Adele Cook

The meeting involved housekeeping items and the approval of minutes from the November 20th, 2025 meeting. Key discussion topics included voting to hold an additional meeting on January 29th to approve the APR report, which requires revisions from the AzEIP office. Members also addressed the need for updated subcommittee applications to ensure accurate rosters and facilitate participation, especially for new leadership. Furthermore, the council voted to move forward with the transition toolkit planning document, specifically the Child Find and Role Specific outreach materials, after discussing and agreeing on revisions related to billing practices for private insurance and Medicaid, ensuring services are communicated as being at no cost to families. AzEIP updates included federal monitoring schedule information and an update on the public comment process for revised policies and procedures.

The committee meeting focused on several key discussions and follow-up actions. Discussions included the proposal to change meeting frequency from monthly to quarterly, with a consensus favoring the continuation of monthly meetings to maintain continuity on projects. The group addressed stalled Facebook posting due to access issues and determined that follow-up is needed to restore administrative rights and share responsibilities. Community feedback highlighted ongoing concerns regarding family awareness of early intervention services and professionals' knowledge of programs like AzEIP and First Things First, noting issues with referrals. The committee also discussed the membership application process for current members needing to reapply and reviewed the committee's mission statement, collaborating on simplifying the language, agreeing to revisit the revised draft at the next meeting for final input.

The meeting, which lacked a quorum, was called to order, and the Public Member Notice was read. Discussions focused on the Strategic Plan Review and brainstorming ideas for upcoming projects. Key discussion points included affirming the committee's mission, considering replacing the term "lobbying" with "advocacy," and developing practical, "boots-on-the-ground" funding strategies. Members emphasized improving the utilization of third-party liability (TPL) through enhanced education for families and service coordinators, including creating explanatory videos and improving training materials. The potential long-term goal of eligibility expansion was also mentioned.

Key discussions focused on reviewing and refining the committee's mission statement, which involved correcting a typo and debating the inclusion of language related to Child Find work pending further guidance from the ICC. The Compliance WorkGroup reviewed submissions, including a family survey script, while the Quality Practices Work Group discussed suspending regular meetings due to low participation. The committee generally agreed to dissolve ongoing work groups in favor of forming ad hoc groups for specific tasks requested by AzEIP or the ICC, with potential exceptions for the compliance group until guidance on the family survey is received. Follow-up actions include providing an update on a motion regarding Work Group documents at the General ICC meeting.

The Arizona State Plan on Aging for Federal Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028 establishes a framework for the State to help Arizonans live longer, healthier lives in the community of their choice. This plan outlines three main goals: strengthening system-wide coordination through a Multisector Plan on Aging to improve service navigation and integration; reducing barriers and promoting healthy aging by increasing awareness of programs, resources, and support; and recognizing, supporting, and sustaining formal and informal caregivers as vital partners in the aging network. The overall vision is to ensure older Arizonans and caregivers have the services, supports, and resources needed to thrive.