MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
The September 26, 2012, meeting of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund was called to order by Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins at 9:50 a.m. The meeting was held in Marvin Auditorium Room 101-C at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas.
Present: Amanda Adkins, Chair, Laura Kelly, Mary Cohen, Shannon Cotsoradis, Andy Tompkins, (KBOR),
Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee), Aaron Dunkel (KDHE Designee), Randy Bowman (JJA Designee),
Gayle Stuber (KSDE Designee), Pamela Beach (KDCF Designee)
Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Guests: Karin Chang-Rios, Tracy Graybill, Annie McKay, KU Institute for Educational Research & Public Service,
Zan Wedel, KU Institute for Policy & Social Research.
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins asked for introductions around the table and from audience.
No Action Taken on Minutes of August 3, 2012
Cabinet members received the August 3, 2012 minutes prior to the meeting. Cabinet Chair Adkins said that no action could be taken without a quorum. The Cabinet will take action at the November 13 meeting, provided there is a quorum.
Introductory Comments from the Chair
Discussion on Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement/CIF Funding for FY 2014
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins reported Jim Redmon, Executive Director and she met with the Kansas Attorney General for a briefing on the Master Tobacco Settlement dollars for future years. They learned Kansas and 30 other states are still in arbitration with major manufacturer tobacco companies over the 2003 dollars with a decision scheduled in June of 2013. Tobacco dollars received from years 2004 through 2008 will be in arbitration and no timeline on that decision. After that news, Chair Adkins suggested the Cabinet prepare two sets of CIF recommendations this fall; one for $56 million and the other, worst case scenario, for $12 million in tobacco dollars.
Chair Adkins and Jim Redmon also met with the Kansas Governor to obtain feedback about tobacco dollars and the Cabinet’s future, and also informed him about the Cabinet’s strategic planning process. The Governor liked the data analysis, precise, accurate identification of nine (9) USDs in 33 communities, and the changes in the model for funding early childhood in the future. The Governor was positive about the Cabinet infusing the model with data and open to looking into additional public funding streams for early childhood. Chair Adkins suggested the idea of seeking out private sector investors to invest in early childhood. Dr. Mary Cohen suggested the Cabinet prioritize programs in case extra dollars come in from the tobacco dollars and set aside dollars for those programs. Ms. Cotsoradis agreed that identifying a list of critical programs is Plan B. She also suggested that any extra money the Cabinet receives from tobacco dollars should the estimate come back higher, be put into the KEY Fund.
Jim Redmon reported the ECBG RFP will be announced the week of October 1.
Children’s Initiatives Fund Briefing Binder Presentation
Karin Chang-Rios, Annie McKay, and Tracy Graybill, KU Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, presented background and overview material on CIF accountability framework, aligning requirements, and process timeline. The KU team also brought copies of the CIF Briefing Binder. The power point presentation covered program funding, process used for information gathering, collected data, outcomes and evidence-based practice levels. They discussed program descriptions, alignments with priorities, program results, quality evaluations, and changes since last year. The Cabinet will make FY 2014 CIF recommendations at the November 13 meeting.
Shannon Cotsoradis asked if information about which CIF programs are used to draw down state match dollars is available. Jim Redmon responded yes, and the information will be available at the next meeting.
Chair Adkins requested the last five years’ data on each program’s quality evaluation checklist score and outcome indicators. This information will be particularly useful for the newer Cabinet members that do not have this background data. This information will be available at the November 13 meeting, too. Dr. Andy Tompkins expressed concern about Cabinet members considering CIF recommendations based on a list of prioritized programs using data that fluctuates annually. He would like to see the Cabinet determine how best to frame the data in order to make legitimate CIF recommendations. Chair Adkins agreed and added the Cabinet will need to understand these ramifications as they make CIF recommendations. She went on to state the Cabinet should look at the results and actual changes seen in these communities in order to get to a quantitative measure. Dr. Cohen said that measuring parent involvement in these programs is important. Ms. Cotsoradis requested a list of CIF program priorities on which Cabinet members can agree at the November meeting. The final draft copies of the CIF Briefing Binder will be available at the November 13 meeting.
Fall Meeting Dates - Agenda.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Act on two sets of CIF Recommendations prioritized as critical programs
Monday, December 3, 2012 Act on ranked list of ECBG programs to receive awards
Both meetings will be held 9:30 a.m. at Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library.
Closing Remarking
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins asked the Cabinet to review the draft CIF Briefing Binder and be prepared to ask any questions at the November 13 meeting when the CIF recommendations get decided.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, Mary Cohen moved the meeting adjourn at 11:30 a.m. followed by a second made by Shannon Cotsoradis. The meeting was adjourned.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
The August 3, 2012, meeting of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund was called to order by Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins at 9:40 a.m. The meeting was held in Marvin Auditorium Room 101-A at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas.
Present: Amanda Adkins, Chair, Laura Kelly, Mary Cohen, Valdenia Winn, Terrie Huntington,
Shari Weber, Shannon Cotsoradis, Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee),
Aaron Dunkel (KDHE Designee), Randy Bowman (JJA Designee), Janet Newton (KSDE Designee)
Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Guests: Karin Chang-Rios, Tracy Graybill, Annie McKay, KU Institute for Educational Research & Public Service,
Zan Wedel, KU Institute for Policy & Social Research.
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins asked for introductions around the table and from audience. There was a quorum.
Approval of Minutes – June 22, 2012
Cabinet members received the June 22, 2012 minutes prior to the meeting. Cabinet Chair Adkins asked for a motion on the minutes received.
MOTION:
Mary Cohen moved that the minutes of June 22, 2012 be approved, as written. Following a second by Terrie Huntington, motion carried.
Introductory Comments from the Chair
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins commented the Cabinet has been involved in strategic mapping, for the past six months, to identify communities in the State to target Children’s Initiatives Fund (CIF) dollars. As a result of the mapping work, 33 communities within nine school districts have been identified. Although master tobacco settlement dollars are expected to continue declining, the Cabinet now must refine its parameters in how it targets the dollars. Evidenced-based practices and strong parent engagement will be important in measuring improvements. Those school districts identified tended to show high needs and impoverished counties, low health indexes and correlations and predictive factors for school districts not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).
Shannon Cotsoradis reiterated her remarks from last meeting that Cabinet members should be mindful of current programs as it makes decisions about the early childhood investment RFP and future CIF recommendations.
Chair Adkins reported that she would be meeting with the Kansas Attorney General to get an update on next year’s tobacco settlement.
Planning: Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) Funding Parameters for FY 2013 – Mapping and Trend Data
Jim Redmon distributed a table with draft funding scenarios to assist the Cabinet in determining how best to grant out monies for next year’s Early Childhood Investment RFP. Jim described the scenarios. In, Scenario #1 funding is 100 percent to agencies in the nine (9) targeted communities through RFP process. In, Scenario #2 split funding is used with 60 percent awarded to agencies in the nine targeted communities and 40 percent awarded to previous ECBG/Smart Start Kansas grantees through RFP process. Then, Scenario #3 shows splitting funding with 25 percent awarded to agencies in the nine targeted communities by invitation and 75 percent awarded to previous ECBG/Smart Start Kansas grantees through RFP process. In all scenarios, the level of expectation is high requiring organization to meet stringent outcomes and reflect the existence of parent engagement. Shannon Cotsoradis suggested a scenario #4 be added to include split funding at 70 percent awarded to existing grantees that apply and 30 percent to the new communities but not to all nine targeted communities for now, and through RFP process. Dr. Mary Cohen commented targeted funding should go to all nine communities not just some or a few that need it in scenario #4.
Senator Laura Kelly asked for clarification of “by invitation” and what does that mean. Jim Redmon explained that those communities invited to apply will have to show all collaborative work done in their communities to be recognized as a community exhibiting at-risk and in need of assistance through the funding. The Cabinet members began a discussion on what scenarios each would select but then decided to take action on the final list of eligible applicants based on ranking at a fall meeting. Cabinet Chair Adkins and Jim Redmon will schedule an appointment with the Governor to provide feedback on early childhood funding and issues. Senator Terrie Huntington asked what new parameters might be added to this RFP. Jim Redmon responded there would be greater specificity in the outcomes with regard to uniformity, early childhood data programs, and literacy.
Fall Meeting Dates.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Friday, October 5 (note: cancelled)
Tuesday, November 13
Potential for a December meeting
Closing Remarking
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins summarized the Cabinet’s direction to staff on crafting the RFP. The RFP is to be sent out for open competition, which targets the nine communities identified based on their Early Childhood Health Index, Adequate Yearly Performance (AYP), poor performance 4th grade reading scores, and stresses communities strong commitment to meeting listed outcomes. Cabinet staff and reviewers will determine the percent of the awards based on scoring, costs and other pertinent implications. Preference will be to the nine USDs identified when scoring the applications. No preference will be given to existing grantees in the scoring of applications. The Cabinet will vote on the final rankings.
Adjournment
MOTION:
Mary Cohen moved the Cabinet adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Terrie Huntington. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
The June 22, 2012, meeting of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund was called to order by Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins at 9:40 a.m. in Marvin Auditorium Room 101-B at Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka.
Present: Amanda Adkins, Chair, Shari Weber, Mary Cohen, Valdenia Winn, Terrie Huntingon,
Laura Kelly, Jonathan Freiden, Shannon Cotsoradis, Andy Tompkins,
Aaron Dunkel (KDHE Designee), Pamela Beach (SRS Designee), Randy Bowman (JJA Designee),
Elizabeth Reimer (Supreme Court Designee), and Gayle Stuber (KSDE Designee)
Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Guests: Karin Chang-Rios and Annie McKay, KU Institute for Educational Research & Public Service,
Zan Wedel, KU Institute for Policy & Social Research.
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins asked for introductions around the table and from the audience. There was a quorum.
Approval of Minutes – November 10, 2011 & February 22, 2012
Cabinet members received a copy of the November 10, 2011 and February 22, 2012 minutes prior to the meeting. Cabinet Chair Adkins asked for a motion on the minutes received.
MOTION:
Mary Cohen moved that the minutes of February 22, 2012 be approved, as written. Following a second by Shannon Cotsoradis, motion carried.
Mary Cohen moved that the minutes of November 10, 2011 be approved, as written. Following a second by Jonathan Freiden, motion carried.
Introductory Comments from the Chair
Amanda Adkins commended the KU Institute team members for pulling together the mapping and trend data. This data will prove to be an invaluable tool in writing the next early childhood Request for Proposals. Also, with declining level master tobacco settlement dollars forecast for future years, the Cabinet has the challenge of changing course and funding fewer early childhood programs in targeted communities. Amanda said this meeting would focus on the comparisons and contrasts among the 33 communities and nine school districts that had been identified through the mapping exercise. After finalizing the mapping data report, she and Jim Redmon plan to meet with Governor Brownback and legislators from impacted communities to obtain their support for targeting CIF dollars in identified communities.
Fiscal Year 2013 Children’s Initiatives Fund (CIF) Final Budget Appropriations
Jim Redmon reported on the FY 2013 CIF final budget appropriations. Cabinet members received copies of the list.
Jim reported that Save The Children Federation and the State Library of Kansas are recipients of FY 2012 early literacy grants. Senator Terrie Huntington asked staff to send copies of both program profiles to the Cabinet.
Mary Cohen commented that the next early childhood Request For Proposals (RFP) should be open to new applicants.
Early Childhood Advisory Council Discussion
Jim Redmon reported on the Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) federal grant and background history. ECAC is an advisory council not a governing body. The Governor’s senior staff recommended the Kansas Children’s Cabinet board function as ECAC since many of the duties and advisory functions fit-in well with the board’s current activities and structure. Jim distributed a one-page sheet outlining seven-point criteria and functions of the Council. Laura Kelly remarked that there are many activities on the list that Kansas Children’s Cabinet has not done. She asked how would the Cabinet take on new functions under its current structure. The Cabinet has not made recommendations regarding statewide professional development for early childhood educators, for example. Jim commented the Cabinet would continue to serve in its same capacity set in statute with an expanded role as advisory council to ECAC subcommittees. The Cabinet will be staffing the various activities. Shannon asked if the early childhood stakeholders can participate as partners. Jim responded yes. Terrie Huntington asked about the source and award amount. Jim responded Kansas received the grant from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services as American Recovery and Re-investment Act (ARRA) of 2009 monies and the award is $975,320 over a period of three years. Kansas only received the award late last year because of problems with the federal government sending awards to the states. Dr. Cohen asked to whom will ECAC make its recommendations, particularly pointing out Item #7 for improvements in state early learning standards. Jim responded the ECAC will make recommendations to the Kansas Governor.
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins asked Jim Redmon and Gayle Stuber for a list of states with ECACs that address Item #7, making recommendations for improvements in state early learning standards and undertake efforts to develop high-quality comprehensive early learning standards, as appropriate. They will report to the Cabinet at a future meeting.
Planning: Mapping and Trend Data – Continued from last meeting
Karin Chang-Rios and Annie McKay, KU Institute for Educational Research & Public Service and Zan Wedel, KU Institute for Policy & Social Research attended the meeting. The KU team presented data on comparisons and contrasts characteristic of the targeted 33 communities and nine school districts. Phase 2 booklet covered the mapping process and community comparisons.
The KU team reviewed Phase I book information, which identified communities and needs assessment for kids living in at-risk, high needs, high poverty rates in counties, correlation and predictive factors for school districts not making Adequate Year Progress (AYP) in recent years. Those factors strongly impact poor performance 4th grade reading levels.
Mary Cohen suggested the data include impact of community leadership on student performance. She called out USD 475 Geary County Schools as model community with an exceptional, engaged superintendent. Jonathan Freiden asked if the data identified communities that have strong, accountable parent engagement. He recommended that data on high quality should be collected on parent involvement in communities receiving funding. Dr. Chang-Rios remarked the data does not readily reveal populations that measured the impact of higher engaged parents and effects on student scores. She asked Rebecca Gilliam, KU Institute for Educational Research & Public Service, who was in the audience, to comment about her work and involvement with parent leadership groups. Rebecca talked about The Opportunity Project Learning Centers in Wichita, which has an ideal model program that has been found to indicate positive, effective parent involvement. Although not all parents are connected to any one program, parents are engaged and that effectively influences their children’s school performance. Jim Redmon remarked there are good parent program models in the state that could be included in the CIF funding stream.
Shannon Cotsoradis asked Cabinet members to be mindful of current CIF programs when constructing the early childhood investment RFP, finalizing the mapping data report, and making CIF recommendations in the fall. The Cabinet should not disregard current programs that meet Cabinet accountability criteria and priorities, but do not perfectly fit characteristics of communities identified as in need as defined through the mapping data process.
Fall Meeting Dates
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins suggested August 16, 2012 for the next meeting. Staff will look at potential meeting space for August 16 or for an alternate date, if none could be found. Staff will reserve meeting space for meetings in September, October and November, when dates are identified, and notify Cabinet members. Since this meeting, the alternate date would be August 3 and meeting room reserved at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library.
Closing Remarking
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins remarked that the next meeting would focus on 1) Discussing how the next early childhood investment grant RFP might differ from previous versions and 2) Strategizing how to target ECBG funding toward communities identified in the mapping data process.
Adjournment
MOTION:
Terrie Huntingon moved the Cabinet adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Jonathan Freiden. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
The February 22, 2012, meeting of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund was called to order by Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins at 9:40 a.m. in Marvin Auditorium 101-A of the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka.
Present: Amanda Adkins, Chair, Shari Weber, Shannon Cotsoradis, Andy Tompkins, Jim Kallinger,
Gayle Stuber (KSDE Designee) and Aaron Dunkel (KDHE Designee)
Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Guests: Karin Chang-Rios, Annie McKay, and Stephanie Wallio, The University of Kansas
Institute for Educational Research & Public Service and Zanthippe Wedel, The University
of Kansas Institute for Policy & Social Research.
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins asked for introductions around the table and from the audience. Without a quorum, the Cabinet will be postponing taking action on the November 10, 2011 minutes until the next meeting.
Introductory Comments from the Chair
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins remarked that she and Jim Redmon, Executive Director, met with senior staff of both Office of the Governor and Office of Division of the Budget about Children’s Initiatives Fund (CIF) funding level and recommendations for FY 2013. Amanda and Jim also briefed on Kansas Children’s Cabinet’s on-going strategic planning and importance of investing in early childhood. Division of Budget staff are taking a conservative approach and recommended the governor approve the recommendations at $39 million just in case the master tobacco settlement check comes-in at a lower amount than the AG projected $56 million dollars.
Planning: Preliminary Mapping and Trend Data
Jim Redmon, Karin Chang-Rios, Annie McKay, Stephanie Wallio presented trend data. Karin introduced Xanthippe Wedel, Information Specialist with the KU Institute for Social Policy Research. Ms. Wedel has been instrumental in the data trend gathering and mapping work. The sources of the data came from KU Institute for Social Policy Research, KDHE, KSDE and KCCTF and were included in trends and mapping for the presentation. The information providing includes school readiness trajectory and demographical data on kids living in at-risk, high needs, high poverty rates in counties, correlation and predictive factors for certain school districts not making Adequate Year Progress (AYP). The Cabinet discussed health indicators such as premature birth rates. At a future meeting, the Cabinet will look closer at targeting early childhood funding to selected communities strongly impacted by poor performance 4th grade reading levels and other high needs circumstances and look at where they overlap. The KU team distributed a booklet on strategic mapping for the Cabinet and attendees to reference during the presentation.
Jim commented that staff would review the data over the course of next few months to determine how best to craft the Request For Proposals (RFP) to be announced next fall.
Next Steps
Chair Adkins remarked that the strategic planning process would help the Cabinet better target resources to highest risk communities and improve 4th grade reading levels. The KU team will continue to pull additional qualitative and quantitative analysis data on the school districts showing the highest risk communities on the maps for the Cabinet to use.
Amanda and Jim suggested scheduling two spring meetings to discuss strategic mapping.
Adjournment
Chair Amanda Adkins adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
The November 10, 2011, meeting of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund was called to order by Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins at 9:30 a.m. There was a quorum. The meeting was held in Marvin Auditorium 101-A located in the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka.
Present: Amanda Adkins, Chair, Laura Kelly, Terrie Huntington, Shari Weber, Jonathan Freiden,
Shannon Cotsoradis, Andy Tompkins, Jim Kallinger (SRS Designee),
Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee), and Gayle Stuber (KSDE Designee)
Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Guests: The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research & Public Service:
Karin Chang, Annie McKay, and Stephanie Wallio
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins asked for introductions around the table and from the audience.
Introductory Comments from the Chair
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins remarked that she and Jim Redmon have begun work on an environment scan for the strategic plan on the status of children in Kansas. Jim has been exploring mapping and the data elements that would be meaningful for families in the health of their communities.
Amanda reported the Kansas Attorney General gave her current tobacco settlement dollar projections forecasting $56 million in FY 2012. The AG will keep her apprised of projections for future years.
Jonathan Freiden remarked that he believed the CIF recommendations should reflect the Cabinet’s commitment to funding only programs serving the early childhood community of at-risk children and prenatal to five years of age.
Approval of Minutes – October 20, 2011
Cabinet members were sent copies of the minutes prior to the meeting. Terrie Huntington moved that the minutes of October 20, 2011 be approved, as written. Following the second of Jonathan Freiden, the motion carried.
FY 2013 Children’s Initiatives Fund (CIF) Recommendations
Karin Chang, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Annie McKay, MA, Research Analyst, and
Stephanie Wallio, Ph.D., Research Associate with the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, The University of Kansas were present to provide follow-up to questions and updated FY 2012 CIF program pie charts to the briefing binder.
The Cabinet made the following recommendations for each CIF program:
Child Care Assistance Program-SRS $5,033,679
It was moved and seconded by Terrie Huntington and Jonathan Freiden the Cabinet approve continue funding the program with specific FY 2013 amount pending an update from SRS on its overall budget and discussion with the Governor’s office. Motion carried.
Children’s Cabinet Accountability-KCCTF $519,325
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Shannon Cotsoradis the Cabinet approve sustaining funding at the FY 2012 level. Motion carried.
Child Care Quality Initiatives-KCCTF $479,257
It was moved and seconded by Terrie Huntington and Shannon Cotsoradis the Cabinet approve increasing funding to $500,000. Motion carried.
Children’s Mental Health Initiatives-SRS $3,800,000
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Terrie Huntington the Cabinet approve sustaining funding at $3,800,000, with an eye toward transfer to another agency as soon as feasible. Shannon Cotsoradis suggested it be stipulated in the letter to the agency focus on prenatal through age five. Motion carried.
Early Childhood Block Grant-KCCTF-$10,567,102 and Smart Start KS $7,158,744
It was moved and seconded by Jonathan Freiden and Laura Kelly the Cabinet approve combining both the ECBG and Smart Start Kansas grants into one program. The Smart Start Kansas program is currently funded at $7,158,744. The combined program total $17,725,846. Motion carried.
Early Childhood Block Grant (Autism)-KCCTF $48,179 (no longer funding)
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Jonathan Freiden the Cabinet not support funding to the program and that Kansas Board of Regents find funding since the money has been administered by KU Medical Center. Motion carried.
Early Head Start-SRS $66,584
After a lengthy discussion on how the program went from receiving CIF dollars totaling $3,452,626 to only $66,584 last legislative session, it was moved and seconded by Terrie Huntington and Laura Kelly the Cabinet approve funding at $3.1 million dollars taking from the Family Preservation program. Motion carried.
Family Centered Systems of Care – SRS $4,750,000
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Shannon Cotsoradis the Cabinet approve continue funding the program with specific FY 2013 amount pending an update from SRS on its overall budget and discussion with the Governor’s office. Motion carried
Family Preservation Services-SRS $3,106,605 (no longer funding)
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Jonathan Freiden the Cabinet not support funding to the program and expected that SRS will fully fund. There was discussion. Jim Kallinger was asked if SRS would be able to support funding the program if CIF dollars go away. Jim Kallinger replied he will not know the impact of the SRS name and program administration changes until much later. He would also have to research the feasibility of SRS picking up funding Family Preservation Services, Child Care Assistance Program, and the Children’s Mental Health Initiatives should CIF funding go away. The Cabinet voted. Motion carried.
Healthy Start Home Visitors – KDHE $237,914(no longer funding)
It was moved and seconded by Terrie Huntington and Laura Kelly the Cabinet not support funding to the program and expected that KDHE will fully fund. KU will need to research implications of the cut. Motion carried.
Infants and Toddlers Program –KDHE $5,700,000
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Shannon Cotsoradis the Cabinet approve sustaining funding at the FY 2012 level. Motion carried.
Newborn Hearing aid Loaner Program-KDHE-$47,161
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Jonathan Freiden the Cabinet approve sustaining funding at the FY 2012 level. Motion carried.
Newborn Screening-KDHE - $2,108,806 (no longer funding)
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Terrie Huntington the Cabinet not support continued funding and expected legislature to find means for fiscal support. Motion carried.
Parents As Teachers – KSDE $7,237,635
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Shannon Cotsoradis the Cabinet approve sustaining funding at the FY 2012 level. Motion carried.
Pre-K Pilot (Kansas Preschool Program) -KSDE $4,799,812
It was moved and seconded by Terrie Huntington and Laura Kelly, the Cabinet approve sustaining funding at FY 2012 level, and anticipate that the Governor includes it as part of the education budget formula. Motion carried.
CIF Recommendations (contin.)
Reading Roadmap-KCCTF $933,137
Senator Kelly asked Jim Redmon for an update on progress made in establishing the literacy program. Jim reported that he has met with both the State Library of Kansas and the Save the Children Federation, both which are interested in helping move forward this initiative. Laura Kelly moved that the Cabinet not spend the FY 2012 appropriation since the funds were not yet encumbered and instead support funding FY 2013 at the FY 2012 level. Jim Redmon suggested the FY 2012 appropriation be kept as he will be working on entering contracts with the State Library Association and the Save the Children Federation. Senator Kelly withdrew her motion.
It was moved and seconded by Terrie Huntington and Laura Kelly the Cabinet approve sustaining funding at the FY 2012 level. Motion carried.
SID Network Grant-KDHE $71,374
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Shari Weber to approve sustaining funding at the FY 2012 level. Motion carried.
Smoking Prevention Grants-KDHE $1,000,000
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Terrie Huntington the Cabinet approve sustaining funding at the FY 2012 level and have a future discussion with the Governor’s office about pulling funds directly from the KEY Fund. Motion carried.
In preparing for a final approval of all CIF recommendations, the Cabinet amended some of its motions.
It was moved and seconded by Laura Kelly and Shannon Cotsoradis the Cabinet approve restoration of the $3,452,626 to the Early Head Start program. There was discussion and an amendment to the motion was offered.
It was moved and seconded by Shannon Cotsoradis and Laura Kelly the Cabinet approve restoration of the $3,452,626 to the Early Head Start program and $25,000 to the SIDS Network Grant. There was discussion. Terrie Huntington suggested that the remaining $600,000 is added to the combined ECBG & Smart Start Kansas program in FY 2013. There was discussion and an amendment to the motion was offered.
It was moved and seconded by Shannon Cotsoradis and Laura Kelly the Cabinet approve restoration of the $3,452,626 to the Early Head Start program, $25,000 to SIDS Network Grant, and remaining $600,000 to the combined ECBG & Smart Start Kansas program. Motion carried.
It was moved and seconded by Shannon Cotsoradis and Laura Kelly the Cabinet accept the full CIF recommendations. Motion carried. Shannon Cotsoradis commented that the slots in the Early Head Start should be fully restored before any cuts were made. Reference was made to a Manhattan Early Head Start program giving up $600,000.
Future Cabinet Meeting in February 2012
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins remarked that the Cabinet would be notified of the next meeting date which will be in February 2012 to continue discussing the mapping and environmental scan initiative.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, Laura Kelly moved the meeting be adjourned at 12:05 p.m. Following a second by Terrie Huntington, motion carried.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
The October 20, 2011, meeting of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund was called to order by Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins at 9:30 a.m. with a quorum present. The meeting was held in Marvin Auditorium 101-A located in the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka.
Present: Amanda Adkins, Chair, Valdenia Winn, Mary Cohen, Jonathan Freiden, Shannon Cotsoradis,
Terrie Huntington, Kari Bruffett (KDHE Designee), Jim Kallinger (SRS Designee),
Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee), and Gayle Stuber (KSDE Designee)
Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Guests: The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research & Public Service:
Karin Chang-Rios, Annie McKay, Stephanie Wallio, and Jessica Dunn
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins asked for introductions around the table and from the audience.
Approval of Minutes – September 15, 2011
Mary Cohen moved that the minutes of September 15, 2011 be approved as written. Following the second of Terrie Huntington, the motion carried.
An Overview of Social, Educational, and Health Status of Children in Kansas
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins and Jim Redmon gave a power point presentation about long-term strategic imperatives and key opportunities concerning social, educational and health status of children in Kansas. The KU Institute team helped put together the presentation using information that included data and demographic details, rankings and scores and poverty levels in various communities in the state. The Cabinet can begin developing a plan to reach those objectives through analyzing needs, targets, models, implementation and results over time and tracking consistent longitudinal data for children birth to five years of age and analyzing how it impacts reading levels for 3rd and 4th grade students. Three key goals that Cabinet Chair Adkins would like to see the Kansas Children’s Cabinet pursue are:
Health: Children in Kansas are among the healthiest in the nation;
Education: Children in Kansas are prepared for future workforce needs to be competitive in a global market; and
Services: Children in Kansas live in stable families that flourish.
FY 2011 Children’s Initiatives Fund (CIF) Overview
Karin Chang-Rios, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Annie McKay, MA, Research Analyst,
Stephanie Wallio, Ph.D., Research Associate and Jessica Dunn, MA, Graduate Research Assistant, presented the components of the accountability framework as well as reviewed and discussed the contents of the CIF Briefing Binder. The sections of the binder include:
- FY 2011 Overview and FY 2012 Funding by program, agency primary population served and primary focus area
- At-A-Glance tables by financial information, population served, evidence-based practice, quality evaluation, and program overview
- Specific program information of the CIF programs
- Appendices (Accountability Framework, Evidence Based Practices checklist and Quality Evaluation checklist used by Institute team members during the evaluation process
There were questions about individual programs and whether their evidenced-based practices levels had changed in the last year or not. In some cases, a program raised its EBP level.
Future Cabinet Meetings
November 10, 2011 - 9:30 a.m. (Marvin Auditorium Room 101-A), Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library.
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins announced the Cabinet will need a meeting scheduled in December
to act on the CIF recommendations.
Other Business:
Race To The Top Early Learning Federal Grant Application
Dr. Gayle Stuber distributed copies of the Race To The Top Executive Summary. The Kansas team’s application for the Race To The Top federal early learning challenge grant was submitted to U.S. Department of Education on October 18, 2011. The grant affords funding opportunities for states to build a coordinated early learning and development system. It supports early childhood professionals to provide higher quality learning experiences to children, reduces the readiness gaps during the early years and the academic gaps in later elementary years. Representation from the Governor’s office, Kansas State Department of Education (Lead Agency), Kansas Department of Health & Environment, Kansas Department of Social & Rehabilitation Services along with Jim Redmon of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund office worked together to submit the grant application for Kansas. Applicants will be notified of action taken on applications in early December.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, Terrie Huntington moved the meeting be adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Following a second by Jonathan Freiden, motion carried.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
Thursday, September 15, 2011
9:35 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
The September 15, 2011, meeting of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund was called to order by Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins at 9:35 a.m. with a quorum present. The meeting was held in Menninger Room 206 located in the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka.
Present: Amanda Adkins, Chair, Laura Kelly, Shari Weber, Valdenia Winn, Tim Cruz, Mary Cohen,
Jim Kallinger (SRS Designee), Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee),
Gayle Stuber (KSDE Designee)
Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Guests: The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research & Public Service:
Karin Chang-Rios, Annie McKay, and Stephanie Wallio
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins asked for introductions around the table and from the audience.
Approval of Minutes – June 16, 2011
Laura Kelly moved that the minutes of June 16, 2011 be approved. Following the second of Tim Cruz, the motion carried.
Direction of Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund Preliminary Discussion
Cabinet Chair Amanda Adkins congratulated the Cabinet on the work that has been accomplished. She talked briefly about her education and work background. Her current position is Executive & General Manager at Cerner Corporation in Kansas City, where she analyzes data and system
processes in health care.
Amanda reported on her meetings with leaders of organizations that the Cabinet funds with CIF dollars. She is interested in hearing about their successes and weakness with their programs, and where they think the holes are in providing services. On the whole, Amanda said she has been impressed with these organizations and what they are doing in Kansas. Their work has had a good impact on children and families. She brought up Parents As Teachers (PAT) as an example of a program serving and benefitting families. Amanda talked about the data collected by the programs and compiled by The University of Kansas Institute. The data is showing the results for why they they are both good investments and reasons for receiving CIF funding. The Cabinet has been conversing with the programs and collecting the data. As a result of Amanda’s early quantitative (data) and qualitative (discussions) review of programs, she concluded that the Children’s Cabinet is missing “bookends.” She defined this to include: 1. Defining the problem in Kansas (I.E. – Bad trends we see for children and families current state); and 2. Being clear on the end result (I.E. – Clarity on future state, our vision for the environment and results we want to see in 10 years). Amanda has asked Jim to start working on identifying the current state problem set. This discussion will be continued at future meetings.
The University of Kansas Kansas, Institute for Educational Research and Public Service presentation
Karin Chang-Rios, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Annie McKay, MA, Research Analyst, and
Stephanie Wallio, Ph.D., Research Associate presented background and overview on the CIF accountability framework, aligning requirements, and process timeline.
In preparation for the FY 2013 Recommendations, Cabinet staff will be sending copies of the
FY 2011 CIF Briefing binder to the Cabinet before the October 20 meeting. At the October meeting, the KU team will be discussing the program funding, process used for information gathering, collected data, outcomes and evidence-based practice levels and programs.
The Cabinet will make FY 2013 CIF recommendations at the November 10 meeting.
Dr. Chang-Rios announced that The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research & Public Service will be hosting a Midwest Research & Evaluation Exchange at 6:00 p.m. tonight at the Plaza Marriott in Kansas City, Missouri. The Exchange is an opportunity for researchers and evaluators to learn about emerging research on children and families, discuss issues of measurement and evaluation and to address policy imperative for the work they do. More information about the Exchange is available at http://www.continuinged.ku.eud/programs/childhood. All Cabinet members are invited. Dr. Lisa Klein, Birth to Five Policy Alliance, and Dr. Gayle Stuber, Kansas State Department of Education are presenters.
Executive Director Report
Problem-Solution Framework
Jim Redmon said, as a continuation to what Cabinet Chair Adkins alluded to, they are developing a problem-solution framework, which will delineate where we are in Kansas in addressing children and family issues. The framework will also reflect why and what we fund and the point to changes we need to consider given the potential for declining tobacco revenue.
Cabinet Chair Adkins added that she had met recently with Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt about the declining tobacco settlement dollars. The AG informed her that his office is in arbitration with tobacco companies. The AG said he would have a better feel for how much money will be coming in by end of this year. Although tobacco settlement dollars are expected to continue declining, Jim Kallinger commented that we should recommend the programs have strategic plans in place for seeking alternate sources as these dollars are declining. Jim Redmon added that some, but not all, programs do have plans in place and are able to blend and braid funding.
Race to the Top for Early Learning
Jim reported Governor Brownback’s representative, Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE), Kansas Department of Social & Rehabilitation Services (SRS) staff and he had been in discussions on whether Kansas should apply for the Race to the Top for Early Learning federal grant. The award is $50 million dollars over four years. Recently, Governor Brownback designated KSDE to be the lead agency in writing the grant in concert with other state agencies including the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. Applications are due October 19, 2011 in Washington, D.C.
Smart Start Kansas and ECBG Renewal RFPs
Jim Redmon reported the Cabinet office will be announcing grant renewal Request For Proposals (RFPs) for the Smart Start Kansas and Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG). The grantees will be given a six-week turnaround time to reapply. He added there is some merit in combining both grants into one funding stream to make it more coherent. Jim said that the Cabinet can discuss making all early childhood funding streams align at a future meeting. Both grants use CIF tobacco settlement funds.
Reading Road Map Initiative
Jim gave an update on the Reading Road Map initiative since the last Cabinet meeting. He has met with State Librarian and early childhood partners about the Governor’s Reading Road Map initiative. All are on board with collaborating for the success of the program. The group will continue discussions on how to coordinate this project with the Race to the Top Early Learning grant and other early childhood initiatives in the state.
Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) Program
Jim said that along with the early childhood initiatives that the Cabinet carries out, there is the Children’s Trust Fund program. The Cabinet office has recently renewed the nine CBCAP grants for period July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. The Cabinet office has taken over the Period of PURPLE Crying, Shaken Baby Syndrome projects formerly administered directly by the Kansas Department of Social & Rehabilitation Services (SRS). Jim said he met with Jim Kallinger, Deputy Secretary of Integrated Service Delivery and his staff at SRS on better ways to avoid duplication of service on prevention initiatives. They were able to establish that SRS oversee the child welfare aspects and the Children’sTrust Fund will focus more on the primary and secondary prevention programs.
Future Cabinet Meetings
October 20, 2011
November 10, 2011
The meetings will be held 9:30 a.m. in Marvin Auditorium Room 101-A at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library.
Other Business:
Recognition of Melissa L. Ness
Laura Kelly moved the minutes reflect the Cabinet recognized Melissa L. Ness for 8+ years of exemplary service as Chair of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. Following a second by Tim Cruz, the motion carried.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, Laura Kelly moved the meeting be adjourned at 10:50 a.m. Following a second by Tim Cruz, motion carried.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
SRS Learning Center, Room D
2600 SW East Circle Drive South, Topeka
Thursday, June 16, 2011
9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Present: Melissa Ness, Chair, Laura Kelly, Terrie Huntington, Shari Weber, José Olivas,
Tim Cruz, Jonathan Freiden, Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee), and
Janet Newton (KSDE Designee)
Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Guests: The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research & Public Service:
Karin Chang-Rios, Annie McKay, and Jessica Dunn
Welcome and Introductions
Cabinet Chair Melissa Ness called the meeting to order and asked for introductions around the table and from the audience. There was a quorum.
Approval of Minutes – November 9, 2010
The Cabinet received copies of the last minutes prior to this meeting.
It moved and seconded by José Olivas and Terrie Huntington, the Cabinet approve the minutes of November 10, 2010, as written. Motion carried.
Melissa remarked that agenda Item #3, Overview and background of the Cabinet, would be removed from the agenda since the new ex officio members were not present. This was an information item for their benefit.
Outcome of the 2011 Legislative Session
Melissa reported the FY 2012 CIF recommendations had been sent to the Governor and Kansas Legislature. The recommendations were sustained although with across the board cuts. The Early Head Start program encountered even more challenges maintaining CIF funding. The Cabinet recommended continued full funding of the EHS program at $3,452,686 last fall. During the session the program was defunded entirely. By the end of the legislative session, EHS was reinstated with CIF funding at $66,866 in addition to funds coming from SRS/Child Care Development Fund. Also, for the first time, the legislature back filled CIF with $6.7 million (in one-time sales tax revenues). The Cabinet appreciated the efforts of Senator Laura Kelly, Senator Terrie Huntington, and the early childhood advocates this past legislative session in protecting CIF. The legislature passed the Governor’s Reading Road map initiative with CIF funding for FY 2012. The appropriation for the program is $933,137.
The University of Kansas Kansas, Institute for Educational Research and Public Service presentation
The KU Institute team provided background and overview on the accountability framework. The presentation included overview of funding by agency, programs by agency, accountability process timeline, collection and compilation of data.
Mark Gleeson asked the audience members who are recipients of CIF dollars to comment on how they thought the accountability framework worked for them. Kandi Miller, United Way of the Plains, Wichita (Smart Start Kansas) and Colleen Pederson, DCCCA Inc., Lawrence (Family Preservation), Janet Newton, KSDE (Parents As Teachers), and Leadell Ediger, Child Care Aware® of Kansas (Early Childhood Block Grant) responded positively about the transparency of the process, site visits, and alignment with federal standards. Jane Weiler remarked that feedback from the Smart Start Kansas and ECBG grantees concluded the KU team provided a positive resource for technical assistance for them.
Executive Director Report
Jim Report reported he will be meeting with SRS representatives about child abuse prevention initiatives and Children’s Trust Fund activities tomorrow. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss ways to collaborate and avoid any potential for duplication of dollars on prevention initiatives between SRS and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.
Jim announced that the ECBG and Smart Start RFPs will go out this fall. He will invite Cabinet members, state and national experts to assist reviewing the applications. The CBCAP renewal RFPs were announced to current grantees. Applications will be due to the office in a week.
Laura Kelly inquired about status of establishing the Reading Road Map initiative. Jim responded he had met with State Library Association representatives. The State Library Association administers a well-known Six Steps to Reading Road Map program. He is also considering funding the program through early childhood grants. Terrie Huntington remarked the school districts might be a likely fit for helping measure reading proficiency levels.
Jonathan Freiden remarked he was involved in the initial discussions with Governor Brownback about the reading program initiative. He understood the intent to reflect a collaborative effort among early childhood partners, Parents As Teachers, and libraries, with a concrete framework with outcomes established.
Laura Kelly mentioned the legislative intent was for the libraries to be involved because of their six steps to reading road program already established. Also, the early childhood community should have representation. The budget was originally set at $500,000. Melissa suggested the Cabinet allot time for a written plan with outcomes and pull together the players needed to move forward with the reading road map initiative. Laura Kelly suggested setting up pilot sites at various libraries across the state.
Melissa asked Jim to look at current reading/literacy projects, concepts and develop a proposal. Jonathan stated that in his discussions with the Governor, the intent of the reading road map project was to increase 3rd grade literacy levels. Jonathan stated that if the State Library Association will be involved in this effort, its current six-step reading road program must meet new criteria that includes outcomes, evidence-based practices, and accountability measures that reflect the Governor’s intent.
Preparing for FY 2013 Recommendations
Melissa commented that at the next meeting Cabinet members will be provided information about criteria/assumptions and budgets for the FY 2013 CIF recommendations. There will be an update on the literacy investment implementation as well.
Next Meetings
The Cabinet next three meetings are scheduled September 15, October 20 and November 10, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. Note: All three meetings will be held at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library, located at 1515 SW 10th Avenue in Topeka.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
