MEETING SET FOR GOVERNOR’S NEW EARLY
CHILDHOOD COORDINATING COUNCIL

BOISE – Governor Jim Risch’s new Early Childhood Coordinating Council will hold its inaugural meeting on September 15, 2006 at the Best Western Vista Inn in Boise. This council is the result of merging the Infant-Toddler Coordinating Council and the Early Childhood Cross Systems Task Force to better focus efforts, staff and resources on early childhood services, systems and efforts at the state and local level. The meeting will run from 8 AM until 5 PM.

The Governor’s Early Childhood Coordinating Council is under the reorganized Executive Office for Families and Children and will coordinate the comprehensive plan for delivering services for all children from birth through age eight and their families.  “This council will be a valuable asset in providing the guidance needed to help parents, communities and the state support the strong development of young children,” said Risch.  “I truly appreciate the involvement of these dedicated volunteers who will work in the important task of helping in the development of Idaho’s families and children.”

The council has members from across the state representing diverse perspectives, occupations, and expertise.  Members appointed to the council include:

Jonna Wingert of American Falls; Senator John Andreason, Stan Burton, Carolyn Conner, Annie Dalgetty, Michael Gartner, Rep. Margaret Henbest, Sherry Iverson, Mary Jones, Carolyn Kiefer, Joan Krosch, Karen Mason, Robin Pewtress, Kristina Rice, Ann Robertson, Evelyn St. Clair, Michelle Walo, Tracy Warren and Genie Sue Weppner, all of Boise.  Todd Hurt and Esella Lopez, Caldwell; Mechelle Wilson, Eagle; Rep. Rich Wills, Glenns Ferry; Mary Dunne, Gooding; Lisa Richards-Evans, Hayden; Marisela Garcia and Darla Hoff, Idaho Falls; Amber Seipert and Dianne Waldemarson, Lewiston; Marybeth Wells, Meridian; Janice Fletcher and Julie Magelky, Moscow; Melissa Crow, Nampa; Ida Gustin, Plummer; Karen McGee, Pocatello; Karen Malone, Post Falls; John Hathaway and Ellen Neff, Twin Falls.

Governor Risch also appointed Lisa Richard-Evans and Sherry Iverson to share the leadership as co-chairs of the council. Ms. Evans is a parent representative from northern Idaho and Ms. Iverson represents the healthcare profession in the Treasure Valley. 

With the funding from the State Early Childhood Cross Systems Implementation grant the council will monitor and measure their efforts to implement the state plan in the five focus areas of health, early learning and care, social and emotional development, parent education, and family self sufficiency.  

For additional information about the Early Childhood Coordinating Council, please contact council director Larraine Clayton at 208-334-5699.

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