| BYLAWS OF ECDCA (ELKHART COUNTY DAYCARE ASSOCIATION) A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
Article 1: Offices *The registered office of the Association shall be located in Elkhart County, Indiana, at 56544 Lantz Blvd. 56516. Or at such other location as shall be designated from time to time by the board of Directors. Article 2: Annual Officers Meeting *The annual meeting of the Association shall be held during the month of July of each year, at a day and time designated by the Board of Directors. Notice of the annual meeting shall be provided, in writing, to each person on the Association's membership list on the first day of Feb. of each year. Notice of the annual meeting shall be written and shall be mailed or hand delivered to each member. Article 3: Special Meeting *The Board of Directors may call a special meeting at any time and for any valid purpose. Notice of special meetings shall be provided to the members in writing, by mail or hand delivery, unless the majority of members vote to waive written notice of special meetings. Article 4: Quorum and Voting *A quorum at any annual or special meeting shall consist of 70% (percent) of the members of the Association. *Each member shall be entitled to one vote on each issue presented for a vote, and the vote of a majority of those present (if a quorum) shall determine any question or issue. *Votes may be taken by voice vote or by secret ballot, whichever a majority of the members present may desire. *A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of two (2) Directors, and a majority vote of the Directors present (if a quorum) shall constitute the action of the Directors. *Article 5: Board of Directors *The Board of Director's shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and a Treasurer. Each of whom shall serve for a one-year term upon election by the members. The secretary shall be responsible for preparing the minutes of the Board of Director's meetings and the member's meeting and for authenticating the records of the corporation. *The Board of Directors may hold meetings at any time and shall make reports of all such meetings to the members. *Any action that may be taken by the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if the Directors are in agreement as to the action. Article 6: Compensation *Neither the Directors nor any member of the Association shall receive compensation for services performed for the corporation, but members and Directors may be reimbursed by the Board of Directors for expenditures made on behalf of the Association. Article 7: Resignation, Removal, or Vacancy *Any Director may be removed, or may resign, as provided by applicable Indiana statutes. *Any vacancy on the Board of Directors shall be filled by the unanimous vote of the remaining Directors, and the Director so selected shall hold office for the unexpired term and until her/his successor is elected. Article 8: Annual Member Requirement's *1. Due's are presently... $30.00 (25.00 for ICA members) *2. Attend at least 6 meetings. *3. Participate in at least one fundraiser. *4. Have a Home Child Care... Licensed, (or) Meet Minimum Requirement's, (or) Have intension of becoming licensed. *5. Help Promote Quality Child Care in Elkhart County, you must always inspire quality in other providers but not insult, or discourage in anyway to fellow providers and your own... Through word of mouth and in your own childcare. (We stand together "hand in hand".) Annual Member Benefit's (To receive member benefits you must meet member requirements... All are welcome to come to our meetings, but if you don't meet the requirements, the ECDCA can choose NOT to give you or your childcare any benefits.) 1. Your name, School Dist., Phone #, and Email address will be in our Brochure and web site (www.elkhartfamilychildcare.com) that gets distributed to local businesses and area Organizations, & you will receive referrals before other area providers. *2. Will receiver CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions Free or very little cost. (We hope in the future to * raise money for Drug testing & Fingerprinting). *3. Will remain Knowledgeable of all Laws, Rules and Regulations affecting Indiana Child Care Providers * and their Business. *4. Will receive emotional support and advise through any crises or task you may feel overwhelmed with. *5. Will be a part of ELKHART COUNTY QUALITY CHILD CARE. *6. Will be recognized as a Provider that goes that "extra mile" for Children in your Care. *7. Receive adult conversation and an understanding of your Challenging and Honorable Chosen Career. Article 9: Elected Officer Requirement's (to be elected for an officer position) *1. Been a member for at least 2 years. *2. Had a State Licensed Child Care (Home) for no less than 2 years. *3. Attended all meetings from previous year, (with death in family and illness as the exception). *4. Participated in all fund-raisers and ECDCA events from previous year. *5. Attended one Early Childhood Education Conference annually. (IUSB, IAEYC, etc.) *6. Has only the best interest of the ECDCA at heart and in mind. *Officer/Director Duties *President *1. To keep communication with the community, R&R, Members, Legislator's, State Association (ICA), * and regulation & policy makers (FSSA). *2. Always give referrals of possible clients to members before outside members. *3. Attend all meetings... Will call Vice President for assistance if needed. *4. To keep order and good communication at all meetings. *5. Invite Speakers and Educators to meetings, with a vote or approval from members. *6. Annually set up CPR, and First Aid Training, with help and knowledge from other members or officers. *7. Stay knowledgeable of new regulations, laws, and policies that will affect our Day Cares. *Vice President *1. Help and support president with all duties. *2. Has President duties when President is absent. *Secretary *1. Record minutes of all meetings, Minutes will be read at the following meeting. *2. Provide a copy of the minutes to all officers, mail copy to member that missed a meeting. 3. Send invites for special events. *4. Perform such duties as asked by the president. *5. Attend all meetings... Have someone stand in for them when cannot make a meeting. *Treasurer *1. Take charge of all funds and fund-raisers with knowledge of the President. *2. Make quarterly reports to members and monthly reports to officers.* *3. Sign all forms, checks, and membership cards with president or with President Knowledge. *4. Collect all dues from members and possible members. *5. Keep record of all money in and out of ECDCA'S bank account.* *6. Let Secretary know when a provider becomes a member / or member drops out. Article 10. Purpose, Beliefs, & Objectives Who We Are... The Elkhart County Day Care Association was formed in 2002. We are a non profit organization representing & serving all Licensed Family Childcare Providers of Elkhart County. “Believing in Family Childcare” We believe it’s important for a Child's social & mental growth to remain with one provider throughout early childhood. The relationships children make are very important to their future choices and values. In Licensed Family Childcare a child learns a hands on curriculum with educational activities, as well as experiences natural environments. Children in family care will make life long friends of all ages, while upholding family values and receiving the Early Childhood Education they need to start school and build relationships. “Purpose & Objectives” ~ To promote quality, educated, & affordable childcare. ~ To be advocates for licensed family providers at the county and state level. To advocate for the safety, health, and education of children in childcare. ~To educate the community of the benefits in Licensed Family Childcare. ~ Reaching out & reducing the isolation of family providers. To connect family providers with resources through educational workshops, & support meetings. ~ To encourage provider appreciation and to give recognition of all provider achievements. ~To assist families in need of childcare. ~To support and inspire the highest quality of care, through education, resources, and advocacy. Declaration: We the members and officers of the ECDCA present these by-laws as written. These by-laws are to be up held and have been since Dec. 2002. The actions of the ECDCA are to be taken seriously and with great respect. Signature of two officers on these by-laws insures the fact that what is written has been our true by-laws, and we as a group have followed these from Dec. 17th 2002 as we will continue to do from this day forward. President (Michelle Rhoads) 2-15-06 Vice President (Carla Freel) _______________________________________________________________________ 2-15-06 IRS Exempt Org P.O. Box 2508 Cincinnati OH 45201 |
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