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School
Readiness Council
Actions
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November 13, 2002
ATTENDANCE: Betsy Bain, Chair; Rovitta Paul; Patricia Balaban; Chris Dudek-Ratushnuk;
Elaine Andersen; Blanca Munoz; Lynn Sadlon Moritz; Mary Peniston; Linda Wilock;
Victoria Schilling; Marilyn Lewis; Elaine Liberto; Beatrice Krawiecki; Edmund
Schmidt; Marlene Reilly; Gail Melanson
OTHERS: Rosemary Scullane; Anne Matthews
STAFF: Mary Budrawich; Barbara Smart
AGENDA ITEMS
MEETING CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 9:35 a.m. by the Chairman.
REVIEW/APPROVAL OF September, 2002 MINUTES
** MS. ANDERSEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
UPDATES
A. School Readiness. Linda Wilock reported that we have a final letter of award
on the School Readiness Grant for the same amount as last year. The State budget
is still being discussed and “everything is on the table.”
B. Quality Enhancement. This grant is of greater concern. No city, including
Norwalk, has received a letter of award. In the current State budget situation,
any money that has not been formally awarded is at risk. The Mayor has sent
letters to the Commissioners of Social Services and Education asking them to
resolve the issues that have held up the letters of award.
C. Graustein Discovery Grant. Betsy Bain reported that the request for continued
funding in the amount of $50,000 has been submitted. Notification is expected
in December. A number of focus groups have been held and a draft report is expected
in January. A Community Conversation using Graustein funds will be held on November
18 at Grace Baptist Church.
D. Advocacy. Betsy reported that because of the elections and the State budget
situation we did not proceed with the legislative breakfast that we had discussed
in June. Other advocacy efforts continue. Mary Budrawich reported on the advocacy
activities of the Connecticut School Readiness Network (CSRN). That group will
focus on two priority issues: credentialing and Quality Enhancement.
** BEA KRAWIECKI MOVED TO AUTHORIZE BETSY BAIN TO SEND LETTERS TO RECENTLY
ELECTED OR RE-ELECTED LEGISLATORS THANKING THEM FOR PAST EFFORTS AND REQUESTING
CONTINUED SUPPORT.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Policy and Procedures. Mary Budrawich presented a list of approved policies,
policies in process and policies to be done. Most of the policies on the “to
do” list are in anticipation of the State’s expected monitoring visit next year.
All providers have a notebook with all of the approved policies and all of the
alerts issued by the State, which set forth State policy. The policy on exclusion
was presented for final approval.
** MARILYN LEWIS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE “POLICY REGARDING EXCLUSION OF
CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMS”
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Communications. Barbara Smart distributed two draft brochures for comment.
The Communications Committee needs additional members. Please call Barbara.
C. Provider Network. Rovitta Paul reported that things are going well. All programs
are full and most have waiting lists. Providers are beginning to prepare for
the monitoring visit.
D. Review and Selection. No report.
E. Program. Mary Budrawich reported that the committee is making plans, but
everything is on hold until the Quality Enhancement Letter of Award is received.
F. Transition. The book, Building Your Baby’s Brain, has been received and is
being distributed.
G. Informal Care. Plans are being made, but are on hold until the Quality Enhancement
Letter of Award is received.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF SRC PRIORITIES AND ROLES FOR THE FUTURE
Betsy Bain introduced the discussion and turned the meeting over to Mary Budrawich. The notes from that portion of the meeting are attached.
OTHER
No other business.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Lauriston Avery the meeting was adjourned at 11:37 AM.
Respectfully submitted, Linda Wilock
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