1 00:00:08,590 --> 00:00:09,850 Good afternoon. 2 00:00:12,070 --> 00:00:29,590 Welcome to the CHRK, excuse me. The permanent legislator, CHRK, an early education commission, or I, is my pleasure to welcome everybody, all the members, if you be sitting all for the first time. 3 00:00:29,590 --> 00:00:31,990 Michaela, are you here for the first time? 4 00:00:32,770 --> 00:00:33,550 Oh, awesome. 5 00:00:33,690 --> 00:00:36,210 We have a new member here. 6 00:00:36,370 --> 00:00:38,030 Can you please introduce yourselves? 7 00:00:41,540 --> 00:00:42,780 Hi, Michaela Carroll. 8 00:00:42,980 --> 00:00:45,640 I'm the Senior Policy Associate for Early Childhood Education 9 00:00:45,640 --> 00:00:47,800 Development and Health for Rhode Island KidsCat. 10 00:00:47,840 --> 00:00:49,840 And I'm here on behalf of Paige today. 11 00:00:51,440 --> 00:00:51,660 Excellent. 12 00:00:52,460 --> 00:00:57,180 And very much we want to just say the title of the child care. 13 00:00:57,220 --> 00:00:59,560 Permanent Child Care Commission and their education. 14 00:00:59,560 --> 00:01:11,020 Today we have a brief agenda and I hope everybody is doing very well after one month's break, which was so awesome. 15 00:01:12,140 --> 00:01:17,520 And Coachella, Alana DiMario, please to share this time with you today. 16 00:01:17,840 --> 00:01:23,960 And you want to inform the members who are not present today as we were talking. 17 00:01:24,520 --> 00:01:27,420 No attending to the meeting today, the members. 18 00:01:28,980 --> 00:01:32,660 We were talking about who's now attending the meeting today. 19 00:01:34,020 --> 00:01:34,260 Yeah. 20 00:01:34,400 --> 00:01:41,720 So I know that Nicole, cello from GHS and Katherine Green had a conflict so they weren't able to make it today. 21 00:01:41,800 --> 00:01:47,420 I know we have Michaela here in the face of Paige and I know Kadisha, I don't think can make it today. 22 00:01:48,380 --> 00:01:49,580 Rachel Faun also. 23 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:50,340 Yes. 24 00:01:51,580 --> 00:01:53,280 So August is a busy time for us. 25 00:01:53,420 --> 00:01:53,640 Yes. 26 00:01:53,640 --> 00:01:58,760 that's why we always take a break and you live because we know that's a family time. 27 00:01:59,200 --> 00:02:05,200 But we need to back to business and today we just welcome everybody. 28 00:02:05,400 --> 00:02:08,000 Let's go to agency providers update. 29 00:02:08,420 --> 00:02:14,820 It's any members here who wants to share any information which is important. 30 00:02:15,020 --> 00:02:20,940 I know we have a lot of things going on, but I will let the members start informing us. 31 00:02:24,930 --> 00:02:32,710 Laurie, you have something I see you're looking down, not? You better make a sign to me. So, 32 00:02:33,270 --> 00:02:38,550 Mary, please, you have something to share, which is so important. Thank you. 33 00:02:39,350 --> 00:02:47,450 Okay, I think the mic is on? Yes. Okay. So, yes, I wanted to share some information about what I 34 00:02:47,450 --> 00:02:53,450 believe is the beginning of the end of head start, this federal 35 00:02:53,450 --> 00:02:56,550 administration is not just about slowly taking away pieces 36 00:02:56,550 --> 00:03:02,310 of head start, I believe this is a concentrated effort to take 37 00:03:02,310 --> 00:03:04,550 to eliminate head start across the country. 38 00:03:05,870 --> 00:03:09,250 We've had to absorb major changes to our standards, workforce 39 00:03:09,250 --> 00:03:13,350 requirements, grant rules, technology funding at the same time, 40 00:03:13,670 --> 00:03:16,010 while funding remains constrained, no increase. 41 00:03:16,010 --> 00:03:20,750 The cumulative effect is much greater than the impact of any single proposal. 42 00:03:21,550 --> 00:03:23,150 It's not any one regulation. 43 00:03:23,770 --> 00:03:25,970 The concern is the cumulative impact. 44 00:03:26,850 --> 00:03:34,610 So there are four proposals right now that are attacking four different supports that allow head start to function. 45 00:03:35,690 --> 00:03:41,010 So the first one is a head start NPRM on workforce and wages. 46 00:03:41,010 --> 00:03:50,650 So it touches compensation, benefits, workforce requirements, so it makes us harder for us to compete and retain qualified staff. 47 00:03:51,310 --> 00:03:56,130 The second one is the next MPRM that was dropped last week. 48 00:03:57,170 --> 00:04:00,190 Broad performance standards rollback. 49 00:04:00,190 --> 00:04:12,250 This affects health, education, family services, staffing, ratios, hours, disabilities, family engagement, and so much more. 50 00:04:12,850 --> 00:04:15,790 It really redefines what head start quality means. 51 00:04:16,930 --> 00:04:23,730 Then there's also the Office of Management and Budget proposed regulations that came out this summer. 52 00:04:23,730 --> 00:04:29,530 This is how federal grants are awarded and managed and potentially terminated. 53 00:04:30,170 --> 00:04:35,230 This creates additional uncertainties around federal funding and grant administration. 54 00:04:35,730 --> 00:04:46,800 Some of the highlights in that were about not being able to support advocacy, which is 55 00:04:46,800 --> 00:04:52,580 a cornerstone of what Head Start does with our parents, and basically grants could be taken 56 00:04:52,580 --> 00:04:59,300 way, just if the administration felt there was one thing, a program, and this is not just 57 00:04:59,300 --> 00:05:04,100 head start, this is all non-profits, just disagreed with that they could take your grant 58 00:05:04,100 --> 00:05:04,420 away. 59 00:05:06,100 --> 00:05:12,760 And then today, I learned that E-rate that there is a new proposed form standard for that, 60 00:05:13,100 --> 00:05:18,860 E-rate is a program that is available to public schools, libraries, and head starts. 61 00:05:18,860 --> 00:05:23,040 not in every state is if her head start, but it is in Rhode Island. 62 00:05:23,560 --> 00:05:30,700 And what that does is you apply for this funding, you submit budgets, and it helps broadband 63 00:05:30,700 --> 00:05:34,060 technology support for Head Start and Pre-K. 64 00:05:34,660 --> 00:05:40,540 So now this will potentially shift another operating class into programs that we're already 65 00:05:40,540 --> 00:05:42,120 struggling with with our budgets. 66 00:05:42,120 --> 00:05:49,980 So, I want to make it everyone aware that we need to stop looking at these proposals individually. 67 00:05:50,740 --> 00:05:53,380 Head Start program is an interconnected system. 68 00:05:53,820 --> 00:05:55,320 Our funding pays for a workforce. 69 00:05:55,700 --> 00:06:00,540 Our performance standards define the quality and comprehensiveness of our services. 70 00:06:01,220 --> 00:06:07,360 Federal grant requirements established the framework in which we operate and e-rate helps us maintain the 71 00:06:07,360 --> 00:06:13,100 technology infrastructure that schools and early childhood programs increasingly depend on. 72 00:06:13,580 --> 00:06:18,960 We are now seeing proposed changes to all four of those pieces at essentially the same time. 73 00:06:19,620 --> 00:06:27,440 Each proposal may be described as flexibility, reducing burden, local control, or cost savings, 74 00:06:27,940 --> 00:06:31,780 but when those changes are viewed together, the question becomes very different. 75 00:06:31,780 --> 00:06:38,760 What happens to our Head Start model when the federal government simultaneously reduces the standards, 76 00:06:39,440 --> 00:06:44,420 reduces workforce protections, changes the rules governing federal grants, 77 00:06:45,060 --> 00:06:48,040 and potentially removes funding for essential technology? 78 00:06:49,460 --> 00:06:53,340 What happens to a child and family when the infrastructure disappears? 79 00:06:54,520 --> 00:07:00,620 Today, a Head Start child might have a qualified teacher in a small classroom, developmental screening, 80 00:07:00,620 --> 00:07:07,220 Health and dental follow-up, mental health support, nutrition services, disability services, 81 00:07:07,720 --> 00:07:15,040 a family advocate, assistance accessing housing, food, employment and other resources, transportation 82 00:07:15,040 --> 00:07:21,840 or attendance supports, technology and connectivity, a program accountable to comprehensive 83 00:07:21,840 --> 00:07:23,300 federal standards. 84 00:07:24,180 --> 00:07:29,280 The danger is not that one of these services disappears tomorrow, the danger is that over 85 00:07:29,280 --> 00:07:37,380 time each federal change makes one more piece optional, less funded, less regulated, or harder 86 00:07:37,380 --> 00:07:43,800 for programs to sustain. Essentially, we haven't simply changed the regulations. We've 87 00:07:43,800 --> 00:07:50,020 changed what head start is. And here's the irony of it all. The administration's argument 88 00:07:50,020 --> 00:07:58,400 is essentially to reduce regulations, reduce costs, increase flexibility to serve more children. 89 00:07:58,400 --> 00:08:06,560 The newest proposal says the changes could reduce cost by more than 2 billion and potentially create additional enrollment capacity. 90 00:08:07,480 --> 00:08:10,540 But the question isn't whether we can reduce the cost of head start. 91 00:08:10,940 --> 00:08:14,560 The question is what are we removing when we reduce the cost? 92 00:08:15,380 --> 00:08:26,360 Just because a program can enroll more children by lowering staffing requirements, reducing services, eliminating supports and transferring responsibility to states, 93 00:08:26,360 --> 00:08:29,800 doesn't necessarily mean we have expanded head start. 94 00:08:30,760 --> 00:08:34,700 We have simply created a cheaper program with the same name. 95 00:08:36,880 --> 00:08:38,680 So the changes are to the standards. 96 00:08:39,540 --> 00:08:41,460 What services must head start provide. 97 00:08:41,880 --> 00:08:44,940 The workforce, who will provide high quality educators 98 00:08:44,940 --> 00:08:47,160 and can we afford to retain them? 99 00:08:48,040 --> 00:08:49,040 Federal funding rules. 100 00:08:49,960 --> 00:08:52,540 How predictable and secure is the funding? 101 00:08:53,360 --> 00:08:56,220 Infrastructure, who pays for technology and connectivity? 102 00:08:56,220 --> 00:09:02,440 The result, now the pressure moves to the state's communities and families. 103 00:09:03,240 --> 00:09:09,280 Less federal investment, plus fewer federal requirements, does not equal no cost. 104 00:09:09,900 --> 00:09:11,320 The cost doesn't disappear. 105 00:09:12,200 --> 00:09:12,820 It moves. 106 00:09:13,740 --> 00:09:17,000 And remember, Head Start has never been simply preschool. 107 00:09:17,500 --> 00:09:21,440 It's an early childhood system built around the whole child and the whole family. 108 00:09:21,440 --> 00:09:27,080 If we weaken the standards, we can work for us destabilize finding structures and shift 109 00:09:27,080 --> 00:09:31,280 essential costs away from the federal government, we have to be honest about what we're 110 00:09:31,280 --> 00:09:31,720 doing. 111 00:09:32,300 --> 00:09:34,100 We aren't simply reducing regulations. 112 00:09:34,960 --> 00:09:40,220 We are deciding what level of service, low-income children and families are entitled to 113 00:09:40,220 --> 00:09:40,720 receive. 114 00:09:42,280 --> 00:09:49,420 Let me say it again, we are deciding what level of service, low-income children and families 115 00:09:49,420 --> 00:09:55,300 are entitled to receive, and if the federal government chooses to reduce that investment and 116 00:09:55,300 --> 00:10:01,160 that responsibility, Rhode Island needs to decide whether it is willing and able to fill 117 00:10:01,160 --> 00:10:07,440 the gap. Because if the answer is no, the gap doesn't remain on a spreadsheet. The gap 118 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:16,500 shows up in classrooms, in families, and ultimately in children's lives. This is what's going 119 00:10:17,560 --> 00:10:18,920 behind the scenes. 120 00:10:21,060 --> 00:10:24,040 And I want to share that with you because even as a head start community, 121 00:10:25,140 --> 00:10:27,800 we get these things and we take them individually and we're like, 122 00:10:28,040 --> 00:10:30,480 oh, how are we going to battle this? How are we going to manage this? 123 00:10:31,040 --> 00:10:35,300 And I got to thinking when this other MPRM came out, 124 00:10:35,400 --> 00:10:36,200 you wouldn't be at all these things. 125 00:10:36,520 --> 00:10:38,780 They're all pieces of it. 126 00:10:38,780 --> 00:10:40,640 And they're all so interconnected. 127 00:10:41,920 --> 00:10:47,480 And I don't know that everybody is aware of how serious this is. 128 00:10:48,260 --> 00:10:52,860 I set up before, I don't remember if I set it at this meeting, but, you know, as of in June, 129 00:10:53,620 --> 00:10:58,820 53% of Project 2025 was accomplished. 130 00:10:59,760 --> 00:11:03,980 Head start, the elimination of Head Start is in Project 2025. 131 00:11:04,760 --> 00:11:09,840 The only thing that they are unable to touch about Head Start is the Head Start Act. 132 00:11:09,840 --> 00:11:19,700 And that's why they're using all these other pieces to make it harder for a head start program to run high quality services. 133 00:11:20,200 --> 00:11:22,840 Thank you for giving me the time. 134 00:11:23,780 --> 00:11:24,860 You know that. 135 00:11:25,500 --> 00:11:33,160 It is amazing opportunity to bring this information to all of the members. 136 00:11:33,160 --> 00:11:39,240 And as we always working to improve the system, 137 00:11:39,820 --> 00:11:45,040 it's a big setback for everything we are doing here. 138 00:11:45,340 --> 00:11:50,540 And as you mentioned, it's many parts that we have to look individually 139 00:11:51,020 --> 00:11:54,480 to see how we can address and reduce the impact. 140 00:11:55,040 --> 00:12:00,840 We may not as a rival and reduce the whole proposal, 141 00:12:00,840 --> 00:12:10,720 but at least we need to focus in what part of which one is how more, more awful impact 142 00:12:10,720 --> 00:12:16,700 and what we do regarding to that. So we want to thank you for bringing the attention to it. 143 00:12:16,860 --> 00:12:22,860 As you promise, you send it to the members. I would like to see every member has an opportunity to 144 00:12:22,860 --> 00:12:28,800 analyze that more deeper and suggest anything that we can do together. 145 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:42,000 Thank you, and thank you, Mary, for sharing that information for kind of putting it together in such a comprehensive way, because your point is well taken that when you look at these individual actions 146 00:12:42,000 --> 00:12:51,960 It's hard to see how they collectively will impact the system and you know, they're previously had been an effort by the administration to defund head start 147 00:12:51,960 --> 00:12:55,400 And I think when the headline is you know, we're defending head start 148 00:12:55,400 --> 00:12:59,980 It was easy for everybody to come together and realize what a threat that was and have some 149 00:12:59,980 --> 00:13:01,660 public push back against that. 150 00:13:01,780 --> 00:13:07,180 But then you see this kind of insidious piece by piece dismantling that doesn't really get 151 00:13:07,180 --> 00:13:09,840 the headlines and doesn't get that type of attention. 152 00:13:10,640 --> 00:13:15,260 And even as a person who pays attention to this type of news, that had not reached me. 153 00:13:16,420 --> 00:13:17,740 So thank you for the information. 154 00:13:18,240 --> 00:13:21,820 I guess my question is on a couple of fronts. 155 00:13:21,820 --> 00:13:29,700 One is obviously these are federal level decisions and so have you had conversations yet with our federal education 156 00:13:30,660 --> 00:13:36,260 Is you know, is there anything you can share from those conversations because my follow-up question is going to be how can this commission 157 00:13:37,000 --> 00:13:40,160 Potentially back you up in some of your your advocacy on that front 158 00:13:40,860 --> 00:13:43,280 Yeah, that's a great question. I have had 159 00:13:44,720 --> 00:13:51,800 More like him. He was a senior policy analyst at Senator Reed's office and DC came to visit our program last month 160 00:13:51,820 --> 00:13:58,980 And we had a great conversation when the OMB proposed regulation changes came out. 161 00:13:59,260 --> 00:14:03,720 I contacted her and asked if Congress could do anything about this. 162 00:14:04,740 --> 00:14:12,020 The other interesting piece was last winter they had start cut the regional offices in 163 00:14:12,020 --> 00:14:12,760 half. 164 00:14:14,860 --> 00:14:17,100 And nobody can answer me where that money went. 165 00:14:17,640 --> 00:14:19,920 And I'm telling you, it's millions of millions of millions of dollars. 166 00:14:19,920 --> 00:14:21,620 It did not go to head start programs. 167 00:14:22,160 --> 00:14:26,820 I don't know where that money is, and I asked that of Moora, and she was going to look into 168 00:14:26,820 --> 00:14:31,040 it, but I don't think it's easy to find where that money is. 169 00:14:31,560 --> 00:14:41,240 But that's our taxpayer money that was for children and families, but I did actually 170 00:14:41,240 --> 00:14:46,560 had, of course, five senator reads office this morning, they would like to do a press conference. 171 00:14:48,060 --> 00:14:55,600 At our when socket, where we're street location next Wednesday, so I am working on that. 172 00:14:55,640 --> 00:14:58,960 I can let you know more about that when that happens. 173 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:06,940 I know that they are all of our congressional delegation is very concerned. We have had other Rhode Island 174 00:15:06,940 --> 00:15:13,640 had start people in DC, we'll be going to DC again in September. These new proposed regulations 175 00:15:13,640 --> 00:15:20,720 have a 60-day window for comments, and I would recommend that people, if they can, make comments 176 00:15:21,520 --> 00:15:26,000 on their regulations, because it's not going to, it's not just affecting head start. It's going 177 00:15:26,000 --> 00:15:28,620 to affect the whole early childhood system in general. 178 00:15:29,940 --> 00:15:35,260 You know, when I think of the numbers of children that we have on preschool IEPs and our 179 00:15:35,260 --> 00:15:42,240 head start programs and how that will affect what the public schools have down the road and 180 00:15:42,240 --> 00:15:48,640 where how those children land and what their outcomes will be in the public school system. 181 00:15:49,780 --> 00:15:54,180 It's devastating to me, the changes that are happening. 182 00:15:54,180 --> 00:16:00,560 So, I would recommend the new one, the E-rate one, I'm not sure who knows about E-rate. 183 00:16:00,640 --> 00:16:02,640 I didn't know about it until I came to Head Start. 184 00:16:03,660 --> 00:16:06,440 But that affects public schools and libraries. 185 00:16:08,600 --> 00:16:11,200 But they specifically call out Head Start at it. 186 00:16:13,320 --> 00:16:16,560 So, yeah, yes, you may. 187 00:16:17,860 --> 00:16:24,160 When you're planning to, or you are planning to put a press conference together, please 188 00:16:24,160 --> 00:16:31,800 advice on other mayors because so in the schools are passed now to the city and they need 189 00:16:31,800 --> 00:16:36,920 to be aware of what is going on and to see how they can collaborate with this too. 190 00:16:37,400 --> 00:16:44,000 Right, and I found the mayors in Rhode Island to be very supportive of early childhood in 191 00:16:44,000 --> 00:16:49,420 general. So yeah, absolutely. I'm just not sure, you know, 192 00:16:51,950 --> 00:16:52,970 there's so many things I consider 193 00:16:52,970 --> 00:16:58,110 me I don't want the national performance standards to go away because they are such a good 194 00:16:58,110 --> 00:17:03,990 guideline especially someone who came from childcare into Head Start. I learned so much 195 00:17:03,990 --> 00:17:10,310 more about quality and comprehensive services and parents support. If you take that 196 00:17:10,310 --> 00:17:16,930 away I get concerned about that but it just I get concerned about new people coming into 197 00:17:16,930 --> 00:17:22,610 the Head Start program. I mean I can see it down the road. You can have higher child 198 00:17:22,610 --> 00:17:28,730 staff ratios and you don't have to have the degrees and now you've got children with disabilities 199 00:17:28,730 --> 00:17:34,310 in your classrooms. It's so hard to handle as it is with qualified, highly qualified staff, 200 00:17:34,850 --> 00:17:40,750 that there's going to be issues, safety issues, the outcomes are going to go down and then they're 201 00:17:40,750 --> 00:17:48,290 going to say head start doesn't work. So why are we funding it? You know, and it just, but the other 202 00:17:48,290 --> 00:17:54,370 peace it puts such a burden on the states, you know, and we are supposed to be the United States of America. 203 00:17:55,290 --> 00:17:59,290 We are supposed to work together and these are all our children and families. 204 00:18:00,650 --> 00:18:06,270 And states should absolutely pay a fair share, and I think our state does a wonderful job 205 00:18:06,270 --> 00:18:10,050 supporting the early childhood system, but not every state does that. 206 00:18:10,290 --> 00:18:14,730 Not every state has the ratios that we have or the standards that we follow. 207 00:18:14,730 --> 00:18:27,810 They don't have that, and now you're going to have this even more greater divide of what children can get for education and supports and families across the country. 208 00:18:28,170 --> 00:18:30,550 And it's going to divide the country even more. 209 00:18:32,530 --> 00:18:41,650 So I don't know anybody in the Head Start world that said, I don't like these performance standards. They're really good. 210 00:18:41,650 --> 00:18:47,390 they build off the act and they're a guide and they're very very good. They really help you 211 00:18:47,390 --> 00:18:53,930 be able to develop your programs and your policies. They just build upon what the act says. 212 00:18:54,810 --> 00:18:58,390 So, but I get concerned about new people coming into the field that they're not going to know 213 00:18:58,390 --> 00:19:10,890 the importance of why we do things this way. And I think that as a state that we're not a favor 214 00:19:10,890 --> 00:19:16,130 of this federal administration, you know, I don't know how far we could get, and certainly 215 00:19:16,130 --> 00:19:21,770 we have a wide variety of income brackets in the state and the burdens that just happen 216 00:19:21,770 --> 00:19:29,210 to people that live in the cities and things that just, it keeps me up at night. 217 00:19:29,550 --> 00:19:34,650 I was on vacation last week, but I still was kept up at night, I think, about this stuff. 218 00:19:34,650 --> 00:19:50,110 So, I think that we're all smart, and maybe we can come up with some good ways to figure out what to do, and hopefully, you know, keep head start, hope. 219 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:53,420 Thank you. 220 00:19:54,260 --> 00:19:56,040 You mentioned my public comment period. 221 00:19:56,340 --> 00:19:58,260 When is that open now? 222 00:19:58,360 --> 00:19:58,920 It is. 223 00:19:59,000 --> 00:19:59,240 Okay. 224 00:19:59,420 --> 00:20:01,720 Do you know when that October, I think? 225 00:20:01,920 --> 00:20:02,060 Okay. 226 00:20:02,060 --> 00:20:09,560 It opened as soon as the standard that proposed standards dropped, I think, Friday, so 60 days from that date. 227 00:20:09,740 --> 00:20:16,380 I don't know how long the e-rate standards are, but I would hope that public school systems are aware of this. 228 00:20:17,140 --> 00:20:21,220 And that libraries are, I don't know if they are. 229 00:20:22,020 --> 00:20:31,180 And then certainly the OMB that's been out for a while, I'm not sure how much longer that standard is, how much longer that comment period is on that. 230 00:20:31,180 --> 00:20:37,220 Okay, so they're for the obviously four different comment period because it's four different things and so then the comments 231 00:20:37,220 --> 00:20:43,680 Because where my mind was going is does it make sense for the commission to put together a letter to submit as 232 00:20:44,220 --> 00:20:49,360 Public comment because I think sometimes it's difficult for individual members to kind of know like what should we write or how you know 233 00:20:49,360 --> 00:20:52,220 How should we be addressing this but we've done that in the past 234 00:20:52,220 --> 00:20:54,960 You know for other public comment periods 235 00:20:54,960 --> 00:21:00,200 But there would need to probably be four different letters speaking to each one of these 236 00:21:02,200 --> 00:21:10,620 The comment period for the first NPRM might be over or it's very close to being over because I came out that was about pay parity with public school teachers. 237 00:21:12,260 --> 00:21:17,240 But at the OMB, I'm not sure how long not usually typically they're 30 days, they gave 60 days. 238 00:21:17,240 --> 00:21:23,080 So the OMB might be up, but the new performance standards, which is big, they're getting 239 00:21:23,080 --> 00:21:29,360 rid of a lot of performance standards, and the e-rate I would think that there would 240 00:21:29,360 --> 00:21:37,380 be time, and I think that as a commission that writing to comment on it and how it 241 00:21:37,380 --> 00:21:45,140 will affect the overall early childhood system in the state is a good way to discuss the 242 00:21:45,140 --> 00:21:50,700 damage that it will do, okay, you know, and this is even talking about the SNAP benefits 243 00:21:50,700 --> 00:21:51,340 that we're coming up. 244 00:21:51,580 --> 00:21:55,580 Well, I was just going to say, it's, and it's reminding me very much of those conversations 245 00:21:55,580 --> 00:22:00,180 around, you know, where we, here in Rhode Island are committed to making sure that people 246 00:22:00,180 --> 00:22:03,720 don't go hungry, that people still have healthcare access, but that's going to take quite 247 00:22:03,720 --> 00:22:08,620 a large investment on the state's part, and we also are committed to early childhood, but 248 00:22:08,620 --> 00:22:13,680 education, but are we, you know, at what point do have we surpass the level in which we 249 00:22:13,680 --> 00:22:18,020 actually make investments to sustain these things in a way that they need to be. 250 00:22:19,480 --> 00:22:21,160 So, I mean, I'd be interested in other commission members. 251 00:22:21,220 --> 00:22:26,860 Thoughts about the idea of doing a fine unletter or, you know, other ways to try to approach this. 252 00:22:27,720 --> 00:22:31,540 But, you know, certainly if there are other ways that we can help with advocacy, 253 00:22:32,840 --> 00:22:33,340 let us know. 254 00:22:33,460 --> 00:22:36,620 I mean, even if it's in between meetings or whatever we can, you know, have that communication. 255 00:22:37,520 --> 00:22:38,700 Hi, everyone. 256 00:22:39,380 --> 00:22:45,120 Mary, I just wanted to thank you actually for your presentation. 257 00:22:45,700 --> 00:22:46,820 I came here today. 258 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:50,900 I was coming out of a meeting with our international, 259 00:22:51,700 --> 00:22:55,480 and the locals from all around the country. 260 00:22:56,060 --> 00:22:58,440 And that was the topic of the meeting. 261 00:22:59,040 --> 00:23:03,180 I mean, different states, just the same concerns that you have here. 262 00:23:03,180 --> 00:23:07,000 we have them all around the country. 263 00:23:07,840 --> 00:23:13,740 And exactly as a union, that was our cover, 264 00:23:13,880 --> 00:23:16,900 how can we help and support? 265 00:23:18,200 --> 00:23:20,800 So, you know, and I had a lot of questions 266 00:23:21,240 --> 00:23:24,820 in terms of all the changes and how it was effect, 267 00:23:26,220 --> 00:23:29,160 and your presentation was very detailed 268 00:23:29,160 --> 00:23:33,660 And really gave, at least to me, a more broader, 269 00:23:35,940 --> 00:23:38,080 exactly understanding of what's coming. 270 00:23:38,240 --> 00:23:42,280 I don't know if you will be able to have some kind of information 271 00:23:42,280 --> 00:23:44,160 that you could share with us, 272 00:23:45,160 --> 00:23:48,100 but there you go, really appreciate that. 273 00:23:48,540 --> 00:23:51,160 And on my side, whatever that we can do, 274 00:23:52,620 --> 00:23:54,180 really our members. 275 00:23:55,460 --> 00:23:56,960 Thank you, I appreciate that. 276 00:23:56,960 --> 00:24:01,160 Do you know when the new proposed performance standards that there is a piece in there about 277 00:24:01,160 --> 00:24:03,880 that we must teach children in English? 278 00:24:07,290 --> 00:24:10,630 Which we all know is not the best practice. 279 00:24:11,330 --> 00:24:15,470 That's not supporting the parent as the first teacher. 280 00:24:17,430 --> 00:24:22,590 And the way that they are presenting it, that this is the best thing for the family and 281 00:24:22,590 --> 00:24:23,050 the child. 282 00:24:23,370 --> 00:24:25,410 And that is so untrue. 283 00:24:30,150 --> 00:24:37,710 It's a big issue on the group that I represent where we have a majority of Spanish speakers, 284 00:24:38,410 --> 00:24:46,650 but the beauty of it also is that the majority of the bilingual educators that I represent. 285 00:24:47,370 --> 00:24:52,910 They all have the kids when they leave. 286 00:24:52,910 --> 00:24:59,530 Usually, if they are not bilingual, they have a big knowledge of a second language. 287 00:25:00,210 --> 00:25:05,570 And as you said, supporting the parents to help each education at home. 288 00:25:05,790 --> 00:25:06,830 It's the best way. 289 00:25:07,050 --> 00:25:11,250 I mean, all best practices are being wiped out. 290 00:25:12,830 --> 00:25:17,970 It just doesn't make sense to me when you look at the future of this country. 291 00:25:18,290 --> 00:25:19,670 What are we doing with? 292 00:25:23,160 --> 00:25:27,960 The comment specifically about performance standards makes me wonder about the opportunity 293 00:25:27,960 --> 00:25:33,420 of, you know, if they're going to be changing at the federal level, is there an opportunity 294 00:25:34,160 --> 00:25:39,320 to have different, to set a higher level of standard here in Rhode Island, or, I mean, 295 00:25:39,380 --> 00:25:44,840 that's probably a policy research question, but I'm just curious, because your point that 296 00:25:44,840 --> 00:25:49,900 you made earlier, I think, is really important that if you change the performance standards 297 00:25:49,900 --> 00:25:55,820 lower them you're going to change the outcomes right you negatively and then the evidence is going 298 00:25:55,820 --> 00:26:01,280 to be pointed to that oh head start doesn't work anymore right so as we see this administration 299 00:26:01,280 --> 00:26:07,120 through hopefully to the other side like are there ways to preserve that do you think so that we can keep 300 00:26:08,640 --> 00:26:14,200 keep track of you know kind of keeping those same high quality standards so that our outcomes in 301 00:26:14,200 --> 00:26:17,780 Rhode Island will remain the same for the benefit of children and for the benefit of the program 302 00:26:17,780 --> 00:26:19,500 as a whole, I guess would be my question. 303 00:26:20,700 --> 00:26:21,220 I think so. 304 00:26:21,820 --> 00:26:27,320 I think that we have pretty good childcare licensing 305 00:26:27,320 --> 00:26:29,720 regulations, you know, and then we have the Rhode Island 306 00:26:29,720 --> 00:26:31,320 early learning and development standards. 307 00:26:32,320 --> 00:26:35,140 The one thing that I think about that it 308 00:26:35,140 --> 00:26:37,780 can get very easy to do, especially when funding and money 309 00:26:37,780 --> 00:26:38,700 and everything is involved. 310 00:26:38,880 --> 00:26:40,800 I remember I forget how many years ago it was. 311 00:26:40,800 --> 00:26:49,700 But when state pre-K was only was the 18 was the maximum amount of children in a room, 312 00:26:50,220 --> 00:26:51,600 and then they changed it to 20. 313 00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:56,260 So sometimes decisions are made not in the best interest of the children. 314 00:26:56,380 --> 00:27:02,040 Even in the type of program that we're in here and the type of support that we have, 315 00:27:02,760 --> 00:27:07,460 sometimes decisions are made that are not the best interest of the children. 316 00:27:07,460 --> 00:27:18,120 So, I think we're okay, and I feel like with our bright stars, and all of those, a lot 317 00:27:18,120 --> 00:27:22,540 of that was kind of geared off of the Head Start Performance Standards and those kind 318 00:27:22,540 --> 00:27:29,740 of things pre-K took a lot from that to do that, but you know, year to years, three years 319 00:27:29,740 --> 00:27:37,780 on the road, those things fade and who knows what is going to, what people are going to do. 320 00:27:37,880 --> 00:27:44,040 I mean, nationally, all the big players, the zero to three, first, five years, the near 321 00:27:44,040 --> 00:27:51,660 institute, they are all just writing all about how horrible these performance standard changes 322 00:27:51,660 --> 00:28:00,320 would be. But I think we could be okay, but I don't, I don't know. 323 00:28:01,140 --> 00:28:05,340 Yeah. And I think if there is a, if there are, if this moves forward and there are 324 00:28:05,340 --> 00:28:11,100 those gaps between what is kind of the best practice that has been done and then what 325 00:28:11,100 --> 00:28:18,500 is left and there is something that we can do to codify those standards to make sure that 326 00:28:18,500 --> 00:28:23,460 app is filled and it's not just based on hopefully everybody will still keep doing the right thing. 327 00:28:23,620 --> 00:28:27,420 Because like you said, you know, new people come into the field, there's turnover, you know, it's good. 328 00:28:27,420 --> 00:28:31,280 It is good to have those accountability standards when you know that they connect to good outcomes. 329 00:28:31,740 --> 00:28:35,500 And so if there is anything that we can do on the state level to preserve that, 330 00:28:36,400 --> 00:28:37,820 let's keep in touch about that. 331 00:28:37,820 --> 00:28:42,020 If you're noticing that there are those gaps that are uncovered by the other regulatory systems. 332 00:28:44,400 --> 00:28:48,480 But I know I just jumped back in. Does anybody else have any questions or? 333 00:28:53,350 --> 00:29:01,090 So they have a 60-day comment period and then they have to read every comment and they 334 00:29:01,090 --> 00:29:09,010 have to analyze it and take it into account and all this whatever and then they can go back 335 00:29:09,010 --> 00:29:16,430 and maybe they'll change some things or they don't. It really depends on what they want to 336 00:29:16,430 --> 00:29:22,650 the previous time in 2024 when they changed the performance standards, they really listened to the 337 00:29:22,650 --> 00:29:30,810 Head Start community and they need the majority of changes that the Head Start community suggested. 338 00:29:31,730 --> 00:29:33,230 But again, that was a different administration. 339 00:29:35,490 --> 00:29:42,210 So I don't know. I don't, this administration plays by its own rules. 340 00:29:42,210 --> 00:29:45,070 So I wouldn't count on now things were in the past. 341 00:29:49,970 --> 00:29:59,170 Mary, every single state has different needs and this would be a sort of or a play in 342 00:29:59,170 --> 00:29:59,970 different way. 343 00:30:00,210 --> 00:30:07,550 Is any possibility that we can figure it out exactly and you are one of the best to help us? 344 00:30:07,770 --> 00:30:16,170 Well, we are in each one of those policy we impacting us, because that is kind of x-ray. 345 00:30:16,510 --> 00:30:23,480 How we really be affected from the point of view where we are now. 346 00:30:23,480 --> 00:30:28,420 Especially because the general somebody and go over on my key is I don't make a mistake. 347 00:30:29,280 --> 00:30:40,100 They pay attention to his style lately and we wanted to be more precise and what we wanted to do and to get. 348 00:30:41,020 --> 00:30:47,840 So that would be good at least for me to know and have in my mind the plan that we can do. 349 00:30:47,840 --> 00:30:56,420 also before we drop any suggestion, a statement from the Commission helping us also to be more precise. 350 00:30:58,060 --> 00:31:09,520 I think the tricky part comes is if you make certain regulations in this state harder for a child care 351 00:31:09,520 --> 00:31:17,600 center or a home child care center to meet, they don't have the funding to be able to meet that, right? 352 00:31:17,600 --> 00:31:25,460 That's why public school teachers get paid more than pre-K or has start teachers because they have a different funding stream. 353 00:31:26,100 --> 00:31:33,600 That's why Head Start and Pre-K can pay teachers more than in a child care that relies on private tuition. 354 00:31:34,740 --> 00:31:41,840 Because there's not this other funding source out there to provide for higher quality services. 355 00:31:41,840 --> 00:31:47,840 It's not that child care programs are not wonderful and good and do great things. 356 00:31:47,860 --> 00:31:53,680 It's not in at all, but they literally don't have the funding stream to be able to add 357 00:31:53,680 --> 00:32:00,020 in the extras or to pay higher wages to get those higher quality educators. 358 00:32:01,280 --> 00:32:08,250 So then the funding, which affects our budget, all of those pieces play into it and make it 359 00:32:08,850 --> 00:32:16,630 difficult. So I would never want to do anything that would make it so child care centers 360 00:32:16,630 --> 00:32:22,490 across the state and home child care centers couldn't continue to thrive and do what they're 361 00:32:22,490 --> 00:32:26,390 trying to do. Especially, you know, we think about infant toddlers and we don't have enough 362 00:32:26,390 --> 00:32:30,850 infant toddler spaces. So I think some of the the progress that we've made over the years 363 00:32:30,850 --> 00:32:37,110 we've been increasing the the DHS rate for infants and toddlers in preschoolers, those are the 364 00:32:37,110 --> 00:32:42,290 step we look at what the market rate survey is, we really need to get to that percentile 365 00:32:42,290 --> 00:32:45,150 that we should be at to support programs. 366 00:32:47,830 --> 00:32:51,230 It's just, it's so complicated, 367 00:32:54,110 --> 00:32:54,290 you know? 368 00:32:54,490 --> 00:32:59,830 And then when you add in all the other needs of the state that you know you don't want to 369 00:32:59,830 --> 00:33:06,310 take away from us to do this, to do this, to do this, to do this, to do this, it's, it's, um, yeah. 370 00:33:11,400 --> 00:33:19,500 Is there any question about this information? And Mary, you recent, you recent the information 371 00:33:19,500 --> 00:33:28,140 to all of us. Okay, thank you. Is any other agency willing to report or give it us an information 372 00:33:28,900 --> 00:33:33,460 for the purpose of the meeting today? Yes, it's Stephanie. Yeah, sure, thank you so much. 373 00:33:33,460 --> 00:33:39,700 So, just a few updates that I wanted to share on the early intervention extension, so as most of you are aware, 374 00:33:40,200 --> 00:33:51,560 this will hopefully help to bridge the gap between when a child reaches their third birthday and early intervention services stop to when the new school year starts and special education services can start. 375 00:33:52,800 --> 00:33:59,820 So, as of right now, the biggest next step is going to be for part B and Part C to work together to develop a state plan. 376 00:33:59,820 --> 00:34:11,000 And then we would submit that to the federal government and that's necessary for us in order for us to receive the federal funding tied to the implementation of the program. 377 00:34:12,260 --> 00:34:17,740 In the meantime, I know that there's an implementation advisory committee that's going to be formed. 378 00:34:18,000 --> 00:34:29,320 I believe EOHHS is going to be coordinating that and that's going to be bringing together different EI providers, advocates, families and other key partners. 379 00:34:29,320 --> 00:34:34,920 So, I think they've identified the organizations, but I know that they still need to identify 380 00:34:34,920 --> 00:34:41,580 the actual members, so that's really important as a next step to make sure that we have, 381 00:34:41,580 --> 00:34:46,560 you know, the correct community organizations, family members, everyone, you know, to have 382 00:34:46,560 --> 00:34:51,600 a seat at that table to reflect, you know, both both professional and lived experience. 383 00:34:52,900 --> 00:34:58,420 If any of our partners here today have any additional updates, I welcome them to chime in, 384 00:34:58,420 --> 00:35:01,760 and then I'd be happy to bring that back to my colleagues at ripen. 385 00:35:01,960 --> 00:35:06,760 I know that the official goal-live date for the EI Extension program is supposed to be January 386 00:35:06,760 --> 00:35:11,220 of 2008, and that rollout is going to start with children who have mayvert days, 387 00:35:13,320 --> 00:35:17,500 and that'll mark the start of the implementation. So quite a bit of planning still ahead, 388 00:35:18,100 --> 00:35:22,240 but we're really excited to see how the different agencies can come together and collaborate 389 00:35:22,240 --> 00:35:27,620 as we move forward. And then the only other thing that I had was the upcoming IEP changes. 390 00:35:27,620 --> 00:35:39,020 So, changes to the IEP process would include things like evaluations and draft IEPs due to the families at least three days prior to the IEP meeting. 391 00:35:39,440 --> 00:35:46,020 That'll ensure that families are, you know, being able to take in that information and understand it properly before coming to the table. 392 00:35:46,980 --> 00:35:52,780 Also, parental consent will be required signatures in order to change anything within the IEP, 393 00:35:52,780 --> 00:35:58,060 and then the schools will have 63 days to complete any evaluations and hold 394 00:35:58,060 --> 00:36:03,520 evaluation meetings, and then you know going back to a lot of what Mary was 395 00:36:03,520 --> 00:36:09,500 saying that the IEP and any other official documents are required to be in the 396 00:36:09,500 --> 00:36:13,680 family's native language, so you know important things like that are going to 397 00:36:13,680 --> 00:36:19,310 be reiterated in these changes. I did bring with me a one-pager that 398 00:36:19,310 --> 00:36:24,030 right, and has put out, and we are hoping to get that out to all professionals and families. 399 00:36:24,390 --> 00:36:28,370 It's in family-friendly language, it's basically going to help professionals and families understand 400 00:36:28,370 --> 00:36:31,570 what changes are coming, and what that's going to mean for the process. 401 00:36:32,390 --> 00:36:33,730 So please feel free to take one. 402 00:36:33,750 --> 00:36:36,890 I'm happy to send that out electronically as well, if that'll be helpful. 403 00:36:38,290 --> 00:36:43,970 And then also, right then, is also putting together a short educational video, just to kind 404 00:36:43,970 --> 00:36:48,650 of walk through what these changes will mean for families and professionals and how to help 405 00:36:48,650 --> 00:36:59,110 coach families through the IEP process, and I will be sure to share that with the commission as well when we have it out. 406 00:37:01,240 --> 00:37:02,000 Thank you so much. 407 00:37:02,260 --> 00:37:03,220 It's a funny month, Frito. 408 00:37:04,120 --> 00:37:07,720 Is there any question for yes? 409 00:37:09,020 --> 00:37:13,820 I just wanted to see thank you for your for ripens work on this and for putting this one 410 00:37:13,820 --> 00:37:17,160 major together. This was the legislation that 411 00:37:17,160 --> 00:37:19,320 repissed like, and I had sponsored a couple of years ago, 412 00:37:19,520 --> 00:37:21,740 and so it's thrilling to see it become real. 413 00:37:22,620 --> 00:37:26,540 And I think, you know, in the conversations around passing this bill, 414 00:37:26,800 --> 00:37:29,540 what became really clear is that some of these things are things 415 00:37:29,540 --> 00:37:31,640 that some school districts already do. 416 00:37:31,860 --> 00:37:33,080 This is their best practice. 417 00:37:33,320 --> 00:37:37,740 They already did these things, but a lot of children and families 418 00:37:37,740 --> 00:37:40,440 in other school districts weren't given these types of supports 419 00:37:40,440 --> 00:37:42,240 and didn't have that level of partnership 420 00:37:42,240 --> 00:37:47,320 with their educators. So I think it's just great that there is going to be standardization 421 00:37:47,320 --> 00:37:52,740 of these things and that I think it does reduce a lot of the kind of, we're on this side, 422 00:37:52,840 --> 00:37:56,880 you know, the families on one side need the schools on the other side and kind of some of that misunderstanding 423 00:37:56,880 --> 00:38:00,920 that can happen when people don't have all the information or when things aren't explained clearly. 424 00:38:01,500 --> 00:38:05,720 And you know, so I am just so happy that this is actually becoming real. So thank you for sharing that. 425 00:38:05,740 --> 00:38:09,360 And I would love to have this electronically and please do share the video as soon as it's available. 426 00:38:09,360 --> 00:38:22,620 Absolutely. And thank you for all of your support on this. I think it's really important for families to understand that they are an equal partner and that they should feel confident in coming to the table and advocating for their child. So thank you for all your support. 427 00:38:25,030 --> 00:38:31,970 Any other question for? Is there any other agency? 428 00:38:31,970 --> 00:38:35,690 willing to share any information. 429 00:38:36,870 --> 00:38:39,630 Now, so we move that agenda. 430 00:38:42,130 --> 00:38:47,890 Now, after Mary bring our attention to what is going on in Washington, 431 00:38:48,890 --> 00:38:54,970 we need to start talking about what would be our next legislative strategy 432 00:38:54,970 --> 00:39:03,610 in order to start thinking how we cannot dress on those issues for January 20, 20, 27. 433 00:39:05,990 --> 00:39:12,830 And if there is anything about legislators throughout the year and the year at this point, 434 00:39:12,990 --> 00:39:14,950 this is the moment to share. 435 00:39:17,120 --> 00:39:19,740 No, because we kind of break in vacation, right? 436 00:39:22,940 --> 00:39:29,520 So, yes, I was talking to Paige about this earlier and she had two suggestions which 437 00:39:29,520 --> 00:39:34,840 she may have discussed already but have the new house leadership join a Child Care Commission 438 00:39:34,840 --> 00:39:41,280 meeting and perhaps some kind of event for the newly elected to teach them about our complex 439 00:39:41,280 --> 00:39:42,620 child care system. 440 00:39:45,000 --> 00:39:51,100 Okay, let's think about how we create a agenda to bring the leadership 441 00:39:51,100 --> 00:39:56,120 But I think it's more appropriate to do that after we elect the new ones. 442 00:39:56,520 --> 00:39:58,580 Or I don't know what you think about that. 443 00:39:59,120 --> 00:40:00,100 I'm just trying to think back. 444 00:40:01,160 --> 00:40:07,500 I believe in maybe I'm going to call on our commission policy historian here, Morgan. 445 00:40:08,140 --> 00:40:11,320 I believe that we did in January of 2025. 446 00:40:11,940 --> 00:40:16,460 I think that we did invite all of, especially the newly elected, 447 00:40:16,460 --> 00:40:46,240 It's got kind of personal invitations from both chambers to attend the January Child Care Commission meeting and I think we had some presentations around like this is the kind of workforce development perspective and the educator perspective, this is the provider perspective, this is the, you know, family perspective, but I think you're right, I think January would be the right time to do for that conversation and you know, make sure that we do that, we just especially to the new people to help them kind of just become acquainted with those things. 448 00:40:46,460 --> 00:40:53,060 But we, and we had, I think, discussed, maybe trying to figure out if host leadership especially 449 00:40:54,060 --> 00:41:00,080 had any availability this fall for us to invite them to a meeting, you know, to have a conversation 450 00:41:00,080 --> 00:41:08,160 about these issues, as especially the budget is being developed and as, you know, before we hit the 451 00:41:08,160 --> 00:41:12,220 ground running in January. So I don't know about your thoughts on that, because that's your chamber chair. 452 00:41:13,280 --> 00:41:17,540 But I think that is a good idea to kind of have some groundwork. 453 00:41:17,880 --> 00:41:23,900 My personal experience showed me that this is a good idea, but there's no reality in this moment. 454 00:41:24,380 --> 00:41:29,940 Because we are in the election time, and the election has so many layers. 455 00:41:30,480 --> 00:41:35,800 For example, we need to survive from the primary election and then the general election. 456 00:41:36,420 --> 00:41:41,580 And when we have the real numbers, the leadership is concerning about how they will be elected. 457 00:41:42,220 --> 00:41:47,900 because this is a new leadership of the confirmation of the existing leadership. 458 00:41:48,880 --> 00:41:52,000 So those parts taking place from now to January. 459 00:41:53,180 --> 00:41:58,980 And we can invite, but I don't see that we can have the outcomes we're looking for. 460 00:41:59,160 --> 00:42:02,500 We can try again, but I never seen that. 461 00:42:02,500 --> 00:42:07,020 And as you mentioned in the past, also we are including the 462 00:42:08,280 --> 00:42:16,360 Congressional Delegation, many, many years back we invited, especially Jared Reed and 463 00:42:16,360 --> 00:42:22,440 Jellon White House, they were willing to at that time, they went here, they participated, gave 464 00:42:22,440 --> 00:42:30,760 us on guidance about how we can work with them. We can do that. So I feel it's more appropriate 465 00:42:30,760 --> 00:42:36,740 to bring the Congressional at this point than the local, because local are now thinking 466 00:42:36,740 --> 00:42:42,940 just in reelection. And with this issue is more effective for me to 467 00:42:42,940 --> 00:42:49,540 invite Jari Chalum to hear the local. It's my personal experience. 468 00:42:50,980 --> 00:42:56,660 And based on the line also that we need to figure out what we have done 469 00:42:56,660 --> 00:43:01,220 maybe to make comments or any other things that are relevant in this moment. 470 00:43:02,640 --> 00:43:10,380 So, could be the next meeting, next meeting is after primary election, and the only two 471 00:43:10,380 --> 00:43:16,660 of them facing election, which I believe is said by Athena and Senator Reed. 472 00:43:17,700 --> 00:43:24,080 Maybe there's not a big concern about it, but still they have to pay attention to the primary 473 00:43:24,080 --> 00:43:32,400 election. So we make and do the after or an October for the 474 00:43:32,400 --> 00:43:37,060 congressional and then weigh a little bit for the local state to 475 00:43:37,060 --> 00:43:42,940 see the I believe a speaker bless you ski will be relaxed, but 476 00:43:42,940 --> 00:43:47,340 we need to weigh until everything is set in down and able to do 477 00:43:47,340 --> 00:43:51,940 something. Especially January is not big agenda, we can plan for that. 478 00:43:51,940 --> 00:43:54,120 Okay, it is my personal experience. 479 00:43:54,860 --> 00:43:59,040 So I think the one thing that we might want to do then if we will, especially if we want 480 00:43:59,040 --> 00:44:06,180 to get leadership, especially health leadership to come in January is also maybe to try 481 00:44:06,180 --> 00:44:10,900 to like save that date for them ahead of time or end if they're not going to be available 482 00:44:10,900 --> 00:44:14,720 at that date and time, maybe we could shift our meeting date, you know, we can plan ahead 483 00:44:14,720 --> 00:44:18,560 to shift the meeting date for that availability to kind of do one presentation on once. 484 00:44:18,560 --> 00:44:23,620 As you were talking, that's also reminding me of why we move the child care retreat to the non-election year. 485 00:44:23,900 --> 00:44:25,900 You know, so that we can have that in there. 486 00:44:26,220 --> 00:44:27,800 Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. 487 00:44:28,020 --> 00:44:36,340 I think it's a good idea to start in gay prepare for the meeting along with inviting the speaker, the leadership. 488 00:44:38,140 --> 00:44:46,700 And as we prepare for the next religious later year, we know that at the beginning of the year is no heavy agenda for the speaker. 489 00:44:46,700 --> 00:44:59,020 So it's appropriate that we can plan for January, 2021 and we'll help me to connect with Christine to start improving for the invitation. 490 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:10,960 And at the meantime, we can invite maybe John Rick and Clam, as a emergency conversation to see he can join us and speak about this. 491 00:45:11,260 --> 00:45:18,420 Maybe he sees things in a different way, or have interlaw information that we don't know? So, could be. 492 00:45:18,420 --> 00:45:28,860 Yeah, he's on the appropriations committee. So that's always a good thing to to have and I'm sure he would be willing to 493 00:45:29,680 --> 00:45:32,020 I do I in last week 494 00:45:32,020 --> 00:45:37,060 I don't know if you I was on vacation. So I wasn't here, but Joseph's friend had the gubernatorial 495 00:45:39,060 --> 00:45:41,000 Event where they had 496 00:45:41,000 --> 00:45:43,560 Canada's come in and answer questions 497 00:45:43,560 --> 00:45:53,080 So I don't know if that would be anything that we would want to do after the primary within the state if that was something. 498 00:45:55,220 --> 00:46:03,800 I think should be after November because primary election is just between each party. 499 00:46:04,080 --> 00:46:11,680 I'm not wrong, but we need to bring attention from the governor ahead and I think after November election. 500 00:46:11,680 --> 00:46:18,080 I don't know. I don't know. It's what I think is more appropriate because we don't. 501 00:46:18,360 --> 00:46:27,760 We know if any primary elect person would be in November because they say we have, but at the same 502 00:46:27,760 --> 00:46:30,800 time we need to respect the process. 503 00:46:30,800 --> 00:46:38,920 Yes, acknowledging that we know that in November is when we know who is the real government. 504 00:46:40,220 --> 00:46:47,420 So, I hope that the person who ever is, I would always praise my preference, the person 505 00:46:47,420 --> 00:46:57,000 will be more tentative to work on childcare issues, because those are the key of the economy 506 00:46:57,000 --> 00:46:58,800 and so many other areas and so on. 507 00:47:00,560 --> 00:47:02,620 So it's a little bit of a way. 508 00:47:04,180 --> 00:47:05,860 The only thing we can do at this point 509 00:47:05,860 --> 00:47:08,280 is my suggestion in Cochier Help me, 510 00:47:08,560 --> 00:47:11,820 is inviting Jared and children to see 511 00:47:11,820 --> 00:47:14,660 which one of both can come next meeting, 512 00:47:15,480 --> 00:47:16,480 based in the information. 513 00:47:17,640 --> 00:47:19,460 So that way we have a little bit of room 514 00:47:19,460 --> 00:47:22,500 to decide what we do next after. 515 00:47:22,800 --> 00:47:25,640 So they'll be back in session and September. 516 00:47:27,100 --> 00:47:37,740 right who they yeah but our meeting is I think he goes I think he flies there on a 517 00:47:37,740 --> 00:47:46,700 Monday I don't know 15 maybe thank you that was my thought you 518 00:47:47,280 --> 00:47:55,640 Because that's the day before, yeah, because the election this year is one thing and I was just like it all got 519 00:47:57,260 --> 00:48:01,180 But just it would be more peaceful for Jack 520 00:48:01,960 --> 00:48:05,420 But say I don't read to come after primary election 521 00:48:05,420 --> 00:48:11,800 Which would be the second week of September. Yeah, but I don't know if I got point. He has to be in Washington 522 00:48:11,800 --> 00:48:16,680 Which is your question, right that was he could be right because they don't have a budget to vote on 523 00:48:17,620 --> 00:48:22,380 So, we can find out, but yeah, it's certainly worth the ask, I think. 524 00:48:23,820 --> 00:48:29,000 Let's work together in this, go cheer, find out when he's coming back, he's willing 525 00:48:29,000 --> 00:48:32,080 or able to come next meeting. 526 00:48:33,740 --> 00:48:40,280 And from there, we can make it plan for local that we don't know exactly what we happen. 527 00:48:43,510 --> 00:48:45,870 Is there any question? 528 00:48:48,380 --> 00:48:52,100 I think I will just say, I know you go for Kayla. 529 00:48:52,880 --> 00:48:54,840 If we're talking about priorities right from the start, 530 00:48:55,160 --> 00:48:56,520 also put their priorities together. 531 00:48:56,700 --> 00:48:58,800 We have our retreat two weeks ago. 532 00:48:59,000 --> 00:48:59,860 I'm losing track of the win. 533 00:49:01,440 --> 00:49:02,980 So our priorities for this year, 534 00:49:03,140 --> 00:49:06,140 the elimination of the child support enforcement for C. 535 00:49:06,400 --> 00:49:08,600 Capitalization for working on for many years. 536 00:49:09,560 --> 00:49:12,800 Keeping the wages program protecting head start 537 00:49:12,800 --> 00:49:19,420 and pre-K funding and ensuring that we increase rates for all age groups in the C-CAP program. 538 00:49:19,560 --> 00:49:22,860 So I just want to put that up there for those are right from the start priorities and we could 539 00:49:22,860 --> 00:49:25,040 consider priorities and believe as well. 540 00:49:25,480 --> 00:49:29,600 Express our gratitude that kids can't keep us in truck. 541 00:49:30,840 --> 00:49:31,660 We have to say that. 542 00:49:35,920 --> 00:49:42,500 Is any of the comments anything for this afternoon any motion for a 543 00:49:43,560 --> 00:49:47,580 Second, so thank you so much, we appreciate all of you. 544 00:49:47,720 --> 00:49:48,100 Thank you.