WEEKLY COALITION BLAST | AUGUST 16, 2017
WE EXIST TO GROW HEALTHY CHILDREN , PARENTS , AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEM.

Lynne's Message 
Dear Providers - 

On August 17, Sonic Drive-In on Hwy 77 in Lynn Haven will host a Sonic Night from 5-8 p.m. benefiting the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida. Ten percent of proceeds will be donated to the Coalition and will be used for match. There will be face painting and other activities available under the pavilion. We will meet with parents interested in VPK and School Readiness services.

An electronic file is attached below as well as a link to the Calendar of Events page on our website that includes a downloadable version of the flier. Please provide the flier to your families, friends, and share on social media. We appreciate your support!

In your service, 

Lynne
First Day of VPK Events
If you are doing something special on your program's first day of VPK, let us know! We would like to feature you on social media or possibly visit your program. Send us an email at redline@elcnwf.org so we are aware of the amazing things happening in your programs. We've already heard of several exiting events. Thank you for making these days specials for children in Northwest Florida!

Remember to tag all first day photos on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #1stDayVPK. For more information about OEL's statewide #1stDayVPK campaign, review the attachments below or email redline@elcnwf.org. We will be happy to clarify anything for you!
Instructions for School Readiness and VPK Closures
If you have to close your center on a day that you would typically be open, please follow the attached instructions for either VPK or School Readiness. If you have questions, please email redline@elcnwf.org.
Dunkin' Donuts Fundraiser: August 29 - 31
WE ARE OVER THE MOON FOR DUNKIN' DONUTS!

From August 29 – 31, 21 Dunkin' Donuts locations throughout Southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle will participate in a 3-day fundraising event for the Coalition. Donations will be collected from August 29 – 31 at the restaurant locations listed below. From the purchase of every dozen donuts, Box of Joe, K-Cup pack, coffee by the pound, and cake sold on August 30, $1 will be added to the donation. The company will match any manager/crew contributions.

Participating locations in Southern Alabama: Dothan, Enterprise
Participating locations in the Florida Panhandle: Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Mirimar Beach, Crestview, Ft. Walton, Destin, Niceville

A flier is attached for you. Please help us spread the word!
Florida Early Care & Education Professional Development System
You may have noticed a slight change in the DCF Training site cover page. (See above.) OEL and DCF have joined forces in the Florida Early Care and Education Professional Development System. The goal is to support a highly-qualified early learning workforce. The Florida Early Care and Education Professional Development Registry is a key component to the system.

The registry assists early learning professionals in tracking completed training, certificates achieved, career advancement, and work history. The system also enables policymakers to analyze how well the professional development system is supporting early learning professionals in advancing their career and achieving higher levels of specialized education.

Below is a flier provided by OEL and DCF that explains more about the registry's purpose as well as information about using the registry. There are two helpful links you will want to follow and favorite on your Internet browser. If you need support, please email redline@elcnwf.org.
MyTeachingStrategies Town Hall this Thursday, August 17th
Join us for a free virtual town hall exploring the new GOLD® user interface and experience within MyTeachingStrategies™. MyTeachingStrategies™ experts will be on hand to answer your questions. You can submit your questions in advance when you register! The Town Hall will be held this Thursday, August 17, from 12-1 p.m. CDT.

Please note: To provide you with the best support possible, space is limited. Sign up today! Click the button below for registration.
Poverty Simulation at St. John's in Panama City
A poverty simulation will be held on Thursday, August 24, from 6-8:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Panama City. A poverty simulation is a unique, interactive experience that helps those participating understand what life is like with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress. During a simulation, participants role play the lives of low-income families, from single parents trying to care for their children to senior citizens trying to maintain their self sufficiency.

If you are interested in attending, email Naomi Sharp at sharpn@cc.ptdiocese.org by August 22. See the attached flier for more details.
OEL "Early Learning Parents' Pages"
Attached please find a link to OEL's August 2017 edition of "Early Learning Parents' Pages." If you would like to view any past editions of "Early Learning Parents' Pages," click here.
School Readiness Contract Amendment Information + Form OEL-SR20A
If there are changes that affect your contract, use the Amendment Form (OEL-SR20A) to submit changes; upload your completed form through the  Coalition Document Exchange. These are the changes that would affect your contract:


  • Location of the Provider's Principal Office
  • Adding or Deleting Provider Locations
  • Curriculum
  • Character Development Program
  • Contact Person
  • Gold Seal Status
  • Liability Insurance
  • Provider Reimbursement Rates
  • Holiday Schedule

If you have any questions, please email redline@elcnwf.org
Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida | Phone: 850.747.5400 | Fax: 850.747.5450 | www.elcnwf.org
Sponsored by the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida and the State of Florida, Office of Early Learning