News from Infancy Leadership Circles

Continued

Committee Notes

The ILC/Policy Committee meets monthly via Zoom to discuss progress towards our stated goals of 

  1. Supporting, developing, and connecting local Infancy Circles

  2. Fostering two-way communication between local infancy issues and state infancy initiatives

  3. Developing and amplifying an advocacy voice or voices to promote better policies for babies and their families

  4. In January, we added Rachel Roberts from the Early Care and Learning Council to our group. She is the statewide coordinator for the 55 Infant Toddler Specialists and 35 Infant Mental Health Consultants who work in childcare programs across the state. Rachel brings a comprehensive knowledge of the field and important connections in every county of the state. Welcome, Rachel! 

Statewide Calls

On January 25, fifteen infancy leaders from across the state participated in a Zoom call focused on policy and how to advocate for babies during this budget season. Jenn O’Connor, Committee Co-Chair, reported on items pertaining to young children in the Governor’s budget proposal, and reviewed the legislative process of committee hearings and budgetary “cuts and adds” that  will result in the completed state budget on or around April 1st.  

Bob Frawley and Kate Ryan from the Adirondack region presented a report that documents the lack of Early Intervention services in rural areas across the state. This information can be used by advocates to make the case for increased investments in Early Intervention.  

All were reminded about the Child Care Advocacy Day at the state capitol on Feb 6th. 

Mark your calendars for additional statewide calls this spring.

Wednesday,  May 22nd – from 3:00-4:30 pm