Policy Council Minutes - January 2022

Members Present:  Tamika Rowe, Angela Brown, Dorett Gunter, Brittany Lyle, Carl Powe, Cherrie Kelly, Kanisha Davis, Lisa Butler, Yaniqua Eyabi. Krashanda Snead, Donnittia Robinson, Donna Mansell

Members Absent, Jana Bridges, Brittany Lyle, Janelly Ortiz, Megan Crocker, Crystal Gray, Brianna Williams, Brittany Money, Justin Grant, Jessica Godfrey, Melissa Gregory

Excused Absences: LaKeisha Johnson, Demetria Hall

• A mini training was provided for the Policy Council. The training detailed a list of questions to be prepared for regarding our upcoming Focus Area Two monitoring review.  Hawthorne shared questions with the Policy Council and provided examples on how to address questions.  Ms. Vaughn informed the Policy Council that we will continue to share information on FA2 at monthly meetings.

The Policy Council meeting was called to order by Dorett Gunter, Policy Council Chair.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Approval of December 13, 2021, minutes was presented by Ms. Dorett Gunter. Brittany Lyle moved to approve the minutes. Tamika Rowe seconded the motion. Votes were submitted to the chat box and the minutes were approved as presented.

REVIEW OF PERSONNEL REPORT:

The Personnel Report was presented by Melissa Botsoe, Information Coordinator II, HR. New hires are listed in the chart below. Tamika Rowe moved to approve the personnel report as presented. Angela Brown seconded the motion. Votes were submitted to the chat box and the personnel report was approved as presented. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF 2022 COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT and UPDATES:

Cynthia Sosebee, Community Partnership Facilitator, presented the 2022 Community Needs Assessment Update. Tamika Rowe moved to accept the Community Needs Assessment Updates as presented. Carl Powe seconded the motion. Votes were submitted to the chat box and the 2022 Community Needs Assessment Update was approved as presented. Motion carried.

Rene Vaughn added that the assessment is conducted every five years, and this is important in preparation for the FA2 monitoring review. The community assessment is the roadmap for the Head Start program.

APPROVAL OF SURVEY RECRUITMENT PLAN:

The Survey Recruitment Plan was presented by Shaylunn Tolbert, Social Services Facilitator. Ms. Tolbert discussed the plan for the upcoming year which included Program Options and Service Areas.  We will continue to target enrolling children with disabilities so that we can ensure that the required 10% of children with a disability is enrolled in our program. Ms. Tolbert reviewed the Recruitment Formula Application for 2022-2023. There is currently a waitlist due to having to cease enrollment due to our staffing shortage. Mrs. Tara Cannon, Director of Human Resources, shared with the Policy Council that some of our staffing recruitment efforts are Sign-on bonuses, social media, radio, and advertising with staffing agencies.   After discussion, Tamika Rowe moved to approve the Recruitment Plan as presented. Carl Powe seconded the motion. Votes were submitted to the chat box and the Recruitment Plan was approved as presented. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF SELECTION CRITERIA:

The Selection Criteria was presented by Shaylunn Tolbert. The Selection Criteria has not changed. All areas are still critical to recruitment efforts. Flyers were presented for recruitment purposes. Tamika Rowe moved to approve the Selection Criteria as presented. Angela Brown seconded the motion. Votes were submitted to the chat box. The Selection Criteria was approved as presented. Motion carried.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

The Director’s Report was presented by Ms. Shannon Vaughn.  Ms. Vaughn presented the Pyramid Model.  This is a pilot program conducted by South Carolina PITC. Staff will be trained on the model. This model will assist with reducing challenging behavior in children, reducing turnover in the program, and increasing teachers’ competence and confidence in the support of our children. One pilot will be conducted with HS and one with EHS with hopes that the program will eventually be used at all the centers.

Fall CLASS assessment data was presented, and Spring Assessment will begin soon.  There was a COVID surge, and several classrooms had to be shut down when we returned from the winter break.  Hopefully we will recover soon and classes will reopen. We are currently implementing the Grow to Greatness nutrition program. This program is used to assist us with improving nutrition concerns with children and families. The program offers cooking demonstrations, food boxes and door prizes. Male engagement is gradually increasing due to increased efforts from center staff. We will continue to provide male engagement opportunities.

After the discussion, Tamika Rowe moved to approve the Director’s Report as presented. Carl Powe seconded the motion. Votes were submitted to the chat box. The Director’s Report was approved as presented. Motion carried.

BUDGET REVIEW

The Budget Review was given by Doris Pitchford, Director of Business and Finance. We are still waiting on the approval for the carry-over funds from the COVID grant. There were no questions regarding the budget.  Tamika Rowe moved to approve the Budget Review as presented. Carl Powe seconded the motion. Votes were submitted to the chat box. The Budget Review was approved. Motion carried.

Recorded by  Angela Brown, Secretary
Dorett Gunter, Chair