Staff report
The Bladen County Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC) members held its latest meeting on February 27, 2023, bringing together professionals from various organizations dedicated to child welfare and educational services. This session, notable for its hybrid format, accommodated both in-person and virtual attendees, ensuring broad participation.
Hosted at the Elizabethtown Public Library, the gathering spotlighted essential updates and introductions from key figures in the community. In-person contributors included Jane Johnson, Vickie D. Gillespie from the CDSA of Cape Fear, and Darcy Ayala representing ECMHSP (East Coast Migrant Head Start Program). Virtual participants were Brooke McMichael, BCS PreK Coordinator, and Alana Norris from Elizabethtown HeadStart, demonstrating the meeting’s inclusive approach.
Jane Johnson M.S. CCC-SLP, with Speech Solutions, Inc., provided highlights from the latest meeting.
Darcy Ayala kicked off the meeting with an introduction to ECMHS, highlighting its mission to support families involved in production and harvesting by preparing their children for school success. Further information about their services can be found at www.ecmhsp.org.
Alana Norris shared insights into the HeadStart Program in Elizabethtown, noting the availability of daycare and Pre-K programs for children aged 2-4. She also mentioned new enrollment packets and qualifying criteria, inviting interested parties to reach out for more details.
The meeting also touched on important updates such as the distribution of Kindergarten and PreK Registration forms, the reported need for referrals by Vickie Gillespie with Local Children’s Developmental Services Agencies (CDSAs) , and the relocation of Therapy Works now within Bladen Kids Care.
Additionally, the announcement of Smart Start’s new director, Lillian Bryant, was made.
A significant introduction was made by Jane Johnson and Brooke McMichael, who unveiled Sprout Educational Assessments and Consulting Services. This new venture aims to provide educational and psychological assessments, screenings, and various services to the community. For more information, they directed attendees to sprouteducational.com.
An important update for future LICC meetings was the decision to offer both virtual and in-person attendance options, with the Elizabethtown Public Library serving as the venue moving forward. This adjustment reflects the collaborative’s commitment to accessibility and engagement.
The meeting underscored the collective effort of various agencies and individuals dedicated to enhancing the educational and developmental opportunities for children in the community. Through shared information, resources, and services, the LICC continues to foster a supportive network for families and educators alike.
Notable resources:
Trillium Health Resources – Bladen County members may call 1-877-685-2415 for assistance.
Speech Solutions, Inc. serves public schools, preschools, Head Start, daycares, group homes, adult day programs, in-home therapy, etc. For more information about these services, call 910-991-3053 or visit www.speechsolutionsinc.com.
Local Children’s Developmental Services Agencies (CDSAs) services available to help families, caregivers, and professionals serve children with special needs through their Infant-Toddler Program. The program is taking referrals for children ages zero to three years of age. Anyone interested in the referral process may email Gillespie at vickie.gillespie@dhhs.nc.gov.
Anyone interested in being a foster parent may contact Bladen County DSS, located at 208 E McKay Street in Elizabethtown, NC. Call (910) 862-6830 with any questions and/or concerns.
Bladen County Smart Start is located at 228-B W Broad Street in Elizabethtown, NC. Call 910.862.3335 for more information.
Find the LICC’s Early Learning Center Directory linked below.
https://bladenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Early-Learning-Center-Directory.pdf
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