FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK Spotlight on the T.E.A.C.H. Advisory Committee Valerie Peterson

“I have never met such a great group of dedicated, thoughtful people.” These are the words of a new member of the T.E.A.C.H. Advisory Committee after her first meeting. Her words accurately describe the people who have worked to create, refine and guide the T.E.A.C.H. and REETAIN programs in Minnesota.

From the very beginning, the T.E.A.C.H. Advisory Committee has shaped the program with a focus on children and their families. A vision statement was created first, giving us all a guideline that helped us to make future decisions. Hardly a meeting goes by that someone doesn't ask, “How does this relate to our original vision for the program?” Keeping that vision in the forefront - and using the National T.E.A.C.H. Program recommendations - the group got busy designing the policies and procedures that still guide the work of the program staff.

The committee is made up of professionals who represent the following areas:

This list of focus areas is taken from recommendations made by the national T.E.A.C.H. program (Child Care Services Association). This same group guides the program policies and procedures for the REETAIN program.

The group meets quarterly (twice in person and twice on-line) sometimes for three or more hours at a time. They hear requests from program participants and applicants for variances or proposed changes. They further plan the annual banquet, look at ways to work collaboratively with other early childhood organizations to meet the needs of providers and review the program operations and budgets.

The committee is geographically diverse and represents many different communities as well as different program types. There is wonderful participation from all persons in attendance and all angles of any situation are explored thoroughly. I always leave the meetings feeling like we have truly given our best to any design or problem that we have addressed.

It is a joy to work with such wonderful people who have a heart for young children. To learn more about the committee or to be considered for membership, contact Valerie Peterson, Program Director at valeriep@mnchildcare.org .