HomeMy WebLinkAboutEarly Learning Minutes_09 28 23Ashland Early Learning Ad Hoc Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date: September 28, 2023
Location: 1175 East Main Street Ashland, OR 97520
Attendees:
• John Love
• Samuel Bogdonove
• Lisa Verner
• Kristen Roy
• Paula Hyatt
Community Members:
• Jihan Nicholas
Meeting Convened at 3:05pm
Panel Discussion: Two local preschool providers, Jenny Johnson and Ruth Cohan,
attended the meeting to discuss small scale, recorded, Waldorf inspired programs.
The format was an open conversation where the committee learned about the
motivations for programs to be recorded, not licensed, and how these programs
contribute to early learning and childcare in the Ashland Community. The committee
also received feedback from both Jenny and Ruth on ways to improve our early
learning and childcare environment in the future.
Update on Grant Program: The deadline for applications was Wednesday,
September 27th. Three applications were received. Staff is reviewing for
completeness. Upon completion of the review the committee will be engaged to
read the applications and provide feedback.
Assessing the Current Early Learning Environment: Work continues to fully define
the programs available in Ashland including, days offered, hours, number of
students, licensed or recorded, etc. The information compiled will be used to define
the gaps in Early Learning opportunities for Ashland and further hone the
committee’s work moving forward. Next Steps: reaching out to Southern Oregon
Special Education District to review our list and request feedback on missing
programs or out-of-date information.
Next Meeting: The group opted to move the meeting a little later to 3:30pm on the
fourth Thursday of the month. We will meet again on Thursday, October 26th at 3:30p.
The location will again be 1175 East Main Street.
Meeting Adjourned 4:10pm