August 2020
For information to keep you safe and up-to-date with COVID-19 Updates !
August 6, 2020 Provider netWORK Webinar
 
You are invited to a  Zoom webinar!
When: August 6, 2020 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: August Provider netWORK Meeting
 
Please register for this webinar using the blue button below. You will receive a confirmation email after completing your registration.

If you have any questions please submit them through the  Redline .
August Board Meeting
August 12, 2020 11:00 AM CDT

Mark your calendars and don't miss the August Board Meeting!

Please call: (646) 558-8656 using meeting ID number 365 921 3194

We look forward to you joining us virtually on Wednesday, August 12!
SR Program Assessment using the Quality Performance System (QPS)

If you have chosen to implement child assessments for the 2020-21 School Readiness Program Year you must upload your Interrater Reliability Certificates for each of your teachers to the QPS  prior to August 1, 2020. 

75% of teachers reported on the provider’s birth to five classrooms roster must complete and have the reliability certificates uploaded to receive the child assessment differential rate. Providers must maintain this percentage in accordance with Rule 6M-4.500 F.A.C. If child assessment reliability certificates are not uploaded prior to August 1, 2020, you must contact the Coalition to amend your School Readiness contract.
SR Providers
Curriculum Compliance Reminder
As a reminder, Providers are required to purchase Curriculum from the 2020-21 Curriculum List and have it on-site by October 1, 2020.   The Coalition will begin monitoring for compliance in October 2020.
VPK and Program Start information
The Coalition is working continuously to share COVID Guidance from the Office of Early Learning as it becomes available so that each Provider can make an informed decision regarding their program.

If you currently have an approved contract, you may continue to move forward with the ORIGINAL School District Calendar start date. New Approvals will be based on the current start date for the county in which you operate your VPK Program.

Please reach out to your Contract Specialist if you need to make changes to the currently planned start date due to Capacity limits or as a result of changes in the School District Calendars.
National Safety Council
Children in Hot Cars
As temperatures continue to rise, please be cautious and ALWAYS LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK.

Click the links below for routine tips and a free online course from the National Safety Council that speaks of the danger of vehicular heatstroke in children and what we can do to prevent it.
See Something - Say Something
Report Child Abuse
There is a “concerning” drop in number of calls to Florida’s Child Abuse Hotline. The coronavirus pandemic may be having a severe impact on one of Florida's most vulnerable and heartbreaking populations: child abuse victims.

During a discussion about COVID-19 and its effects on mental health, Department of Children and Families Secretary Chad Poppell said the pandemic has led to a "concerning" drop in calls to DCF's Child Abuse Hotline. Poppell fears many child abuse and neglect cases are going unreported because of the pandemic.

Child abuse is an issue more prevalent than many realize. To report a case of abuse or neglect to DCF's Child Abuse Hotline, call 1-800-962-2873, or click HERE To report abuse online.
Interested in joining the FLAEYC Board of Directors?

The Florida Association for the Education of Young Children is holding board elections in October. They are seeking applications for the following offices:
  • Board Secretary – 2-year Term
  • Southeast Early Childhood Association (SECA) Representative- 3-year term
  • At-large Member (Five Positions Available) – 2-year term

FLAEYC is searching for Board Members who see the connections between practice, policy and research, who share FLAEYC’s core values and beliefs, and who have knowledge and experience in governance and leadership. Individuals interested should be passionate about:
  • Ensuring that all children have equitable access to developmentally appropriate, high-quality early learning and,
  • Promoting an early childhood profession that exemplifies excellence and is recognized as vital to society.

Visit the FLAEYC website to access more information regarding the Board Positions, the Nomination and Election process, and the Bylaws, as well meet the current Board of Directors.
Scholarships Step Up For Students
Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that helps administer scholarships for Florida’s schoolchildren:

  • Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (FTC);
  • Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) for lower-income families;
  • Gardiner Scholarship for children with certain special needs;
  • Hope Scholarship for public school students who are bullied or victims of violence; and
  • Reading Scholarship Accounts for public school students in third through fifth grade who struggle with reading.

These scholarships strengthen public education by offering options to struggling schoolchildren, and Step Up For Students partners with public schools to give students resources they need to succeed. Their goal is to empower parents and provide children an equal opportunity to discover educational options that work best for them. Learn more by clicking HERE!
Coalition Mental Health Program
Offered to ELC Children, Families and Child Care Staff
The Coalition is offering support services  free  to the children and families in your care as well as child care center staff. Sessions can be conducted via phone or video until it is safe to meet in person. These services are confidential and are designed to help in this time of increased stress and uncertainty. If you are interested, please submit a request to the   Learning Line !

When submitting requests please include the following:
  • Your name
  • The name of the person/child you are requesting theses service for
  • Place of employment
  • Email address
  • Phone number
August Special Dates

8/7 - National Lighthouse Day
8/7-9 - Tax Free Weekend
8/12 - Back to School: Calhoun/Washington Counties
8/14 - Back to School: Franklin County
8/16 - National Joke day
8/17 - Back to School: Gulf County
8/19 - Back to School: Holmes County
8/20 - Back to School: Bay County
8/24 - Back to School: Jackson County
Florida KidCare
In a time when the health and safety of our community are most important, help keep the children in you center insured.

Encourage families in your centers to contact ELCNWF for information and assistance applying for Florida KidCare.

Call 850-747-5400 X 108 or request CCR&R via the link below!
We exist to grow healthy children, parents, and the relationship between them.
Sponsored by the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida and the State of Florida, Office of Early Learning