Monthly Report

March-April 2009

As part of the 2008-2009 Speaker Series, the ECMH committee's Nutrition and Behavior panel presentation took place on Saturday March 28, in the morning at Radio Park Elementary School. This was a 3 hour workshop for parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals about the impact of children’s behavior surrounding food and eating—how that affects nutrition, the development of social and emotional skills, and family relationships and dynamics. The panel consisted of speakers: Dr. Jennifer Savage Williams, Dr. Rachel Love, Dr. Sonia VanHorn, and Wendy Whitesell. We had 24 people in attendance, feedback is looking positive, and evaluations are currently being tabulated.

Great news! – We reached our sponsorship goal! Thank you to all contributors. The 2009-2010 Calendar is undergoing updates and will be printed soon.
Lori Perez (Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State Intern) has coordinated the Smart Start version of the One Book Project. Over 25 readings have taken place this April. If you would like to participate as a reader for the project next year, please contact Lori, at 814-238-0331 or interns@smartstartcc.org. Many thanks to Lori!
The First Annual Reader's Tea was a success. Readers from the county gathered at Barnes & Noble to watch a reading demonstration, presented by Meredith Rogers (committee member).
Meredith Rogers is also implementing the First Book Program in Centre County. She will provide leadership for the group. If you would like to learn more about or be involved in First Book, please contact Meredith at: crm2826@bn.com.
Anita Ditz (PLA Committee Co-Chair) held a public reading of "If You Were a Penguin" at the Borough Building on April 22. A Centre Daily Times photographer captured images of the event, featured in the Local & State section of the April 23rd paper. Articles about One Book can be found on www.centredailytimes.com.

The family-to-school subcommittee has been looking at the completed parent surveys. The information from the surveys has been compiled and used to assess successes and challenges in the transition to Kindergarten process in Centre County.
The 2010 Transition Plan is in construction. All members brought date and activity ideas to the April 24 meeting. This was a work session to design the Transition Plan for Centre County.
Kindergarten Registration Information

Early Childhood programs are hard at work with the "Tell Your Story" childhood advocacy project. We have mailed over 50 cards to legislators each month so far in 2009, yet we are still hoping to receive and send more. All recipients of packets; please complete and return them to us as soon as possible.
Visits to Centre County State Representatives and Senators are taking place.
Committee members are asked to write to legislators, requesting support of the Government's Early Childhood budget.
The Communications and Advocacy committee has lots of ideas for outreach, and welcomes anyone interested in writing, communications, marketing, public awareness and advocacy. Please feel free to contact the co-chairs at your convenience if you would like to be involved.
Thanks to Katherine Matz for her contribution to the committee this semester.

"If You Were a Penguin" authors held a presentation of the book at Schlow Library on April 28, 7pm. There were penguin themed activities, games and refreshments. Approximately 50 people attended.
The "Children's Art Show" took place throughout the month of April at the State College Borough Building. The display was open to the public 24/7 and several members of the public commented on the beautiful artwork in Smart Start-Centre County's Visitors' Book.
Upcoming: May 12, "Early Childhood Action Day". For more information go to www.paQUEST.org, or contact Donita Hord at 814-941-0606 or donitahord@yahoo.com. Transport information is also available on the paQUEST website.