The Press Room

PRESS RELEASE

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Early Childhood Programs is now a
Universal Pre-school Pilot Classroom!
Landmark Legislation ensures
strong educational beginnings

In FY 2007, the Massachusetts State budget included funding for the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to pilot the Universal Pre-kindergarten program with the goal of ensuring that all children in the state have access to quality preschool and as a result, promoting school readiness. The grants were targeted to sites that demonstrated evidence of a commitment to higher quality practices, including use of a developmentally appropriate program, use of an approved assessment system, and national accreditation. Being a UPK recipient of funding has enabled the MVCS Early Childhood Program to create a Curriculum Coordinator position, increase teacher salaries, provide paid planning time and training for staff, support the NAEYC Accreditation process, and purchase classroom assessment materials-all supports that are essential in ensuring successful learning experiences for children.

In July, 2008 Governor Deval Patrick signed An Act Relative to Early Education and Care formally establishing the Universal pre-Kindergarten in the Commonwealth and setting the stage for a coordinated system of high-quality early education. This landmark legislation represents a major step forward for young children and families, further solidifying the Commonwealth's commitment to providing every child in Massachusetts, beginning at birth, with the life-long benefits of strong educational beginnings.

MVCS John K. Pearce Fall Training Conference 
Different Like Me: Learning from the Experts

Beginning on Friday October 24, 2008, Martha's Vineyard Community Services will host the third annual two-day MVCS John K. Pearce Fall Training Conference entitled "Different Like Me: Learning from the Experts" at a new location at the Winnetu Inn and Resort in Katama. Although registration for the conference is complete, this year, MVCS is extending its reach into the community by providing a pre-conference showing of Including Samuel, a powerful documentary about inclusion of people with disabilities. This presentation will kick off the conference on Thursday evening, October 23rd from 7-9 p.m. at the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center and is free and open to the community. Conference presenters (including a presenter featured in the documentary) will be on-hand for discussion following the showing of the film.

Financial support for this year's conference has been provided through grants from Comcast, The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank, Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center, and Objective Quest. "Comcast is committed to investing in the communities we serve," said Tom Coughlin, Vice President of Comcast's Southeastern Massachusetts Region. "Martha's Vineyard Community Services is making great strides in raising awareness of physical and mental health issues, and we are proud to support an initiative that is making such a positive impact on the Island community."

For more information, call 508-693-7900 x267.

Martha's Vineyard Community Services Awarded Three Year Accreditation by CARF

Martha's Vineyard Community Services has been awarded a three year accreditation, the highest level possible, by CARF International, an independent not-for profit organization that accredits human service providers by ensuring that services meet the community's needs for quality and the best possible outcomes.

In a process that began in 2006 and was guided by Quality Improvement Director Joy Ganapol, the accreditation review was completed in May of 2008. In a letter received from CARF on June 30, 2008, MVCS was recognized for its "dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served." It was further noted that, "Services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of practice excellence."

The Survey, which was conducted over the course of two days by four experienced surveyors, provided MVCS a thirty-two page Survey Report, which concluded, "The leadership and staff members of MVCS are dedicated, committed, and enthusiastic in providing care and assistance to persons served. Teamwork and quality services are the consistent focus of the organization. Persons served, families, and funding sources speak highly of the organization's services and mission. It is apparent that persons served are treated with respect in a caring environment. The organization enjoys a positive reputation through the community. The organization is recognized for its commitment to the recovery model and evidence-based practices and has made significant efforts to maintain its financial stability."

In a two page Survey Summary, the surveyors noted:

The board of directors is comprised of members from various backgrounds who are dedicated to ensuring that persons receive quality services.

Persons served expressed satisfaction with services received. It is evident that the organization has caring staff members who listen and focus on the needs and expressed desires of all persons served.

The stakeholder advisory committee offers opportunity for staff, persons served, and other stakeholders to communicate, provide input to improve the organization's mission, and respond to the needs of the community.

The organization continues to demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing needs. Excellent relationships and partnerships have been established with funders, elected officials, and referral and human service agencies through the organization's service area.

The Executive Director is viewed as a 'change agent' who has brought 'new possibilities' to the organization.

MVCS has a cohesive senior management team with a strong commitment to the organization's mission... resulting in programming and services that make a significant difference in the lives of persons served.

In addition, MVCS was also commended for its attractive, understandable materials, the annual conference, for the excellent services and supports provided by the Disability Services programs of Island Employment Services, Family Support Services and Daybreak Clubhouse. Unusual for a first time survey, MVCS received a commendation for "exemplary conformance to the standards" for its Outcomes management system."

In the words of Executive Director Julia Burgess, "Our Staff and Board are to be congratulated for their hard work and responsiveness to the needs of the clients and participants of MVCS. We are all proud of this resounding recognition of our important, excellent service to the community. The process of preparing for accreditation was difficult at times, but it brought us together as one organization and we are moving forward with a strong foundation to serve the Island community with excellence far into the future."

Date: June 30, 2008