Monthly Report

October 2007

The ECMH committee has discussed and finalized their goals for 2007-2008. These goals include: requesting local and foundation support for Mental Health Consultation in child care centers, seeking funding from the Department of Health to set up Peer Consultation, and setting up the 2008 Speaker Series.
This committee is also seeking information about scheduled speakers at Penn State University or other community settings that are open to the public that Smart Start-CC could promote to the early education community.

The Parenting & Literacy committee has compiled three distribution lists for the “Transition to Kindergarten” calendar distribution. One list for early care and education programs, one list for agencies, doctors, and other public distribution sites, and a third list for marketing and sponsorship. These distribution lists will allow for easier distribution next year for next year’s Pre-K calendar.
The Family Resource Directory is in the final stages of being updated.

The sub-committees of the Early Care & Education Committee have continued their work on the transition projects and goals. The child-to-school sub-committee has finalized the date of Saturday, February 9, 2008 for their "Pre-Kindergarten Round Up" event at the Nittany Mall from 10am-4pm. The family-to-school sub-committee has finalized its "Transition Activities Survey" and plans to distribute It to Transition Representatives from each of the school districts in Centre County. The school-to-school sub-committee has finalized its "Getting to Know Your Child" checklist which will be distributed in 2008 and posted on Smart Start's website. The community-to-all sub-committee has been compiling a list of "Transition Notes" that include important dates like "Back to School Nights" and PTO Meetings with plans to post it on Smart Start’s website.

The Health and Nutrition committee is the process of proofing and revising its Centre County Health and Nutrition Resources that will be posted on the Smart Start website very soon.
This committee is also in transition and is need of new leadership. Many thanks to Beth and Chutney for servings as co-chairs this year.

The Communications and Advocacy committee is pleased to announce the “Red Carpet Appreciation Event” was a success and was enjoyed by all who attended. The tours of the three Pre-K Counts sites gave information about what was unique at each site. Following the tours, those who supported and advocated for the new budget along with the grantees were recognized with certificates of appreciation at the PACCA luncheon.
This committee has started working on Smart Start’s Fall 2007 Newsletter. Within the newsletter there will be information regarding the Red Carpet Appreciation Event, the 2007 ECMH Speaker Series, action committee goals, and upcoming events.
Communications and Advocacy is also in the beginning stages of producing Smart Start’s June-2006-July 2007 Report Card.

Smart Start will be participating in the "Candy Cane Carnival" hosted by the Nittany Mall on Saturday, November 17 from 11am – 3pm. This event is a way for groups to network to the community about their organizations and also provide a game, craft, or other activity for children and families. If anyone would like more information or if any organization is interested in participating in this event, you can contact Courtney Stroup at the Nittany Mall Management Office.