Meeting Minutes from June 2013

Best Start Network
Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2013
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Contact Bran
Present: Kim Romano, Melodie Spencer, Debbie Carson, Doreen Dekker, Jane Angus, Franklin Leukam, Sue Norden, Dan Temprile,
Adele Gawley, Barb Mitchell, Rita Stratford, Anca Gaston, Florence, Marg Barr, Deanna Searle, Luisa Pappert, Anca Gaston, Shelley
McCarthy, Rita Stratford, Cathy Medway (recorder)
Regrets: Kathy Dickens, Maria Timpener, Christina Rajsic, Darren Rorabeck, Sherry Lewis, Paula Thomlison
Guests:
Agenda Item
1.0
Call to Order, Additions to the
Agenda
Approve Minutes of April 4,
2013
Discussion/Decision
Action
THE MINUTES OF THE
May 2, 2013 meeting was approved
Additons to the agenda include:
1.2 Success Story - Rita Stratford
2.3 RFP: Wilfrid Laurier University Child Care
Moved by Sue Norden
4.2 Desire2Learn - Rita Stratford
Seconded by Luisa Pappert
Melodie welcomed everyone to the table. Introductions
were given.
Carried
Thank you Jane for hosting our meeting at Contact Brant
this morning. A tour will be given for everyone interested
following the meeting.
1.2 Success story –
th
Rita Sratford shared that over the weekend the 9 Annual
Motorcycle ride was held in support of the children’s
recreation program Every Kid Counts. The event was very
successful and was enjoyed by all.
Best Start Network Meeting June 6, 2013
Page 1
A Brantford parent was nominated as Mom of the Year
through Walmart and has chosen Lansdowne Children’s
Centre as her charity should she win the award. This is a
very active Mom who runs a parent support group and has
two children with autism .
Lansdowne could receive $100.000.
Best of luck to this outstanding community Mom. If she
makes it to the next round a request for voting support may
occur in July.
2.0
Business arising from
Previous Minutes
2.1 Receive information:
Presentation/Report on EDI
(and overview of
Kindergarten Parent Survey
data - Anca
Anca presented the Early Childhood Development in Brant
(EDI Impementation Results for 2012.
EDI is a 104 question survey which assess children’s
development by looking at 5 key areas or domains and is
implemented world wide.
http://ourbeststart4brant.ca/stats.html#3
5 key domains include:
 Physical Health & Wellbeing
 Social Competence
 Emotional Maturity
 Language and Cognitive Development
 Communication Skills and General Knowledge.
Please see the attached link to this document.
Anca also briefly discussed the preliminary results of the
Kindergarten /Parent Survey.
Best Start Network Meeting June 6, 2013
Page 2
These results are not official and will be posted at a later
date.
Adele shared a draft copy of the Table of Contents of the
Orientation Task Force handbook.
2.2 Receive Update:
Orientation Task Force
Network members suggested linking the handbook to the
early learning framework and provincial links and websites.
Adele asks if each member could review the list of
acronyms and indicate if you know of others that may need
to be included.
The Network would like to thank the orientation task force
for the great work they have done so far.
2.3 Receive Information:
Laurier University Child Care
Dan Temprile has reported that the RFP process has been
completed with Laurier University regarding setting up a
day care centre within the university to meet contractual
obligations with its employees. There was no response
from the community
The university is now looking to partner with the City.
Council and community agencies like BSN and Service
integration Committee have been included in discussions.
Laurier has capital dollars but there would be a municipal
cost involved. The challenge may be the operational
dollars. No formal application has been received.
Enrolment based on demand and new data from the
Onelist program will help give a true picture of the child
care demands in our community.
The Laurier day care could partner with Beryl Angus
Municipal Children’s Centre, at its existing location which is
Best Start Network Meeting June 6, 2013
Page 3
within their tight geographical area to meet their contractual
obligations.
Dan welcomes all ideas and opportunities for outreach to
get the message out there that Laurier is interested in
partnering so there is always transparency. Please share
information with your colleagues and networks.
To date Nipissing is not involved in planning process.
Discussion from the Network was positive noting there was
lots of opportunity for enhanced research opportunities ie
lab school etc. even though some colleges are getting out
of lab schools the University sees it as an opportunity for
enhanced student learning.
2.4 Follow up from planning
day
3.0
3.1 Integrating Ministry
Updates
There has been discussion that we may need to survey
members for future time frames and frequency for
meetings.
Action: Melodie will send out Survey Monkey
over the summer in preparation for September
meeting.
Ministry of Education and Ministry of Children & Youth
Services will be interjecting comments and information
through out the Network meetings.
They will remain as a standing item on the agenda however
may or may not report specifically to 3.1.
3.2 Service Update
Kim reports no new updates.
3.3 Subcommittee Reports:
Receive information:
Aboriginal Advisory
Committee, SIC Committee,
Best Start Magazine, Best
Reports from Parent Fair and SIC committee were received
as read
Best Start Network Meeting June 6, 2013
Page 4
Start Parent Fair, Child Care
Advisory Committee,
Recruitment and Retention
Committee
Cathy reports the BS Magazine Committee is getting ready
to choose articles and ads for the Fall edition of the Best
Start Magazine due out in October.
Action: Reminder email sent out for Ads and
Articles
th
Articles and advertising commitments are due June 19 .
Please submit to Cathy ASAP.
4.0
New Business
4.1 .Discussion : Review
requirements for completing
sections 8, 9, 10 of templates
4.2 Receive information and
approve (vote) :
Unconditional dollars for the
start up costs with
Desire2Learn
Kim, Melodie, Jane Angus and Barb Mitchell will be
meeting to form a task force for the summer to complete
templates G, H, & I.
Kim, Melodie and Rita (Capacity Building task force) has
been meeting with Desire2Learn an agency that will be
providing support/programs for web based learning.
Ritais requesting that we use up to $5.500.00 of conditional
dollars for start up costs. Desire2Learn will provide the
actual programs for web based learning, the upload and
training.
Therefore a motion was made that up to
$5,500 plus HST may be used for the one time
start up costs of web based learning with
Desire2Learn
Motion by : Marg Barr
May need to partner with school boards for additional
training. If funds remain we may be able to have
Desire2Learn develop some of the programs. The
programs can be purchased .
All in favour:
Carried
User fees will come out of capacity building dollars.
View Capacity building flyer here.
Child Care Services has sent letters indicating each
program’s dollar amount to be used for professional
development for each full time equivalent staff member.
Best Start Network Meeting June 6, 2013
Page 5
Owners and operators have been informed that ECEs can
be supported by providing training for first aid, and two
other programs called Handle with Care and Triple P or
online web based learning as well as individual
professional development.
Agencies would bill the city the cost of the program and the
centre will bill for staff hours
Kim attended the Simcoe Best Start Network meeting
where Community Information Data for Halton was
discussed.
http://www.ourkidsnetwork.ca/Public/DataPorta
l.html
Their Network is called “Our Kids Network”
Halton used $200,000 from Innovation Funds to create a
data base called where users can set up a portal where
you can pull up EDI score, compare poverty, add food
banks and layer more information. Data appears almost
immediately
They have paid a user fee for up to the year 2016, then will
see if the community want to keep the program going.
5.0
5.1 Re-confirm – Next
meeting dates September
2013
Next meeting: SeptemberTBA,
Each agency keeps its own data current. Kim will send out
a link to share with network.
See 2.4
5.2 Success story
With a little coaxing from Melodie, Adele shared a personal
story on how she transitioned from full time working
professional to full time parent to once again finding her
inner professional self again.
Success can be measured many ways at many different
Best Start Network Meeting June 6, 2013
Page 6
time of our lives.
Best Start Network Meeting June 6, 2013
Page 7
DRAFT
DRAFT
DRAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE
NETWORK………………………………………………………..1
EARLY YEARS SYSTEM: KEY
MILESTONES………………………………………………2
FUNDING…………………………..……………………………………
……………………………3
PLANNING DOLLARS APPLICATION
FORM…………………………………………….4
PURPOSE OF THE
NETWORK………………………………………………………………
…6
STRATEGIC
PLAN……………………………………………………………………
…………….7
TERMS OF
REFERENCE……………………………………………………………
…………..13
NETWORK ORGANIZATIONAL
CHART………………………………………………….22
SUBCOMMITTEES……………………………….……………………
………………………..23
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT
TEMPLATES………………………………………………..24
DRAFT
BEST START MEMBERSHIP
LIST…………………………………………………………..25
BEST START
SITES……………………………………………………………………
………….32
STATEMENT OF
RESPONSIBILITY………………………………………………………
…33
COMMITMENT
LETTER…………………………………………………………………
…….34
GLOSSARY OF
ACRONYMS……………………………………………………………
…….35
DRAFT
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NETWORK
Best Start is Ontario's plan to enhance early learning, child care and the healthy development of children so
they are ready to achieve success in school by the time they start Grade 1. The goal of Best Start is to help children
develop skills to succeed in school and beyond. The government introduced the Best Start Initiative in 2005 as an
important first step toward creating a more integrated system of supports and services for families with young
children. Notably, Best Start was implemented at an accelerated pace over a five year period in our community.
The provincial government’s document With Our Best Future in Mind: Implementing Early
Learning in Ontario included many recommendations designed to move Ontario towards a seamless,
integrated service system for children and families. Chief among these was the creation of Best Start
Child and Family Centres. The phasing in of universal, full day kindergarten represents another provincial
step in strengthening the current early years system by expanding the roles of the Ministry of Education
and Boards of Education in delivery of early learning and care services. Importantly, he province has
recognizes that the progress achieved by communities has also been because of strong local leadership
and respectful relationships among service providers.
In the first five years of Best Start, Brantford /Brant built a strong Network of service providers to jointly
plan and deliver early learning programs and services in a more coordinated fashion. Beginning with the
development of a comprehensive community plan to strengthen the local early learning system, network partners
built Best Start Hubs now known as Best Start Early and Learning and Parenting Centres– accessible locations
(primarily in elementary schools) where families with young children can access a range of early learning programs
and services .
Best Start Network of Brantford/Brant has spent considerable time developing a common
understanding of integration concepts and fostering a community-wide commitment to building a more
navigable system of supports: a system where every door is the right door, where a family enters one
program, and can be easily connected with other programs or services as needed; a system where
families have to tell their story only once and are heard by staff who can identify and connect them to
additional supports; a system where no child or family is ever left behind.
1
DRAFT
2
DRAFT
DRAFT
FUNDING
The City of Brantford holds funding that was allocated at the beginning of Best Start, in
2005. Part of this funding was earmarked for Francophone and Aboriginal services. As a result
of changes in provincial government policy, additional funding was allowed to be carried from
year to year with no strings attached. This funding is known as unconditional funding. Some of
this unconditional funding has already been put to use, for such initiatives as the Ryerson Hub.
Much of this funding is still available, and can be used at the discretion of the Consolidated
Municipal Service Manager (CMSM) to support the early learning and child care sector.
The Best Start Network does not have an operating budget. The Network communicates
with the CMSM in planning for the use of Best Start allocated planning dollars. . The CMSM has
policies and procedures in place to manage expenditures and purchases, ensuring compliance
with program service schedules and/or guidelines. All purchases are made according to needs
identified by Best Start, including but not limited to planning for the early learning and child care
sector, identifying community needs around early years, research and program planning, and
education of early childhood staff and members of the community. The CMSM advises the cochair of the Best Start Network as dollars are dispersed. One-time requests for funding in excess
of $1500, or otherwise out of the ordinary, are brought to the Best Start planning table for
consideration and approval.
For more information on the start up of the Best Start Network and original funding
please see the report entitled Best Start implementation Plan, at the link below:
http://www.ourbeststart4brant.ca/fles/resources/BSIP_Final.pdf
4
DRAFT
BEST START PLANNING DOLLARS APPLICATION FORM
Please complete all sections of this form, number all pages, and submit two copies.
Planning dollar programs are administered by the Best Start Network and the City of Brantford. This application
and all information received from the applicant will form part of the minutes and records of the Best Start
Network which may be subject to review by the public. No information supplied can be considered confidential
and the applicant expressly consents to release of information by the Best Start Network regarding applications
received, decisions made by the Task Force and other matters relating to the process.
Name of Organization or Applicant:_______________________________________________________
Make cheque payable to (if different from above):
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone:______________________________
Fax: ______________________________________
Contact Person: _______________________________________________________________________
Agency:__________________________________________
Title: __________________________________
Signature: _________________________________
Telephone:______________________________
Fax: ______________________________________
Total Cost of Project
$
Amount Requested
$
We, the undersigned, declare that:
 we have been authorized to make this application on behalf of the organization/task force/committee.
 we agree that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of our ability.
Committee/Chair
Committee
One other member of Organization/Task force
DRAFT
About Your Project/Funding Request
Clearly define how the grant funds will be used, including the following information:
Purpose: What will it specifically accomplish, and how does this relate to the Best Start
Workplan/Vision? What are the main goals and purposes for which funding is requested?
Dates: What are the projected start-up and completion dates? (needed to determine when a final report
would be due back to the Network.)
Start Date:
Completion Date:
Who Benefits: How will this project benefit the Early Learning Community? What specific
population will benefit from your project?
Does another organization in the City provide a similar program?
If YES, please list them:
YES
Who in the community or elsewhere is working on this project? What will you do that is
different from or better than existing programs? If it is appropriate, how will you coordinate with them?
Coordination:
DRAFT
PURPOSE OF THE NETWORK
VISION
Best Start is bringing out the best in all of us, our
children, our families and our community.
MISSION STATEMENT
We lead a collaborative process to plan and implement
strategies that support families and children prenatal to 12
years in Brantford and Brant to reach their full potential.
DRAFT
STRATEGIC PLAN
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: Meaningful connections with parents and parent engagement
Goals
Performance Indicators
Time
Frame
Lead
1.1 Increase
communication with
parents on the services
that are available and
those that are required
1.1A Complete a needs assessment at
the Best Start Parent Fair
April 2013
Committees
and Task
Forces
1.1B Increase the distribution of
promotional materials by x%
1.1C Enhance current
communication methods (print
media, speaking at events, website,
different languages, etc.) by x%
1.2 Build on existing
community events for
families
1.2A Increase the number of booths
at the Best Start Parent Fair by x%
Committees
1.2B Take the Best Start booth to
8
DRAFT
two additional community events
each year (e.g. Paris Fair, soccer
registration)
1.3 Increase parent
involvement on
Committees so that they
too are decision makers
1.3A Recruit two parent
representatives for the Network
and/or a Committee within one year
1.4 Increase the sharing
of personal stories and
make use of parent
‘champions’
1.4A Provide opportunities for
families to give testimonials (e.g. have
sheets to complete at hubs)
1.5 Educate service
providers on the
importance of first
impressions
1.5A Once a year, provide education
to the Network on how to engage
families
NEW
NEW
9
DRAFT
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2 : Community planning and partnerships
Goals
Performance Indicators
Time
Frame
Lead
2.1 Review and strengthen current
partnerships and community
relationships
2.1A Expand the membership of
the Network by five members over
three years (involves expanding the
membership criteria)
Network
2.2 Identify new partnership
opportunities
2.2A Identify five new associations
that Best Start can reach out to
promote its services (e.g. Shellard
neighbourhood)
Service
Integration
Committee
2.3 Ensure that the Francophone,
Aboriginal and multicultural
communities are priorities in
2.3A Increase consistent active
participation from Francophone
Francophone
Committee
&
10
DRAFT
community planning
and Aboriginal communities
2.3B Increase the knowledge of
front-line staff from agencies
mandated to work with immigrants
about Best Start and early learning
& child care supports (and invite
them to the Network to advise
members of their needs)
2.4 Enhance the engagement
strategy in individual
neighbourhoods
2.4A Identify five new associations
that Best Start can reach out to
promote its services (e.g. Shellard
neighbourhood)
2.5 Enhance the transitioning
between service providers
2.5A To be determined
Aboriginal
Committee
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: Sustaining licensed child care
Goals
Performance Indicators
3.1 Establish a Child Care
Advisory Committee (CCAC)
3.1A Invite all child care
operators and supporting
services (decision makers)
3.1B Re-establish Terms of
Time Frame
Lead
Network
OEYC/CMSM/
11
DRAFT
Goals
Performance Indicators
Time Frame
Reference
3.2 Create more licensed child
care options
3.2A Create an inventory of
current licensed spaces and
hours of service
3.2B Increase the availability of
24 hour 7 days a week licensed
child care by 5% over three
years
3.2C Increase the number of
licensed infant, toddler,
preschool and school age spaces
by 5% over three years
3.3 Enhance the recruitment
and retention of child care staff
3.3A Conduct an annual
Job/Education Fair
3.3B Conduct a 2012/2013
salary survey
Lead
CCAC
Dec 2012
CCAC
June 2015
CCAC/CMSM
June 2015
CCAC/CMSM
Refer to
Recruitment
and
Retention
Committee’s
Recruitment
and Retention
Committee
3.3C Distribute Pathways
12
DRAFT
Goals
Performance Indicators
Time Frame
brochure to all local high schools
goals
Lead
3.3D Use eycbrant.ca as a
promotional site for recruitment
and retention
3.4 Promote family-friendly
work place policies
3.4A Invite large employers to
community forum (family
friendly environments, child care
considerations, flexibility for
family needs)
June 2013
Network
3.4B Survey employees of large
employers on current child care
system and needs/gaps
June 2013
CCAC
3.4C Develop promotional
materials and an advertising
campaign
Dec 2012
and
Magazine Task
Force
June 2013
3.5 Educate the community on
the available services with an
emphasis on the quality of
3.5A Develop promotional
materials and an advertising
Dec 2012
and June
Magazine Task
Force
13
DRAFT
Goals
Performance Indicators
Time Frame
licensed child care
campaign
2013
3.5B Increase the utilization of
licensed child care by 10% over
three years
3.6 Access funding to transition
the child care system, sustain
programs and plan for the
future
3.6A Develop a plan (with the
assistance of a Consultant) and
propose to the Network for the
use of planning or other
available dollars to transition
child care over the next three
years
Lead
Magazine Task
Force and
CCAC
Jan 2013
CCAC
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4: Strengthening the capacity of the Network
Goals
Performance Indicators
Time
Frame
Lead
4.1 Review and revise, as necessary,
the Network’s Terms of Reference
4.1A Conduct the Terms of
Reference review
Fall 2012
Ad hoc
group
14
DRAFT
4.2 Review the membership so that
it is aligned with the mission and
vision
4.2A Conduct the membership
review
4.3 Engage in succession planning
4.3A Create an Orientation Manual
for Network members
Dec 2012
Ad hoc
group
4.2B Promote opportunities for
volunteers on Network and
Committees
4.3B Existing Chairs of each
Committee and Subcommittee to
coach and mentor new Chairs
4.4 Review the Network’s structure
4.4A Conduct a review of the Terms
of Reference of each Committee to
clarify purpose and identify gaps
4.5 Undertake a collaborative
review of the Network’s operations
4.5A Survey members to get
information on how each Committee
is operating, successes, experiences,
etc.
Each
Committee
15
DRAFT
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Vision
Through coordination, collaboration and cooperation within the early learning and child care system, all
children will have the opportunity to reach their full potential, prenatal to twelve years of age.
Mission
To plan, implement and monitor Best Start Early Learning strategies in Brantford and Brant
community priorities.
that reflect
Scope
The Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will continue to support and plan for a comprehensive integrated system
of services that supports children, prenatal to twelve years of age and their families.
Goals
The following general directions will be taken to achieve the vision:










Programs are coordinated through Best Start and are available to all children without barriers resulting
from income, transportation or health issues
Education programs are available in all schools
Parents take an active role in programming
Earlier identification of children and earlier provision of services
Resources and services are available with minimal or no waiting lists
Early intervention occurs in order to facilitate rapid interventions
Best Start is an integral part of the community
The public, service providers and the media are aware of Best Start services and resources
Advocate for adequate financial resources, staffing and supports
Encourage all local and provincial partners to work together
Principles
The Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will use the following guiding principles in the planning for Best Start.
The Best Start planning will:


Be based on identified community needs
Ensure services are available, affordable and accessible for all
16
DRAFT









Be child and parent oriented
Respect diverse cultural, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds
Include supports re: participation for children with physical, developmental, language, learning or
behavioral difficulties
Work in partnership with families
Consider the needs of parents at home, work or in school
Protect the best interests of children
Ensure that a broad range of input affecting children is incorporated
Include cross Ministerial input and collaboration
Ensure quality services.
Accountability
The Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will be accountable to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of
Children and Youth Services and to the community for planning and monitoring the implementation of Best Start
early learning strategies in Brant. Specifically, as a collective, all members of the Network will share
accountability in the development and monitoring of the Brantford Brant Best Start Plans and other directives
and early learning initiatives.
The Brantford Brant Best Start Network will have an internal accountability mechanism in the form of a selfassessment that the Network will conduct annually to assess:
The terms of reference will be reviewed by a sub-committee annually and reconfirmed by the full Network.
Roles and Responsibilities

All members of the Brantford Brant Best Start Network will participate in planning and implementation.

Provide advice on the best ways to organize and integrate services. They will be informed about the
services available and the importance of early learning and care.

Provide appropriate representation of the stakeholders that they represent and make decisions on behalf
of the organization and/or sector they represent.

Keep a global perspective when making decisions on what is best for the community.

Undertake active participation in committee and/or task force work.

Ensure appropriate preparation for each meeting and completion of assigned tasks.
Membership/Voting

MEMBERS: Members will reside or work in Brant County, and will include parent representatives,
community representatives, stakeholder representatives and senior representatives of agencies providing
early years services to children and families with children aged prenatal to 12.

PARENT/ COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES: Up to three (3) parent representatives may be
appointed members of the Network.

AGENCIES/STAKEHOLDERS: must select one designated voting member who will be their
representative. The designated voting member of an agency must be a senior staff at the agency and
17
DRAFT
have the ability to make decisions and commitments on behalf of the organization. In the event that the
designated voting member is unable to attend a meeting, that individual may assign an alternate

FUNDERS: Funders shall participate on the Network in an ex-officio capacity and will participate in all
discussions and decision-making, but will not have voting privileges.

OTHER AGENCY STAFF, CONSUMERS AND/OR INTERESTED PARTIES: Individuals or
agencies may approach the Chair to participate on the Network as an interested party. They may request
to receive minutes and may attend meetings as guests and are not entitled to vote on decisions.

NETWORK AND SUB COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
The Network encourages the participation of any and all interested community stakeholders.
The Network has a number of Committees and Task Forces to assist it in fulfilling its mission “to plan, implement
and monitor Best Start in Brantford/Brant in a way that reflects community priorities.…” As illustrated in
Appendix 3, the following Committees have been established:




Aboriginal Advisory Committee
Francophone Advisory Committee
Service Integration Committee (SIC) Committee
Child Care Advisory Committee
The Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will establish committees, task forces and/or working groups as deemed
necessary. Such groups will designate a liaison to the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network and will consist of
Brantford/Brant Best Start Network members and/or other community members as is relevant to the task. Each
committee, task force or working group will be accountable to the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network through
their work plans.
See appendix 1 Brantford Brant/Best Start Suggested Membership Composition
See appendix 2 Communications Protocol
Structure of the Network
Qualification and Selection of Members
The Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will recruit members (on the basis of identified sectors/agencies) and
invite their participation.
Length of Term of Appointments
The terms of the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network requires a three year commitment from agency stake holders.
Parents/Community Representatives will be encouraged to participate for three years.
Network Procedures and Operations Community Representatives
The Network will have two co-chairs, one of whom will be a senior representative of Child Care Services for the
Corporation of the City of Brantford. The other co-chair of the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will be
selected by the Network Membership for a two year term with the option to serve an additional term.
Executive Responsibilities
Co-Chairs
The Co-Chair will:
18
DRAFT





Co-Chair all Brantford/Brant Best Start Network meetings
Prepare meeting agendas
Ensure the Terms of Reference and other Brantford/Brant Best Start Network documents are up-to-date, and
adhered to
Oversee the orientation of new members as required
Provide Leadership to the executive to ensure participation from all members.
Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair of the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will be selected by the membership for a two-year term
with the option to serve an additional term.

Serve as the Co-Chair in the absence of the Co-Chair
Secretary/Recorder
The Secretary/Recorder of the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will be selected by the membership for a oneyear term with the option to serve an additional term not exceeding a total of two consecutive years. Members
may delegate Secretarial responsibilities.
The Secretary will ensure that:




Meeting agendas are circulated to all members of Brantford/Brant Best Start Network
Minutes of the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network are recorded and circulated
Meeting attendance is monitored
All Brantford/Brant Best Start Network correspondence and records are maintained.
Other Executive positions may be established as deemed necessary.
Minutes and Agendas
Minutes of all Brantford/Brant Best Start Network meetings will be distributed within fifteen working days to
Network members with other relevant documentation attached.
Brantford/Brant Best Start Network members may refer items to the agenda by contacting the Co-Chair at least
two weeks in advance of the next scheduled meeting. All meeting agendas will be forwarded to the membership
one week in advance of the upcoming meeting, attached with this notice will be the second distribution of the
minutes.
Meetings
The Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will determine the schedule of dates, times and locations of meetings as
required.
When meetings are called to order, no decisions or voting can be made unless a quorum of members are present.
Meeting quorums shall be defined as 50% plus one of the Brantford/ Brant Best Start Network members.
Media Spokesperson/Communications Protocol
Media
 Media Spokesperson: CMSM (Manager of Child Care Services, City of Brantford)
 Secondary Contact: Co-Chair of the Brantford Brant Best Start Network (BSN)
 Process for Press Contact- CMSM first, can refer to Co-Chair of BSN
 Duties for Media Spokesperson- interviews, press releases. These are seen at minimum by the Executive
of the BSN before release.
19
DRAFT

Seek out our own Network opportunities and agencies to keep Network informed
For complete communications protocol see Appendix 2.
Conflict of Interest
All members of the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will be encouraged to participate fully in the activities of
the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network. Disclosure of a conflict of interest, whether real, potential or apparent,
must take place as soon as the individual becomes aware of the conflict. Conflict of interest refers to a situation
where a member of the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network speaks in favour of/or recommends a course of action
which may have competing professional or personal interests or financially benefit them personally or the
organization/agency with which they are associated. Such competing interests can make it difficult to fulfill his or
her duties impartially. A conflict of interest exists even if no unethical or improper act results from it (e.g. the
review and recommendation of Brantford/Brant Best Start Network proposals). The onus of responsibility will
rest with each individual member to determine whether or not they are in a conflict of interest. In such instances,
the member will clarify their concerns with the Co-Chair who will determine if the conflict of interest warrants
precluding the member’s further participation or debate of that portion of the meeting or determine if the member
will not take part in the discussion of, or vote on any question in respect of the matter, or will forthwith leave the
meeting or the part of the meeting during which the matter is under consideration. The member will not attempt
in any way whether before, during or after the meeting to influence the voting on any such questions.
Confidentiality
All meetings of the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will be open to members of the general public and media.
The Brantford/Brant Best Start Network does, however, reserve the right to hold in-camera sessions should the
topic of discussion pertain to a property matter, information that may be the subject of a judicial or quasi-judicial
hearing or inquiry, or the information pertains to a readily identifiable individual or group of individuals.
Absences
Brantford/Brant Best Start Network members are asked to contact the Secretary or designate if they are unable to
attend a meeting. If a member resigns, the vacancy will be filled at the discretion of the Brantford/Brant Best
Start Network.
Use of Technology
The Brantford/Brant Best Start Network reserves the right to use technology, where possible and practical, to
conduct its business (e.g. the electronic transfer of meeting agendas and minutes, teleconferencing, voting etc.)
and according to the communications protocol.
Remuneration
Brantford/Brant Best Start Network members will serve without remuneration from the Brantford/Brant Best Start
Network.
Linkages
The Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will maintain linkages with other relevant planning bodies in the
community. The nature and extent of these linkages may be altered from time to time as necessary and
appropriate.
20
DRAFT
Decision-Making Process and Dispute Resolution
Members will work toward a consensus model for decision-making. If this is not possible, a simple majority vote
will be held. A motion will be considered ‘carried’ when two thirds the voting representatives in attendance are in
favour of the motion.
Signatures to the Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference and Membership of the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network will be reviewed annually or
as needed and members will sign re-commitment letter.
21
DRAFT
Appendix 1
The suggested membership on the networks is listed below, recognizing that the uniqueness of the community
may impact on the composition of the network.
Parenting Programs
- Pre-conception and Pre-natal
education
- Ontario Early Years Centres
- Parent resource centres
- Early learning services
- Programs run by charitable
organizations
Early Learning Programs
- Preschool programs
- Regulated child care
providers, including not-forprofit and commercial
operations, centre-based and
home-based programs
- Agencies working with
children with special needs
Community Services
- Recreation programs
- Libraries
- Charitable organizations
- Faith groups
- Private sector
- Family Counseling
Policy makers/funders
-Regional Offices MCYS,
EDU District Offices, MOHLTC
- CMSMs/DSSABs
Parents/
Community
Brantford
Brant Best
Start
Network
Early Identification and Intervention
Programs
- Healthy Babies Healthy Children
- Preschool Speech and Language
- Infant Hearing Screening
- Infant Development Program
- Resource Teachers Program
- Behaviour Management Program
- Pre-school Intervention Program
for children with Autism
School Boards
- Directors, superintendents or
designate
- School principal or designate
- Provincial schools principals
where appropriate
Health and Specialized Services
- Primary care services/providers
- Local Health Integration Networks
- Community health centres
- Children’s treatment centres and
other secondary and tertiary health
care services
- Child health networks
- Public Health Units
Income and security programs
- Income support programs
- Child protection services
- Child nutrition programs
22
DRAFT
Appendix 2
Communications Plan
Purpose:
The purpose of this plan is to outline the parameters of communications of information regarding Brantford/Brant
Best Start and the responsibilities of its members.
Communication Plan Objective:
Communication will include, but not limited to, external communication strategies and internal communications
processes among Best Start Network members. The plan will be an appendix of the Terms of Reference for the
Brantford/Brant Best Start Network.
Key Messages:
 Brantford/Brant Best Start is about Bringing Out the Best in All of Us.
 The key goal is to care for the children in our community in their early years so that they are ready to
learn when they enter school and thus be able to be successful.
 To help every child in Brant realize their potential.
 Best Start is about supporting parents and families to give them the best opportunity for their child in the
early years of life.
 Best Start strengthens and enhances partnerships so we can continue to build the best learning
environment for families in our community.
 Best Start is a provincial program funding new child care and parenting services.
Media:
The media spokesperson for the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network (BSN) is the Manager of Child Care
Services, City of Brantford. All media contact and inquiries are to be directed to the Manager. The second
contact person will be the Co-Chair of the Brantford/Brant Best Start Network. Process for contact will be
Manager of Child Care Services first, then Co-Chair of BSN.
The duties include, but are not limited to; Media Spokesperson- interviews, press releases. Such correspondences
are seen at a minimum by the Executive of the BSN before release.
Internal Communications to Best Start Network:
The following represents the internal communications (both electronically and through print materials) for the
BSN:
 Communications; agenda, minutes are the responsibility of the Co-Chair or designate
 Participating members of the BSN receive all correspondences but other interested parties (or Minutes
Only Members) will receive agendas and approved minutes only
 The BSN will address confidentiality issues as they arise
 A confidentiality disclaimer will be added to all email correspondence of the members of the Network
which includes:
“This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may
contain information that is privileged, confidential. If you have received this message in error, please delete
it and any attachments immediately and notify the Co-Chair of the Brantford-Brant Best Start Network at
beststart@brantford.ca . Thank you “
External Communications to Best Start Network:
23
DRAFT
The following represents the external communications (both electronically and through print materials) for the
BSN:
 Anyone can share the key messages or distribute approved marketing information
 Meetings, requests for presentations and other requests are to go through the Co-Chair of the BSN
 Letters of support can go from agencies but not on behalf of the BSN unless this has been agreed to by
majority vote of the Network
 Letters of support need to be drafted by the Co-Chair of a subcommittee and can be reviewed by the full
Network to be confirmed by the next full meeting or by executive and email if time does not allow. The
approved format will then be sent from the Best Start Network Co-Chair
 Use of the Best Start logo is approved in communications of other agencies associated with the Best Start
Network
 All Early Learning and Parenting Sites will be branded with common external signage “Best Start Early
Learning and Parenting Centre” and will have signage inside the programs identifying the current
operator
 Child Care Centres can indicate “Developed through Best Start” but are not permitted to designate sites
as “Best Start Child Care”
 Members approached by corporations, politicians, member of council, etc, must refer contacts to the
BSN as per the media guidelines. It is the member’s responsibility to inform the Network.
 If events/media coverage by the above is about your own agency, the members of the Network are
expected to inform the Media Spokesperson and Co-Chair of the BSN if the matter may pertain to any
part of the BSN plans.
Website/Email:
 Brantford/Brant Best Start website; www.ourbeststart4brant.ca and email; beststart@brantford.ca
are hosted, maintained and monitored by Child Care Services with the support of the City of Brantford. Any
changes, additions or corrections should be directed to that office.
24
DRAFT
NETWORK ORGANIZATION CHART
Children’s Services
Committee
Information sharing
Brantford / Brant
Best Start Network
CHAIRS:
Melodie Spencer
Kim Romano
Task Forces
Aboriginal Advisory
Committee
Service Integration
Committee
CHAIRS:
CHAIR: Doreen Dekker
Child Care Advisory
Committee
CHAIR: Melodie Spencer
 Best Start Parent
 Best
 18
Fair
Start Magazine
Month Well Baby
Sherry Lewis, Leslie Thomas
 Recruitment
& Retention
25
DRAFT
SUBCOMMITTEES
Aboriginal Advisory Committee –
Childcare Advisory Committee –
Service Integration Committee
26
DRAFT
BEST START SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
DATE:
TO:
Best Start Network Chair
FROM:
name of subcommittee group
CHAIR:
person handing in report
1.0
TYPE OF REPORT
(check if it is a recommendation, report or both)
3.0
General Meeting/Committee Report
4.0
Projects/Task Force Report
5.0
Financial Information
6.0
Recommendation
7.0
Other
Recommendation item
Report Only
[
[
27
]
]
DRAFT
BEST START NETWORK COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Ex-officio
Member
NAME
VOTING
MEMBER
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
ALTERNATE
E-MAIL
SECTOR
NAME/NUMBER
(Non voting)
Jane Angus
√
643 Park Road N.
N3T 5L8
Contact Brant
√
70 Chatham
Street N3T 5L8
519-753-8681
CAS Brant
Brenda Blancher
√
GEDSB
519-756-6301
349 Erie Ave. N3S
2H7
GEDSB
Woodview
Developmental
Services/Mental
Health
Bonnie McKay
Marg.barr@casbrant.ca
Child Protection
X337
Bonnie.mckay@casbrant.ca
Child Welfare
Debby Carson
Brenda.blancher@granderie.ca
Primary Education
Debby.carson@granderie.ca
Early Learning
tbrinn@woodview.ca
Mental Health
X 225
Margaret Barr
Tricia Brinn
jane@contactbrant.net
519-758-8228
√
233 Colborne
Street N3T 2H4
519-752-5308
28
DRAFT
Sharon Brooks
√
Kids Can Fly
Karen Calligan
√
Ministry of
Education
110 German
School Road,
RR#1 Paris, N3L
3E1
519-448-1713
217 York Street
Site 201
226-919-5832
Sharon.brooks@sympatico.ca
Early Learning and
Parenting
www.kidscanfly.ca
Karen.calligan@ontario.ca
Ministry of
Education
mariac@nipissingu.ca
Post Secondary
Education
kdickens@brantford.ca
CMSM
agaston@bchu.org
DAC
London, N6A 5P9
Maria CantaliniWilliams
Director of
Concurrent
Education
Program
√
Nipissing
University
Nipissing
University,
Brantford
Kathy Dickens
√
220 Colborne
Street N3T 5R7
√
194 Terrace Hill
Street
City of
Brantford PHSSS
519-753-7377
Anca Gaston
N3R 1G7
BCHU
Sue Norden
√
Brantford
Snorden6@hotmail.com
Community
Representative
29
DRAFT
Community Rep
Johanne Dupre
√
dupre@csdccs.edu.on.ca
CSDCSS
Diane Jamieson
Francophone
Primary
√
duamieson@csdccs.edu.on.ca
Francophone
Primary
CSDCSS
Leslie Telfer
√
322 Fairview Drive
N3R 2X6
519-756-6505
ltelfer@bhncdsb.ca
Primary Education
√
318 Colborne St. E –
Satellite Office
519-753-5408
x259
bnhthp@rogers.com
Aboriginal Early
Learning
BHNCDSB
Sherry Lewis
Brantford Native
Housing
Brantford, ON N3S
3M9
Health
Head Office:184
Mohawk St. P.O. Box
23048 N3T 6K4
Shelley McCarthy
√
Family Counseling
Centre
Florence
Ngenzebuhoro
√
54 Brant Ave. N3T
3G8
Ministry of Children
and Youth Services
519-753-4173
x 220
Maggie Inrig
smccarthy@fccb.ca
Family Counseling
minrig@fccb.ca
ngenzebuhoro@ontario.ca
MCYS
30
DRAFT
MCYS CSDCSS
Child Care Programs
119 King Street West,
th
7 Floor
Hamilton, ON L8P
4Y7
Doreen Dekker
√
Rens.doreen@silomail.com
Chair of SIC
SIC Chair
Community Rep.
√
Education
Darren Rorabeck
350 Brant Ave.
W Ross Macdonald
School
N3T 3J9
NAME
Ex-officio
Member
VOTING
MEMBER
ADDRESS
519-759-0730
TELEPHONE
Martha Martino
ALTERNATE
Darren.Rorabeck@ontario.ca
E-MAIL
SECTOR
NAME/NUMBER
(Non
voting)
Dale Kern
Mohawk College
√
Brantford
Mohawk
Laurier Centre
Office BL 105
519-756-8228
x 5767
dkern@mohawkcollege.ca
Post Secondary
31
DRAFT
50 Market
Street,
N3T 2Z5
Kim Romano
√
Child Care
Services
Deanna Searle
519-756-3150
x 22
kromano@brantford.ca
CMSM
519-752-3964
bgced@teksavvy.com
Recreation
N3R 3T5
√
Boys & Girls Club
Susan Yates
220 Clarence
St.
2 Edge Street.
N3T 6H1
√
BCHU
194 Terrace
Hill Street
Child Care
519-753-7377
Catherine Legault
Susan.Yates@bchu.org
Director
clegault@bchu.org
BCHU
mspencer@eycbrant.ca
Early Learning
N3R 1G7
Melodie Spencer
√
Ontario Early
Years Centre:
Brant
Rita Stratford
√
Lansdowne
Children’s Centre
Adele Gawley
√
30 Bell Lane
P.O. Box 25040
N3T 6K5
519-759-3833
39 Mt.
Pleasant St.
N3T 1S7
519-753-3154
Information/Resources
rstartford@lansdownecc.com
Specialized Services
Child Development
adelemgawley@hotmail.com
Parent Representative
Parent
32
DRAFT
Representative
Dan Temprile
220 Colborne
Street
√
City of Brantford
519-759-3330
kdickens@brantford.ca
CMSM
dtemprile@brantford.ca
N3T 5R7
PHSSS
Leslie Thomas
√
Leslie.thomas@casbrant.ca
Aboriginal
Services Unit CAS
NAME
Exofficio
Membe
r
VOTING
MEMBER
ADDRESS
TELEPHON
E
ALTERNATE
Aboriginal Child
Protection
E-MAIL
SECTOR
NAME/NUMBE
R
(Non
voting)
Paula
Thomliso
n
√
173 Colborne Street
519-7562220
pthomlison@brantford.library.on.ca
519-7526568
Maria_timpener@ymca.ca
Library
Community
Services
Library
Maria
Timpener
YMCA
HBB
√
YMCA
HAMILTON/BURLINGTON/BRANT
FORD
Early
Learning
Recreation
79 James Street South
33
DRAFT
Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z1
Dianne
Wdowczy
k
√
643 Park Road N. N3T 5L8
519-7525308 x 23
dwdowczyk@woodview.ca
Mental
health
Ste. Marguerite-Bourgeoys
519-7564750
fleukan@csdccs.edu.on.ca
Francphone
Primary
leballonrougebrantford@csdccs.edu.on
.ca
Francophon
e
Woodvie
w
Franklin
Leukam
√
60 Clench Ave.N3T 1B8
CSDCSS
Marie
Josee
Baril
√
60 Clench Ave.
Child Care
Le Ballon
Rouge
Van
Thuan
ELCC
√
Ste. Marguerite-Bourgeoys
60 Clench Ave. N3T 1B8
519-7564750
Francophon
e
CSDCSS
Luisa
Pappert
Primary
√
P.O. Box 22005, 794 Colborne
Street East
519-7582703
weewatchbrantford@rogers.com
Child Care
34
DRAFT
Wee
Watch
Brantford, ON N3S 7V1
Ex-officio
Member
NAME
VOTING
MEMBER
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
ALTERNATE
E-MAIL
SECTOR
NAME/NUMBER
(Non voting)
Barb Mitchell
√
Brantford
barbara.mitchell@granderie.ca
GEDSB
BHNCDSB
Joan Fallis
Primary
Education
√
London, ON
1-877-421-7811
519-667-2034
joanfallis@ontario.ca
Ministry of
Education
Ministry of
Education
Sarah Hastings
√
County Parks &
Rec.
shastings@brant.ca
County Parks
& Rec.
√
Six Nations
askye@sixnations.ca
Aboriginal
Early Learning
County Parks &
Rec.
Arlis Skye
Six Nations
Early Learning
35
DRAFT
BEST START NETWORK COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP- minutes only
NAME
Ex-officio
Member
VOTING
MEMBER
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
ALTERNATE
E-MAIL
SECTOR
NAME/NUMBER
(Non
voting)
Dorothee PetitPas
Dpetit-pas@csdccs.edu.on.ca
Francophone
Primary
CSDCSS
Lisa Sylvester
Landowne
Children’s
Centre
Dave Levac
MPP
39 Mt. Pleasant
N3T 1S7
519-753-3154
x 247
lsylvester@lansdownecc.com
Preschool
Speech and
Language
Dlevac.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Policy Maker
Funder MPP
Maggie
Henderson
36
DRAFT
Sarah Hastings
County Parks &
Rec.
shastings@brant.ca
County Parks &
Rec.
Sue Evenden
220 Colborne
Street
sevenden@brantford.ca
Income Support
debbiecavers@clbrant.com
Adult
Development
Services
PHSSS
Debbie Cavers
Community
Living
Early Years
Alayn Courtois
519-756-4750
acourtois@csdccs.edu.on.ca
CSDCSS
Primary
Francine
416-397-6564
fdenomme@csdccs.edu.on.ca
Francophone
Primary
Education
Denomme
CSDCSS
Josephine
Atanas
Francophone
220 Colborne
Street
josephineatanas@brantford.ca
Income Support
220 Colborne
Street
sevenden@brantford.ca
Income Support
debbiecavers@clbrant.com
Adult
Development
PHSSS
Sue Evenden
PHSSS
Debbie Cavers
Community
37
DRAFT
Living
Services
Early Years
Martha Martino
350 Brant Ave.
W Ross
Macdonald
School
Brantford, ON
N3T 3J9
519-759-0730
Martha.Martino@ontario.ca
Education
*Please see the subsection Members/Voting in the Terms of Reference for an explanation about why some members
vote and some do not.
38
DRAFT
Best Start Early Learning and Parenting
Centres
April - August 2013
**NOTE** Dates and hours may change. Call 519-759-3833 to confirm.
Listing of FREE interactive parent-child (0-6 years) drop-in programs
Location
Bellview School
97 Tenth Ave., Brantford
Bellview School-Aboriginal Best Start
97 Tenth Ave., Brantford
Days
Mon & Wed
Tues at Slovak Village
CLOSED during school closure
Tues (Playtime with our little ones)
Fri (Onkwehon:we Family Circle)
CLOSED during school closure
Time
9:00 am - 11:30 am
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Neighbourhood
Eagle Place
9:30 - 11:30 am
9:30 - 11:30 am
Branlyn - Notre Dame School
238 Brantwood Park Road, Brantford
Tues, Wed & Thurs
9:00 am - 11:30 am
CLOSURE TBA during summer months
Banbury
Brantford Public Library
Fri
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Core
173 Colborne Street, Brantford
Burford District Elementary School
Mon & Wed
9:00 am - 11:30 am
35 Alexander Street, Burford
CLOSED during school closure
Burford, West
Brant County
Centennial-Grand Woodlands School
41 Ellenson Avenue, Brantford
Tues & Thurs
CLOSED during school closure
9:00 am - 11:30 am
FairviewGreenbrier
Eastdale at Echo Place School
Mon - Fri
9:00 am - 11:30 am
East Ward
723 Colborne Street East, Brantford
Mon, Tues, Wed
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Graham Bell - Victoria Public School
56 Grand Street, Brantford
King George School
(relocated from Major Ballachey)
265 Rawdon Street, Brantford
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri
CLOSED during school closure
Tues, Wed & Thurs
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Terrace Hill
9:00 am - 11:30 am
East Ward
North Ward School
Mon & Wed
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Paris, West South
Dumfries
107 Silver Street, Paris
Ryerson Heights Elementary School
33 Dowden Avenue, Brantford
St. Anthony Daniel School
85 Bishopsgate Road, Scotland
CLOSED during school closure
Tues & Thurs
CLOSED during school closure
Tues & Thurs
Thurs
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Shellard Lane
9:00 am - 11:30 am
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Scotland, West
Brant County
St. Gabriel School
CLOSED during school closure.
Mon, Wed & Fri
9:00 am - 11:30 am
West Brant
14 Flanders Drive, Brantford
Mon & Wed
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
St. James Anglican Church
Fri
( use entrance at Fairmount St.)
8 Burwell Street, Paris
CLOSED during school closure
9:30 am - 11:30 am
nd
Except for 2 Friday of each month (closed).
Paris, West South
Dumfries
The drop-in programs above are operated by one of the following agencies;
CAS Brant, Family Counselling Centre, Kids Can Fly or Ontario Early Years Centre: Brant
For agency contact information, please contact OEYC: Brant at 519-759-3833.
Other Parent – Parent & Child Drop-in Programs
Parenting and Family Literacy Centres (0-6 years)
Parenting and Family Literacy Centres are drop-in Centres that provide a play environment where you and your child can
come together and learn through play. These programs are offer by Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
and Grand Erie District School Board. No registration is needed and everyone is welcome. For more information on Parenting
& Family Literacy Centres call 519-720-5149 Ext. 162008.
Christ the King Catholic Elementary School
165 Duffering Ave., Brantford
Monday – Friday
Jean Vanier Catholic Elementary School
Monday - Friday
120 Ninth Ave., Brantford
CLOSED during school closure.
Princess Elizabeth Public School
Monday – Friday CLOSED during school
closure.
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
CLOSED during school closure.
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
60 Tecumshe Street, Brantford
8:45 am – 12:45 pm
DRAFT
Major Ballachey Public School
105 Rawdon Street, Brantford
Monday – Friday CLOSED during school
closure.
8:45 am – 12:45 pm
DRAFT
Ontario Early Years Centre: Brant (OEYC: Brant)
30 Bell Lane, Brantford - Call 519-759-3833
The Ontario Early Years Centre: Brant offers a number of FREE servies for parents, caregivers, educators and
young children ages 0 to 6 years. Drop in programs, Parent and Parent-Child Workshops, Early Years Literacy
Workshops and Resources, Quality Child Care Infromation and Directory and more. Visit
www.eycbrant.ca/oeyc for more information or drop-in for a tour.
Together Time (0-6 years)
Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Parent & Child drop-in program
Mon, Tues, Wed
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Mon & Thurs
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Just Baby and Me (0-12 months)
Parent & Child drop-in program
Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) - Family Drop-in Programs at various
locations
Visit a Family Drop-in Program and talk to a Public Health Nurse about growth and development, parenting,
breastfeeding, sexual health, preconception and more. Note: Days, hours, locations may change. Closed at
school locations when schools are closed. For more information on the Family Drop-in Programs call 519-7534937 ext. 259.
st
Family Resource Centre
14 Henry Street, Brantford
rd
1 and 3 Monday each month
Teen Parents Only
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
(ages 2 and up)
Ontario Early Years Centre: Brant
Tuesdays
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Tuesdays
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Tuesdays
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Wednesdays
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Wednesdays
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
30 Bell Lane, Brantford
King George School
(relocated from Major Ballachey)
265 Rawdon Street, Brantford
Slovak Village
144 Fifth Ave., Brantford
Ryerson Heights Best Start ELP Centre
33 Dowden Avenue, Brantford
Stepping Stones
50 Pontiac Street – Unit 36, Brantford
Family Resource Centre
nd
th
2 and 4 Wednesday each month
10:00 am – 11:00 am
DRAFT
14 Henry Street, Brantford
Teen Parents Only
(ages 0 - 2 years)
Thursdays
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Thursdays
Some youth services available.
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thursdays
9:30 am – 11:30 am
New Beginnings
17-359 Darling Street, Brantford
Main Library
173 Colborne Street
North Ward School BSELP Centre
107 Silver Street, Paris
Breastfeeding Clinic (BCHU) All Breastfeeding Questions – Contact 519-753-4937 x 259
Ontario Early Years Centre: Brant
Fridays
9:00 am – 11:30 am
30 Bell Lane, Brantford
Parachute Program – Transitioning to Parenthood
Free taxi and child care on site. Call 519-755-9482 for more information.
St Andrews Community Centre
Wednesdays
1:30 – 3:00 p.m
95 Darling St, Brantford
Patta-Cake
A lively, interactive program for you and your baby (0-18 months). Join us for songs, bouncing rhymes,
sharing and discussion with other young parents. For more information contact 519-753-8681 ext. 310.
Family Resource Centre
Mondays
10:00 am – 11:30 am
14 Henry Street, Brantford
** To find the most current information please visit http://www.eycbrant.ca or http://www.ourbeststart4brant.ca.
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STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
•
All members of the Brantford Brant Best Start Network will participate in planning and
implementation.
•
Provide advice on the best ways to organize and integrate services. They will be
informed about the services available and the importance of early learning and care.
•
Provide appropriate representation of the stakeholders that they represent and make
decisions on behalf of the organization and/or sector they represent.
•
Keep a global perspective when making decisions on what is best for the community.
•
Undertake active participation in committee and/or task force work.
•
Ensure appropriate preparation for each meeting and completion of assigned tasks.
DRAFT
COMMITMENT LETTER
Brantford/Brant Best Start Network
C/o Child Care Services
220 Clarence Street
Brantford, ON N3R 6P2
Dear Brantford/Brant Best Start Network Member:
This letter is to confirm your membership and commitment to the local planning table for early years services
under the Best Start initiative.
As a member of this planning network, you have agreed to:
_Participate in planning and implementing Best Start
_Provide advice on the best ways to organize and integrate services
_Be informed about services available and the importance of early learning & care
_Provide appropriate representation of the stakeholder that you present
_Make decisions on behalf of the organization and/or sector you represent
_Keep a global perspective when making decisions on what is best for the community
_Be able and willing to undertake active participation in committee and/or task force work
_Ensure appropriate preparation and completion of assigned tasks with the full Network
_Review information in preparation for each meeting
When the original Terms of Reference were signed by members, the membership committed to a three year
term. Since a great deal has happened in the past year that has impacted our local plan we felt that recommitting to our local planning and attendance at meetings was timely.
By providing your signature and organization information below, you are confirming your commitment to this
local planning table and the obligation to the schedule of meetings and requirements as per the Terms of
Reference.
If you have any questions regarding this letter or the direction of the Network, please feel free to contact Marg
Barr at 519-753-8681 or Kim Romano 519-756-3150
Please complete and return this form at the September meeting on Thursday, September 20, 2012.
Sincerely;
Kim Romano Marg Barr
Co-Chair, Brantford/Brant Best Start Network Co-Chair, Brantford/Brant Best Start Network
I, __________________________ am confirming my membership at the Brantford/Brant Best Start
Network and am representing __________________________________. I understand that my signature
indicates my commitment to this planning table, the attendance at meetings and all other duties outlined in
the Terms of Reference
_____________________________________ ____________________________
Signature Date
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ACRONYMS
BCHU- Brant County Health Unit
BSN- Best Start Network
BSELPC- Best Start Early Learning and Parenting Centres
CAS- Children’s Aid Society
CMSM- Consolidated Municipal Service Manager
DAC – Data Analysis Coordinator
EDI – Early Development Instrument
ELC- Early Learning Centres
ELK – Early Learning Kindergarten
ELP- Early Learning Programs
EYSIS – Early Years Services Information System
FDK – Full Day Kindergarten
HBHC- Healthy Babies Healthy Children
IHP- Infant Hearing Program
LEAP- Learning Earning and Parenting
MCYS- Ministry of Children and Youth Services
MOED- Ministry of Education
OEYC- Ontario Early Years Centre
OW- Ontario Works
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PFLC- Parent Family Literacy Centre
PSL- Preschool Speech and Language
RPF – Request For Proposal
SIC – Service Integration Committee
SNR- Special Needs Resourcing
TOR – Terms of Reference
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BEST START SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
DATE:
May 28, 2013
TO:
Best Start Network Chair
FROM: Best Start Parent Fair Committee
CHAIR: Melanie Mears
1.0
TYPE OF REPORT
(check if it is a recommendation, report or both)
3.0
Recommendation item
Report Only
[
[ x ]
General Meeting/Committee Report
The parent fair was held on April13, 2013 at a new location the Brantford Civic Centre. It was a huge
success we achieved our goal, which was to have more families attend from neighbourhoods scoring
higher on the social risk index. The majority of participants lived in the Core, Brier Park and West
Brant. The event was a little crowded but was enjoyed by a variety of different entertainers and a
variety of local booths from community agencies. I have included our detailed evaluation report and I
encourage each of you to read it. It is also located on the Best Start website. Thank you to Anca for
such a detailed report.
www.ourbeststart4brant.ca/files/fair/BSNParent-Fair-2013-Evaluation-Results-Final.pdf
4.0
Projects/Task Force Report
]
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th
Our goal is to have the 2014 event on April 12 from 10-2pm in the core area. We are presently looking
at two core options as a possible venue. These options are the Civic Centre or the Pleasant Valley
Church. This will hopefully be decided by the end of June.
5.0
Financial Information
In January 2014 we will be approaching the Best Start Network and both boards for their continued
financial commitment.
6.0
Recommendation
To have continued support from the Best Start Network both with financial and community support.
7.0
Other
No event is ever run with just one person and I must say that our committee works extremely well
together and manages to make this event a success every year. I want to take this opportunity to say
THANK YOU to each one of them for their dedication and commitment, as well as, our community
partners for making this such a success.
We are always looking for new members. Please consider joining the Parent Fair Task Force.
Committee Members:
Lisa Kuyper
Barb Radmore
Debby Carson
Maria McCann
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Sara Van Every
Adele Gawley
Marie Josee Baril
Anca Gaston
Kim McClelland
Amanda Detmar
Pauline McMillian
Melanie Mears
DRAFT
BEST START SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
DATE:
June 6/13
TO:
Best Start Network Chair
FROM:
Service Integration Committee
CHAIR:
Doreen Dekker
1.0
TYPE OF REPORT
Recommendation item
Report Only
3.0
[ √]
[
General Meeting/Committee Report
 Reviewed Strategic Plan to update; many accomplishments were noted:
 Re: 1.4A “provide opportunities for families to give testimonials”: new
template was developed to capture quotes from parents; 10 were
submitted by Melodie Spencer (OEYC); reminder given to remember to
implement in all sites-catch a parent saying something good & have them
write it down; Kim Romano requested that Anca (DAC) send some quotes
to herself or Cathy Medway when the call for articles comes out for the
Best Start Magazine
 Re: 1.3 “increase parent involvement on Committees so that they too are
decision makers”-one parent representative currently involved & Melodie
Spencer to follow up with a another parent that expressed interest on a
committee
 Re: 2.2A “Identify five new associations that Best Start can reach out to
promote its services: Melodie Spencer (OEYC) & Sarah Robertson (CAS
Brant) will provide a package with details on neighbourhoods where the
Prosperity Hubs are developing (Major Ballachey-East Ward & BellviewEagle Place); in June meeting, strike a task force to do promotions at
]
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

other areas/neighbourhoods); in June meeting, strike a task force to do
promotions at other areas/neighbourhoods
Re: 4.5 “Survey members to get information on how each Committee is
operating, successes, experiences, etc. : Has been completed, Anca
Gaston (DAC) will provide results in June meeting
Re: 1.2A “Increase the number of booths at the Best Start Fair”;
discussed the possibility or re-wording as it is more about the type of
vendors at the fair vs the numbers alone; there was good representation
this year and a better location for walkers and bus travel
4.0
Projects/Task Force Report

Taskforce on Handbook for Operators/Principals: Melodie Spencer to pursue to
confirm status; Brenda (GEDSB) through email and voicemail to Melodie has
stated there is currently one for third party operators for child care that they
have developed based on the Y document
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