citizens, businesses, social service agencies, educational institutions, government, and more. Together, we are making strides. Dubuque County Early Childhood sponsors programs that train and provide quality improvement for child care providers. Dubuque County Early Childhood also supports Parents as Teachers, a parent education program, and several health programs focused on young children. Meetings and Committees Dubuque County Early Childhood functions almost solely through the support of committed volunteers. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference. To learn more, attend a meeting of the Dubuque County Early Childhood Board who oversee programs and committees. Unless otherwise announced, the board meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday (except July and December) at 12:00 p.m. at Keystone AEA, 2310 Chaney Road, Dubuque. In addition, the following committees meet regularly to address child and family issues: • Advocacy /Public Awareness • Board Development • Early Care and Education • Long -Range Planning • Quality Child Care Alliance The public is welcome to attend meetings and participate in activities. For more information, including a meeting schedule, go to www.dcearlychild.org. Our Vision: All children in Dubuque County are healthy and successful. Help us raise healthy and successful children for a brighter future for us all. Dubuque County Early Childhood (formerly Empowerment) 2728 Asbury Road, Suite 500 Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 588 -1620 (563) 556 -2214 — fax www.dcearlychild.org Dubuque County EARLY CHILDHOOD Dubuque County Early Childhood Board Membership Application An effective board for the local Early Childhood Iowa initiative starts with members who are leaders and are committed to young children and their families. Information: Name: Preferred City, Zip: Phone: (home) ( E-Mail: Employer: osition Title: What is your understanding of this board and your role as a board member? What skills can you contribute tote board? What is your current and previous community involvement? Are you able to attend and participate in all regular and special board meetings? Typically, the board meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday at noon (except in July and December). Will you provide leadership as required? Are you willing to serve on at least one committee? Yes Is your primary home residence in Dubuque County? Y S Are you, your spouse, or your employer a direct or indirect recipient of Dubuque County Early Childhood funds or services? Yes No Not sure Return to: Dubuque County Early Childhood, 2728 Asbury Road, Suite 500, Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 588 -1620 www.dcearlychild.org Dubuque County Early Childhood (DCEC) Board Member Job Description Responsibilities of Individual Members Responsibilities of Board as a Whole Be interested in and committed to the importance of early childhood. Meet the scope of responsibilities as an Early Childhood Iowa area as set by Iowa legislation. Cultivate an awareness of early childhood issues and priorities. Determine DCEC's vision and mission. Attend all board meetings. Develop a Community Plan with required elements that uses data and community assessment to make informed decisions. Serve on at least one DCEC committee. Regularly monitor and evaluate outcomes in the Community Plan. Prepare for board meetings by thoroughly reading the agenda and support materials. According to community need and priority planning, administer funds from the state and other sources. Come to board meetings prepared to contribute to the discussion. Establish a grant review plan for awarding funding and contracts with an emphasis on evidence -based programs /services. Notify DCEC staff or Chairperson in advance of any absence from board meetings. Monitor the quality and results of DCEC's programs/ services. Keep the board informed about any community concerns or needs that are relevant to DCEC. Seek to coordinate community efforts and to fmd opportunities to collaborate in support of children and families in Dubuque County. Represent DCEC in a positive and supportive manner in the community. To accomplish DCEC's goals, ensure adequate resources and seek long -term sustainability for early childhood efforts. Recognize and disclose any potential conflicts of interest between board position and personal /professional life. Assure wide community input as part of all efforts. Refrain from voting on matters in which a conflict of interest exists. Assign tasks to committees as appropriate. Assist in recruiting new board members. Ensure adherence to Open Meetings /Records Laws. Establish bylaws and regularly review. Ensure effective organizational planning so that administrative functions are covered. Ensure an Annual Report is completed, approved, and submitted annually to the Office of Early Childhood Iowa. Enhance DCEC's public image. Regularly assess performance as a board. Adapted from Tool Y, Iowa Community Empowerment Toolkit. DCEC Vision: All children in Dubuque County are healthy and successful. DCEC Mission: Dubuque County Early Childhood builds community collaboration, commitment, and advocacy for a quality early childhood system. For more information on Dubuque County Early Childhood — 2728 Asbury Road, Suite 500, Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 588 -1620, www.dcearlychild.org Dubuque County EARLY CHILDHOOD 2012 Annual Report Executive Summary Counties in Area: Dubuque County Chairperson: Julie Woodyard, P: (563) 690 -2860 1 E: jwoodyard@crescentchc.org Contact: Sherri Edwards, Director 2728 Asbury Road, Suite 500, Dubuque, IA 52001 P: (563) 588 -1620 1 F: (563) 556 -2214 1 E: sedward24 @aol.com Web Site: www.empowerdubuque.org (will become www.dcearlychild.org in fall 2012) Vision: All children in Dubuque County are healthy and successful. Mission: Build community collaboration, commitment, and advocacy ror a quality early childhood system. Community Plan Priorities for Children Age Birth to Five • Accessible quality support systems • Family success skills • Early intervention • Safe and secure relationships • Healthy physical and mental development Coming soon - Revised priorities based on updated community needs assessments and input from parents and early childhood providers. Why are the Supported Services so Important to Help All Children in Dubuque County be Healthy and Successful? • Based on community needs assessment, existing resources, and priorities. • Supported through goals shared by community partners, including nonprofits, governmental entities, education and health institutions, and local citizens. • Based on best practice, whenever possible, to support high - quality, early childhood results. • Help measure progress toward goals and often uncover new local needs for families of young children. • Assist in efforts to build sustainability for early childhood support systems. • Help represent Dubuque County Early Childhood in collaborative community initiatives. • Are the front -line in sharing with families and the community that early childhood experiences matter. Did you know? 7,419 children age 0 -5 live in Dubuque County; 31% of those children live in poverty; approximately 82% of children under age 6 have both parents in the work force; only 4,342 child care slots are available; less than 700 children age 0 -5 and their families participate in a family support program (2010 U.S. Census; Woods & Poole; Child Care Resource & Referral, nonprofits) A Child's Story One family graduating from Parents as Teachers had started when their son was three months old. The parents were struggling and had little family support or knowledge of child development. Initially, the parent educator recognized risk factors for child abuse. So the educator suggested a respite program. The parents learned about quality child care and obtained a break. The child received nurturing, age- appropriate care. During home visits, the educator discovered the family relied on emergency rooms for medical care. The parent educator helped the family find a permanent medical home for their child's age and health needs. Soon the family was attending support groups through Parents as Teachers. They started talking to other families and discovering activities, like the library and parks. The family began going on educational outings with new friends. Eventually, the parents disclosed they didn't believe in preschool - they thought it wasn't important and schools weren't safe. With the educator's encouragement, the family enrolled their son in a quality preschool. The family got involved with school events and conferences. This little boy is entering kindergarten and is excelling in age- appropriate skills. The family took significant steps necessary to thrive and nurture their son's development. Parents as Teachers provided the help needed for this success story. Woven together...Dubuque County Early Childhood, its supported services, and community partners are building a system of early health and education for children age birth to five in Dubuque County. famil (inclu Scho Services Supported by Dubuque County Early Childhood • Child Care Resource & Referral - Preschool tuition and transportation support for income - eligible families; respite program with quality child care options for at -risk families; professional development support for child care providers; early childhood public awareness efforts throughout the community; professional development and grants to child care centers and home care. • Four Oaks - Parents as Teachers family support and home visitation program. • Keystone Area Education Agency - Literacy and media resources delivered to preschools participating in Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards. • Visiting Nurse Association - Health /dental programs, including oral health screenings and child care nurse consultants to assist child care providers. • Clarke University Nursing Department - Community health program where student nurses offer education, resources, and supplies to high -risk families. • Kindergarten Survey - With the cooperation of all school systems, collection of child data on medical /dental insurance, medical home, preschool experience, and family reading trends. • Born Learning Campaign - With the support of a First Years First grant, implementation of a public awareness campaign for parents /caregivers and business engagement in early childhood. What are the Results of Dubuque County Early Childhood's Efforts? Early childhood efforts are addressing community- defined needs. This year, most efforts were concentrated on populations in need and on building sustainable services. These remained high priority. • 98% of regulated child care centers and preschools in Dubuque County are participating in at least one quality standard (such as Iowa's Quality Preschool Program Standards or Quality Rating System). The combined efforts of multiple area organizations keep this rate climbing. • 23% of registered home providers in Dubuque County are participating in at least one quality standard (such as Iowa's Quality Rating System or ChildNet). More effort is needed to encourage quality standards for home care. • 35% of children in area preschools received oral health screenings. 9% of these children showed needs and received services or follow -up. This year, the program targeted at -risk preschool sites only. • 100% of preschools received support from child care nurse consultants to improve safety /health aspects of care. • 5% of Dubuque County children age 0 -5 and their ies were impacted by family support programs iding a project through Dubuque Community Dls' preschool grant). State eligibility rules limited enrollees to families meeting income, education, and special needs criteria. 11 Some Highlights of Dubuque County Early Childhood's Outreach and Partnerships • Quality Child Care Alliance - Partnership with child care providers, citizens, and other stakeholders to coordinate and strengthen "quality" in child care. Has released a locally- defined "model" of quality care. • First Years First in Dubuque County - Early education initiative to provide simple ways to encourage early learning (Born Learning campaign) and to engage business partners (The Children's Trust). • Kids Expos - Two events held annually for families to learn more about community resources and enjoy quality family fun. One is held in the city of Dubuque and the other at a county site. • Book Drive and Reading Day - Annual book drive through local business that garners hundreds of new books for distribution to child care centers and families at well -child visits. Every year, legislators and other leaders read to children at child care centers for Provider Appreciation Day. • Week /Month of the Young Child - An annual celebration and commemoration of early childhood efforts in the community, including city and county proclamations and a children's drawing contest. Dubuque County Early Childhood functions through a board of directors, including 17 citizen members - all residents of Dubuque County who are committed to building a quality system of care for children age birth to five. Many additional volunteers and community partners also support this effort by serving on committees and participating in collaborative projects. Quality Child Care Alliance \JNk VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION A HAeidi.ry of HAI, TH.SW.R Health Gmup.la. The Campaign for GRADE -LEVEL READING Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral t • 1 — Ou DD allapi Cc2 every child 1 every promise The Children's Trust FIRST YEARS iBt ice'=-© invest in their future. dj rwsl am... FarfDa� our I;wa+ Everyone has a role in supporting early childhood in Dubuque County. Many organizations and businesses are committed to successful outcomes for children in Dubuque County. There are many opportunities to get involved. For more information: Call (563) 588 -1620 or write to sedward24 @aol.com Go to www.empowerdubuque.org or www.dcearlychild.org Visit Dubuque County Early Childhood on Facebook