July 11, 2013

Strong Early Childhood community in Montgomery County

Early Childhood Comprehensive Plan Leadership in Action Program Universal Pre-K Task Force MCPS Early Success Performance Plan Ongoing collaboration among MCPS, DHHS,

child care providers, non-profit partners Significant support from County Council,

Board of Education and County Executive Commitment to highest quality

opportunities for all children of the County

Provided access to RBA/RBF materials and opportunities to strengthen skills

Raised critical issues that must be addressed by the Councils and leadership teams

Learned from other counties’ experiences Focused on data and data driven decision-

making Set standards for following through on

commitments Provided wonderful opportunities to build

leadership/steering team Provided time to plan out framework and

strategies

MCECAC members recruited County Council resolution highlighting

formation and work of MCECAC County Executive Order establishing

MCECAC Using multiple data sources to focus work

of MCECAC Initial meeting, mini retreat and follow-up

meetings held Initial work groups established/operating:

Needs Assessment Exemplary Practice Community Outreach/Public Engagement

Strong relationships in early childhood community already established

High level of commitment and knowledge on the part of members – ready to work!

Strong program and exemplary practices currently present in the County

Coalescing around critical areas of need and possible approaches; noting needs in specific geographic areas; building on successful practice

TIME, TIME, TIME—not enough of it! Wanting to do everything—needing to

choose Adding members who represent different

perspectives (pediatrician, faith-based community, business)

Assuring that parents and caregivers voice is present and informing decisions

Assuring that the MCECAC membership leads decision-making

Keeping everyone informed and engaged

Next Early Childhood Comprehensive Plan—funding provided through LMB

Determining most effective leadership structure

Ongoing support from County Council, Board of Education, and County Executive—keeping everyone informed and engaged

Maintaining clarity of roles and purpose Staffing/Backbone organization or

structure Seeking out long-term funding from local,

state, federal and private sources Keeping people energized!