The Child Care Council of Onondaga County Board Effectiveness Project By Maxwell Consulting Team I James DeWan, Isaku Endo, Amy Fedigan, Elanit Rothschild, Stacey Tate, Camille Woodland

Introduction Client – The Child Care Council of Onondaga County Non-Profit In operation since 1975 Founded to coordinate, assist and strengthen childcare service in the community In 2001, the Council provided childcare referrals to over 4,300 families and sponsored more than 470 classes and workshops for childcare providers.

Council Structure Board of Directors Executive Director Assistant Director Finance Manager SACC Lead Registrar Parent Services Team Director Family Child Care Team Co-Directors Parent Referral Specialists (3) Secretary / Receptionist (2) SACC Registrar Family Child Care Specialists (6) Early Education Specialists (3) Office Manager

Board of Directors Board expertise includes: Finance, legal, real estate, technology, education, business, management, and human relations 44%56% Male/Female Board Members Age of Board Members

Main Issues Time constraints Fundraising Committees

Project Description Design Survey Identify strengths and weaknesses Make recommendations to achieve further engagement and effectiveness

Assessment Survey was developed from previous surveys Questions vary by scale and response type Administered to 19 Board members at the October Board meeting

Findings and Analysis -Communication- Need for greater outreach to the community about the Child Care Council ’ s work Problem channeling Board needs and concerns to the Director Room for improvement with respect to the Board ’ s understanding of Board policies and by-laws

Findings and Analysis -Committee- Lack of leadership Lack of defined committee role Major differences among committees

Findings and Analysis -Fundraising- Discrepancy in perceived fundraising performance Struggle to garner corporate donations Absence of personal financial contributions from Board members

Findings and Analysis -Strategic Planning- Considered greatest achievement and priority Board members are aware of both the short and long-term goals of the organization Room for increased focus on strategic planning

Findings and Analysis -Decision-Making- Board members are satisfied with the decision making process All 19 respondents agree that Board members feel comfortable openly expressing their viewpoints

Findings and Analysis -General Questions- Need for on-going training to ensure that board members carry out their responsibilities Board is not doing enough to monitor the performance of the organization.

Findings and Analysis -Self-Assessment- Overall positive Board experiences Board members recognize that participation is not at optimal levels It is unclear how clearly members see recruiting as part of their role

Recommendations -General Section- Time management and effectiveness Recruitment

Recommendation -Communication- Re-articulation of responsibilities and roles Training, retreats and community outreach

Recommendation -Structure- Committee reorganization Committee leaders New schedules Board size

Recommendation -Fundraising- Expectations Goals and benchmarks Personal financial contributions Targeted recruitment

Recommendation -Accountability- Strategic Planning Member Accountability

Conclusion Six important areas of Board competence Contextual Educational Interpersonal Analytical Political Strategic