Monthly Newsletter

July 2020

Please report any closures, reopenings, or program changes due to COVID-19 to the Redline .

For information to keep you safe and up-to-date with COVID-19 Updates !

We have heard your concern about “information overload” and the stress it is having on you. To ensure you are provided with the highest level of support in these uncertain times, the coalition will transition the Weekly Blast into a Monthly Newsletter which will be published on the last Wednesday of each month. This newsletter will still contain relevant information necessary for your child care program but will appear in your inbox less frequently.

Rest assured, when it becomes necessary to share critical information in between the publication of the Monthly Newsletter, such as information about contracts, reimbursement, special grants, etc., we will send you a Special Blast. Our goal is to provide you the most relevant, up-to-date information and not overload your inbox. We hope you find this change beneficial. If you have questions or would like to provide comments regarding this change please email the Redline or join us at our July provider network meeting on July 7, 2020.

First Responder and Health Care Workers Update

As of June 30, 2020, 521 children have been enrolled under the BG1-ESS eligibility code.
First responders or health care workers, upon expiration of their referrals, can continue services if:
They are eligible to receive an updated three (3) month child care authorization referral from their employers Human Resource department

Their household income is below 85% of the state median income (SMI), and they meet the requirements to be rolled over to the BG8 ECON billing group

If the parent does not receive an updated referral or their income is above 85% SMI, their school readiness services will be terminated the day after the referral end date
Customers that were receiving services under another billing group before transferring to the BG1-ESS eligibility, will continue services under their previous billing group

Northwest Florida Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program

The Northwest Florida Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program is still accepting applications from eligible businesses to be recipients of the $5,000 grant awards until such time that the grant funding is depleted. This grant was made possible through a $300,000 contribution from Gulf Power, and it is the second round of funding for the grant program. Please read the requirements to ensure eligibility, and be sure to submit a complete application with proper supporting documentation.

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY YOUR BUSINESS MUST BE:

A for-profit, privately-held small business that maintains a place of business including physical location (commercial building) in select Northwest Florida Counties and was established on, or before January 1, 2019. Eligible Northwest Florida Counties include Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Jackson, Washington, Calhoun, and Bay. Establishment is determined by registration with the Florida Department of State (“SunBiz”), either as an entity or registered fictitious name. For sole proprietorships which do not require a fictitious name, other sources such as county/city business tax receipts and/or federal tax returns can be used as a substitute.

Your business must have been profitable in 2019 as indicated in tax returns or financial document.

The business must have a demonstrated reduction in sales revenues of 25% or more due to the loss of business income related to COVID-19. Applicant must provide written justification and documented evidence of economic loss or injury caused by the declared disaster, e.g. sales reports or income statements from a previous year compared to the current period.

The business must be a small business with 11 to 29 employees. The number of employees will be verified using employer documentation (Form W-3, Form 941 or 1099s). Please note, if submitting Form 1099, we will only accept 1099s written out to individual employees, not other businesses.

Please click the button below for the full details on how to apply. Any reference on the grant application or elsewhere to the original June 12th deadline is no longer applicable.

More Information

The summer months offer many opportunities for exploration and play in outdoor learning environments. With proper planning, early care and education staff can ensure all children are able to take advantage of these experiences and enjoy the summer months safely. Click below to learn more!

Summer Safety

We know you care for the children and families you serve and with great ideas from Care.com you can have fun all summer long! Remember, when in doubt be like the sun and SHINE! Click below to review the list of summer-tastic activities!

Summer Fun

Coalition Mental Health Program

Offered to ELC Children, Families and Child Care Staff

In light of recent events, the Coalition will be offering support services including the opportunity to talk with mental health specialists who can help provide information, support, and even counseling.

These services are 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.

There are many ways that we can help. We can explain the current health crisis to young children, develop plans to deal with the isolation associated with social distancing, provide advice on handling increased fears/anxieties, or address other needs in the family. Sessions typically meet once a week for 50 minutes at a time that is convenient for all.

If you are interested, please submit a request to the Learning Line !

When submitting requests please include the following: