October 11/05 Report
Start time: 9:37 am. Adjournment: 10:47 am.

Present: Merulla; Jackson; McHattie; Bratina; Morelli; Kelly (arrived at 10:35 ).

Also present: Glen Peace and other city staff

Media: Nicole McIntyre (Spectator) , Maggie Hughes (CFMU), Kevin Werner (Brabant - arrived 9:54 )

CATCH: Don

1.  CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

2.  DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

3.1 Minutes of the September 27, 2005 meeting

4.  DELEGATIONS REQUESTS

5. CONSENT ITEMS

6.  PUBLIC HEARINGS/DELEGATIONS

7.  STAFF PRESENTATIONS

7.1  Hamilton's Best Start Implementation Plan (SPH05005(a))(CityWide) 51 minutes for this item

Staff report: The Province of Ontario's Best Start Initiative is a comprehensive, evidence-based early learning and care strategy designed to help give Ontario 's children the best possible start in life and help them achieve success in school. The City of Hamilton as the Consolidated Municipal Systems Manager (CMSM), for child care, is accountable for playing a lead role in planning for and implementing the expansion of child care and related services. The City of Hamilton will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of the plan, as it relates to its role as child care system manager, and advocating for Hamilton 's vision for its children. In March 2005, Hamilton's east-end was selected by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) as one of three Ontario communities to serve as a demonstration site under the province's Best Start initiative, which aims to provide child development opportunities, more access to child care and early-learning opportunities for families. Other children and families in Hamilton will also benefit from the Best Start initiative as child care spaces will be expanded throughout the entire city. Early learning and child care services are best planned and integrated at the local community/neighbourhood level. The planning process, which builds upon Hamilton 's rich history of collaboration in developing services for children, is being led by the Best Start Network, a group of more than 45 members, representing the City, Boards of Education, post-secondary educational institutions, child care providers, health and social service agencies and other community organizations. (See Appendix B for membership list.)

The City Of Hamilton's Public Health and Community Services Department will explore and implement the best approach to early identification, intervention and treatment services through the Healthy Babies/Healthy Children and Child Health programs. Along with community programs such as Preschool Speech and Language, and Infant Hearing Programs, the department will work together in a comprehensive, flexible, integrated and seamless way so children and parents can access service at familiar neighbourhood locations.

The Best Start Implementation Plan must be endorsed and approved by the City of Hamilton and all the Boards of Education and the Province of Ontario.

8. DISCUSSION ITEMS

8.1 Changesto Earnings Exemptions and Other Transition Supports Ontario Works TransitionDirective 2005-02 (SPH05041) (City Wide) 10 minutes for this item

8.2 Changes to Ontario Works Eligibility Criteria for Adults Living With Parents Ontario Works Transition Directive 2005-03 (SPH05044) (City Wide) 2 minutes for this item

9.  MOTIONS

10.  NOTICES OF MOTIONS

11.  GENERAL INFORMATION/OTHER BUSINESS

11.1       Nutritious Food Basket - Outstanding Business Item A

(Due Date: October 11, 2005 ) (No Copy)

12.  PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

13.  ADJOURNMENT