Committee and Task Force Meeting Summaries   

Quality Committee - December 16, 2014                              

The Quality Committee was pleased to update its work plan by checking off items under "Develop and promote a shared definition of quality". We continue to promote the definition through the distribution of the quality definitions cards and the development of several slides that will be "ready-made" for programs and agencies to insert into PowerPoint presentations when talking about quality with providers or families. The committee is looking at next steps in our work, particularly around the activity of "Create Cross Sector Collaboration for Timely Identification of Child and Family Needs". If you are interested in joining our committee, now is a good time as we transition to some new activities! We meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1-3 at Delta Dental.

Data Committee - January 4, 2015

The Data Committee reviewed with Peter Antal the preliminary results of the Stakeholder Survey (35 respondents to date). There is one more week for responses but so far there is diverse representation in respondents and an overall positive perspective on the usefulness of the Report. The Committee reviewed the work plan and the Charge and made some edits. It was also decided to request a presentation on the WISDOM dashboard from DHHS.

Policy Committee - January 5, 2015

The committee reviewed the latest draft of the ten, recommended early childhood policy priorities: three each in Healthy Children and Families, Positive Early Learning Experiences and Strong Families and one in Coordinated Systems. It was agreed that the list be tentatively titled, "An Agenda for New Hampshire's Young Children." The draft will be shared with the Office of the Governor. Next steps include: background research by NH Kids Count on the priorities and publishing a white paper on the priorities. The committee discussed the format for releasing the priorities. Updates were given on Spark NH's partnerships with regional initiatives and the Child Care and Development Fund task force.

Communications and Public Awareness Committee - January 7, 2015

The group started with a quick update on the policy priorities and Endowment for Health's project with NH Public Television. Discussed the quality definition cards for families and providers and brainstormed outlets for publicizing them. The 2-1-1 task force gave an update on their findings. Peter Antal joined to get feedback on data needs. Discussed the latest needs assessment report and plans for future work. Production has begun on the video and Lynn Davey is helping with the language and messaging. Future Bedrock presentations were discussed including an upcoming DOE/DHHS ambassador training.

Evaluation Committee - January 9, 2015

The Evaluation Committee discussed the use of a survey tool to gather data related to collaboration and after discussing several options, chose the Levels of Collaboration Scale. This survey will be fielded to the Council and results will be used to inform Spark NH leadership and to report to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of the Project LAUNCH grant. The Committee is also working on finalizing and fielding the Spark NH Committee Member Survey which will be sent to all committee members. 

 The committee debriefed the last Council meeting. The group discussed the director evaluation process and made suggestions for how to update it next year. The MOU with Early Learning NH was finalized. February's Council meeting agenda was set. The few Council positions that still need to be filled were discussed. The Committee will review the Council work plan on an annual basis. Each committee should review their work plans twice a year. The committee guidelines will be updated to reflect this change.   

Workforce and Professional Development Committee - January 23, 2015

The WPD Committee heard an update about the work of the Sustainable Early Engagement for Change (SEE Change) Task Force.  We identified individuals, organizations, and agencies that we will approach to request feedback about the Shared Professional Early Childhood Core Competencies (SPECCC).  We will also be developing a glossary for use with the SPECCC. Tessa McDonnell presented the final report for the State Professional Development Policy Blueprint Project.  The WPD Committee voted to serve as the Advisory body for the NH Ealry Childhood Professional Development System.  At our next meeting we will map out the work of the WPD Committee going forward in that role and identify additional members we will invite to join us in that work.

Executive Committee - February 11, 2015

The group met with Peter Antal to discuss Council data needs. A brief update on the budget and G&C approval of grants took place. The group reviewed the open positions on the Council. Laura gave updates on her meetings with DHHS leadership and the Governor's Office.  The Committee also reviewed and updated its work plan.       

Meetings are held at 2 Delta Drive in Concord NH unless otherwise noted.