September 14, 2011

12:00-1:00 Mierow House

Colorado College Children’s Center Committee Meeting Minutes

Committee members in attendence:

Chair Charlotte Mendoza, Beth Dovenspike, Dottie Rue, James Wagenschutz, Sally Eisentraut, Laurie Danenberg, Sarah Schwarz and Jessica Bennett

l. Welcome and Introductions

2. Minutes: Minutes will be taken by Beth Dovenspike and Laurie Danenberg, reviewed by Charlotte Mendoza and posted on the Children’s Center web site.

3. Old Business:

A. Standing Committee: Beth will ask a student/parent at the center to join us as a committee member.

B. Members reviewed Charlotte’s Annual Report

C. Center budget information: Beth would like the committee to compose a letter asking for better center budget information for her to be able to access. Beth will send Charlotte notes on what she requires. The letter will be sent to Barbara Wilson and Robert Moore. Sally Eisentraut will look into budget access with Randy Nehls.

4. New Business:

A. Summer Accomplishments

1. Beth has been appointed Director of CCCC.

2. Building update: We had a naming ceremony for our new building,

On June 28th 2011. It is the Cheryl Schlessman Bennett Children’s Center. The Building committee, as well as the teachers was able to meet with our architect from back east, Joel, on the building design.

A local architect will take Joel’s design and build the Children’s Center.A local landscaper also attended these meetings.

Construction or ground breaking is to begin in December.

Completion: May 2012. We will gain an additional infant and toddler room, going from 42 children to 56 children.

A question that was raised- Are we closing for a couple of weeks to move?

Ratios- discussed the need possibly for parent involvement, or a letter of ratio recommendation from the committee to Robert Moore. Robert has wanted to increase ratios in the infant room from 1 to 3, to 1 to 4, or 8 infants.

James mentioned the turf on Audrey field may possibly be changed, perhaps this should be done at the same time construction for the center is taking place.

B. Food Questions: James on menu changes: Can there be a notification to parents if there are changes taking place? Beth will use the website to update changes in menu.

Beth also mentioned Bon Appetit had issues over the summer since it was not in WornerCenter due to construction, caused changes in menu.

Are children really eating what is on the menu? Beth is in touch with teachers on a regular basis about food the children eat or do not eat.

James also asked if the center has a nutritionist that works with the center? We do not at this time, however this may be something to look into in the future. Beth commented that we still use CACFP guidelines for serving the children a balanced daily diet from all the food groups.

C. Scheduling issue: The committee reviewed the time selected for our meetings, and found it to be the best for most members. The second Wednesday of each block from 12:00-1:00.

D. Setting goals for the year ahead: Next meeting

5. Other items for the future

Assistant Director position

Explore future accreditation, where are the staff in the educational process and will the college support the staff in meeting educational changes that have taken place with accreditation?

Next meeting October 12th 12:00 – 1:00