STATE OF MINNESOTA TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTY-SIXTH SESSION
EARLY CHILDHOOD FINANCE & POLICY DIVISION
MINUTES
Representative Nora Slawik, Chair of the Early Childhood Finance & Policy Division, called the meeting to order at 7:08 pm on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in the Dahlager Theater of
Milaca High School in Milaca, Minnesota.
The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.
House Members Present:
Slawik (Chair)
Rosenthal (Vice-Chair)
Jackson
Laine
Peterson
House Members Excused:
Bly
Buesgens
Downey
Greiling
Hamilton
Mack
Mariani
Nornes
Ward
A quorum was not present.
The committee heard testimony as follows:
Julie Rhoda, Preschool Teacher, Milaca Elementary School, discussed the Milaca School District’s School Readiness program, the Imagination Library program and the barriers to providing preschool screenings and School Readiness.
Tammy Wickstrom, Director of Early Education, Nay-Ah-Shing Head Start (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), discussed the early childhood program and support provided by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, the waiting lists for the program and the interaction between Federal, State and Tribal regulations.
Lynn Otto, Owner, Allstar Childcare Center, stated the difficulties she faced opening her program and suggested solutions to the committee.
Robert Benes, Executive Director, Lakes and Pines Community Action Council discussed the partnerships between the local Head Start and family childcare providers in providing head start services in the provider’s home.
Duane Benson, Executive Director and CEO, Minnesota Early Learning Foundation, argued for more early childhood investment as well as discussed the education gap in Minnesota.
Sarah Caruso, President, Minnesota Children's Museum and Chair, Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council, updated the committee on the work of the Advisory Council.
Valerie Peterson, Parent Aware Director, MN Child Care Resource and Referral Network (MNCCRRN), discussed the importance of quality, what constitutes quality and she provided an overview of the Parent Aware pilot.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 pm.
Representative Nora Slawik, CHAIR
Matthew M. Collie
Committee Legislative Assistant