Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hybrid Meeting Members Present: Jennie Mauer, Ruth Schmidt, Dr. Jill Underly, Kathy Mullaley, Jillian Clemens, Heidi Luft, Cailin O’Connor, Angela Krueger, Ivy Merietto, Kathy Paul, Kelly Mathews, Katie Roberts, Jeff Pertl, Tara Ebben, Kia Kjensrud, Deb Rathermel, Dan Rossmiller¸ Bianca Hill, Lana Nenide, Suzette Mayotte, Kendra Norris, Charlene Mouille, Peng Her, Dea Wright, Sam Austin Guests: Carrie Germeroth & Sydney Mock (Marzano Research); Hilary Shager (UW IRP) Welcome, Call to Order The meeting was called to order and the Council members reviewed and approved the meeting minutes from the December 10, 2025, Council meeting. Kelly Matthews motioned to approve the minutes. Kathy Mullally seconded the motion to approve the minutes. Minutes were approved. Co-Chair Comments The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) State Superintendent and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary welcomed the Council and provided department updates. New Member Update Tara Ebben, Owner of Tikes and Tots Family Child Care and current President of the Wisconsin Family Child Care Association (WFCCA), was introduced as the newest ECAC member. Early Learning Development Guidelines (ELDG) Revision Project Marzano Research presented a recap of Phase 1 and an update on Phase 2 of the ELDG revision project. State Agency Updates DCF, DPI, and the Department of Health Services (DHS) provided state and federal updates. The Wisconsin Head Start Association (WHSA) Executive Director provided updates on Head Start. Get Kids Ready Program Update The Council received updates on the Get Kids Ready program, a new school readiness initiative to support licensed and certified child care providers serving four-year-olds. Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Update The Council received an update on the Preschool Development grant Needs Assessment and evaluation projects that the UW Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) will be leading. Prenatal to 3 Policy (PN3) Impact February Convening The Council heard an overview of the PN3 convening that took place in February in collaboration with the PN3 Policy Impact Center at Vanderbilt University. 2026 ECAC Planning The Council discussed the upcoming agenda and action items for the year ahead. Public Comment There were no comments or questions from members of the public. Next Steps The next meeting is scheduled for June 3rd from 9am – 12pm. Adjourn Sara Knueve requested a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jillian Clemens motioned to adjourn the meeting. Kelly Matthews seconded the motion to adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 11:43 a.m.
