Spark NH Council Member Survey October – November, 2012

Themes Goals are clear Membership is diverse (especially on committees), given limitation imposed Atmosphere is respectful

Comments “Strong leadership, clear communication, wonderful multi-disciplinary membership. Meetings are well run with clear expectations including respect for each other, the time,and the work that needs to be accomplished.” “It seems that some folks do not feel that their work is appreciated outside of the Council. I am not clear why.”

Extent to which Council Members Agreed with Various Statements about the Council

A strength & a challenge… “The committees, task forces, and meeting management are fabulous. I struggle with the role of the actual Council versus the role of the committees.”

Extent to which Council Members Agreed with Various Statements about the Council

Comments “I feel that the work of Spark NH is very important, and as such, it is a good use of my time.” “I wish I had more time to do this work. We already had strong collaborative relationships.”

Extent to which Council Members Agreed with Various Statements about the Council

Themes & Comments Structure works well – Provides networking opportunity – Facilitates “cross-sectoral” learning Staff support is great Challenges “Too many committees to keep thoughtful attention focused.”

Themes & Comments The Council is a work in progress “The work of the committees and task forces has more than met my expectations, but the Council itself I think is still finding its role (which is understandable).” “At times I feel the work in total is overwhelming and unrealistic. But we are new and need to evolve.”

Themes & Comments Work at this level takes time “Although an amazing amount of work has been accomplished via the dedication of many individuals and organizations, some of the work is much slower than anticipated (e.g., integrated data system, SASID).

What steps do you think we could take next year to improve the effectiveness of the Council? Continue the work – Processes/communications in place will hopefully improve effectiveness – Work with Lynn Davey – getting Council on same page – Products will galvanize participants into action – Work is moving purposefully & well

What steps do you think we could take next year to improve the effectiveness of the Council? Representation – More K-3 – Continue to recruit diverse stakeholders Communication – Continue to share work of our organizations – Promote the Council Better use of technology

What steps do you think we could take next year to improve the effectiveness of the Council? Funding – Sustained/supports staff and projects – More K-3 – Continue to recruit diverse stakeholders Council member participation in decision making Encourage people to move forward/think globally about work vs. looking back/focusing on own Council work 5 respondents - unsure or none

What, if any, changes/impacts have you seen happen as a result of Spark NH to date? Improved communication/relationships (4) – Among state departments & decision makers – Among people with different perspectives “People who had not known each other or worked together are now networking. Some of the work that needs different perspectives is getting done, or underway, because Spark has brought people with different perspectives to the same table.”

What, if any, changes/impacts have you seen happen as a result of Spark NH to date? Leveraging Resources/Funds (4) – Project LAUNCH

What, if any, changes/impacts have you seen happen as a result of Spark NH to date? Increased Visibility/Public Awareness (4) “There is a strong ‘buzz’ about Spark NH already within the early childhood education community. Much more so than most initiatives that are only 1 year old.” “Public awareness materials and focus on frameworks have changed the way many of us talk about the importance of early childhood.”

What, if any, changes/impacts have you seen happen as a result of Spark NH to date? “Funders and business community are beginning to take note of Spark NH’s potential.” “Spark NH is now mentioned at nearly every state planning meeting I attend (e.g., How does this fit in with the work of Spark NH?)”

What, if any, changes/impacts have you seen happen as a result of Spark NH to date? Improved coordination/collaboration (4) – Among state agencies – Between Spark NH & others (e.g., CDB QRIS Task Force) Other (3) – Data (“more inclusive conversation”) – Engagement of decision makers – Availability of information (e.g., via web) None (3)

What is most exciting about the work of Spark NH in the year ahead? Strategic Plan (7) – Getting priorities set for EC – Intentional look at alignment/coordination of workplans as part of strategic plan; hope will facilitate opportunities to better serve children, families, those who work with them

What is most exciting about the work of Spark NH in the year ahead? Implementation/Realizing Goals (6) “Now that Spark is fully established and its committees are functioning, I think it will be exciting to see what is completed and what we will start to continue to promote the mission and vision of Spark.” “There is a lot of sustained energy around the Council and its committees and task forces so it will be exciting to see the work move forward.”

What is most exciting about the work of Spark NH in the year ahead? Other (5) – Public awareness (having strong plan and message/materials can all use) Project LAUNCH – Sustain Council Data/statewide Needs Assessment Connecting with business leaders Unsure

Comments Keep closer eye on legislative side of work ESS/SPED priorities/strategies being addressed outside of Spark More family involvement/engagement & community outreach on Spark (“in the works/sure it’s coming”) “Spark is just getting off the ground. I’m sure it will be more inclusive in time.”

Other Comments “NH Spark has come a long way! We are doing great work and I see us continuing to evolve.” “It’s going well, so I’d take care not to try to mix things up too much in the name of ‘improvement.’ It takes time to establish an infrastructure. Steadiness and clarity comes with time. The example has been striking in the committees I participate in: at first there was much confusion as to purpose, mission, etc., and now there evolved the clear, shared purpose.”