HomeMy WebLinkAboutEarly Learning Minutes 03 06 24
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Early Learning Ad Hoc Committee
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
In attendance: Lisa Verner, John Love, Jessica Therkelsen, Paula Hyatt, Alissa Kolodzinski
Guests - Cynthia Salbato from Science works, Kristin Akervall a Wilsonville City Council
Member
Akervall is working on childcare in that area. Working with a consortium to learn what
Wilsonville can do to provide assistance related to childcare.
1. Science Works Update with Cynthia Salbato
Science Works purchased modular buildings. Worked with Sunny Spicer from the Children’s
Museum. Due to financial issues the childcare process was put on hold. They are doing well
better and are committed to providing early learning for the community. Currently looking at
providing space for zero to three-year-olds as that is what the community really needs.
Science Works has modulars that can be repurposed for the needs of childcare. There is still
funding for the early childcare center. Science Works has grant funding to pay for the
playground and beginning the installation and remodel of the modulars. Hyatt suggested
starting with 18 months to three years as opposed to infant care. Science Works is prepared
to not generate revenue and that they are committed to supporting the community. Love
mentioned the goals of communication and offering resources. How can we meet the needs
of the community by working together? Salbato stated they can start on the infrastructure
but don’t have enough funds to complete the project. They are currently working with a local
architectural firm. Next steps are to get the plans approved. Hyatt spoke about how we can
make an effort to ease zoning and planning. Salbato spoke that being on SOU land, they are
already in an educational district. Considering an outdoor school model but reaching out to
various childcare providers for information and a potential collaborator. Science Works is not
necessarily in a position to be a provider themselves. Also, in talks with Travel Oregon.
Discussed options for moving forward.
2. Review of 2nd Draft: Six-Month Progress Report for finalization
Verner spoke about a few grammatical issues. Discussion on terminology and specific
wording to ensure ease of reading the document. The group will review the draft and email
suggestions to Hyatt by this Friday and will send out on Monday
3. Early Learning Clearing House Examples
Therkelsen spoke about clearing houses. The Burkley parents’ network which includes child
care openings, providers, advertising. It is a forum for parents to locate childcare. And
providers to contact parents. Portland’s waitlist is an automated system with how many slots
are updated and where. It tracks types of providers and how many others are on a wait list.
These are types of communications for the community. Generally, they are funded by a
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community member or non-profit. The ways parents communicate in Ashland seems to be
on Facebook. Therkelsen can look into options for a more central community-based option
for childcare communication needs. Hyatt suggested looking into more about the Portland
waitlist to see how they got started.
4. Next Steps for April
Updates due by Friday, Hyatt will send out draft on Monday. Council corner article on April 15
will be on childcare.
Marshall Doak - SBDC next time. Maybe Portland Waitlist for the other 30 minutes?
See attached summary in email that Therkelsen put together.
5. Adjournment
Next Meeting April 3rd – 1:30pm 51 Winburn Way
From:Jessica Therkelsen
To:Alissa Kolodzinski; Paula Hyatt
Subject:Examples of Childcare Clearinghouses/ Job Boards
Date:Tuesday, February 20, 2024 10:57:06 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hi there,
Here are a couple of examples of sites that allow people to browse childcare openings makeinquiries for nannies and in home care needs. I'll note that none of these services are run by a
government agency.... though the government websites do point to these resources. Itssomething to consider as we think on the most appropriate way to move forward,
Berkeley Parents Network. Berkeley Parents Network (BPN) is a moderated online network
for parents who live in the San Francisco Bay Area. ... Parents use BPN to exchange adviceand recommendations with other parents and find childcare, schools, camps, and classes. It is
free for local parents to subscribe. BPN also accepts paid Community Subscriptions fromschools, camps, childcare providers, and other kid-related businesses and organizations.
PDX Waitlist. You can apply for specific schools, see openings, manage waitlists etc. Not just
for preschool, but I used when I moved to Portland in 2018/2019 to get the kids into care.
Preschool Marketplace (Portland OR).
Is a one-stop resource for finding the best reduced-cost preschools and childcare nearyou.Collects lists of preschool providers (for children ages 3 to 5) who receive funds from
one or more of our partners.Enter any address — for example your home or workplace — in our searchable map to
find providers near that address.Click on any provider to learn more about them.
Contact the provider or partner programs they participate in for more information or toenroll.
PDX Parent. This site is great for parents generally, but includes directories of providers.
I hope this helps open up some ideas!
Jessica
-- Jessica Therkelsen, JD (she/her/hers) what is this?
Human Rights/ Nonprofit StrategyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicatherkelsen/