Be a Broward Bookworm: Free Books for Children in Broward

ELC Broward News

May 21, 2021

Legislative News: House Bill 419

This year an early learning bill, House Bill 419, was introduced and signed off by the Governor. HB 419 is geared towards strengthening the early learning system, specifically the VPK program. We are still waiting for more information from the State as they start their process to create rules and requirements around these changes. Click here to view a summary of HB 419.

Provider Covid-19 Grants are Now Available – Join us for step by step guidance on how to apply

We will be hosting a technical assistance webinar for providers who have not yet applied for the Phase V CRRSA Grant or need assistance with completing the application.

The CRRSA grants provide additional funding to Coalitions to support private early learning/child care providers and contracted school district providers that were classified as operational/open on April 1, 2021 and are providing on-site early learning/child care services on the date of application, to assist them in remaining open during the COVID-19 crisis. Providers can be eligible for to up $19,500 in grant funding. More information about additional federal stimulus funding is coming soon. Applications are due by close of business on June 4, 2021.

To register for the webinar, click here.

To begin the CRRSA application, click here.

Be a Broward Bookworm! Free Books for Broward County Children Ages Birth to Five!

The Early Learning Coalition of Broward County in partnership with Broward Reads, a member of the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, is excited to offer ALL families in Broward County FREE books through our Broward Bookworms program.

The books are for children birth to five and are available in both English and Spanish. The best part is that the book sets will be sent directly to your home via U.S. mail at no additional cost. Supplies are limited.

Help us share this wonderful news with your families.

Downloadable flyers are available here.

SR and VPK 2021/2022 Provider Profiles

Thanks to all SR and VPK Providers that have submitted their 2021/2022 Provider Profiles. We have almost reached OEL’s May 31^st deadline and 90% of our providers have active profiles.

Please take a moment to check that your 2021/2022 Provider Profile is active. If you are a SR provider with an active 21/22 Provider Profile and a CLASS score or exemption, your new SR contract should now be available on the Provider Portal for you to complete. Please remember that your current SR agreement expires on June 30^th. If you are working with the Quality and Education team regarding your CLASS assessment, be sure to follow their instructions timely to avoid any delay or disruption to your SR contract for the upcoming program year. Coming soon…VPK Contracts 2021/2022!!

CSC's Free Wellness Services

We are happy to share some great news! The Children’s Services Council has once again made it possible to help child care centers with health services staff to support your teams.

A Health Service Technician (HST) or Registered Nurse (RN) may be able to offer free wellness services at your child care program starting June 14, 2021 throughout the summer. They can complete wellness checks on children and staff during the day and keep them isolated, if necessary, until a family member or designee is located.

If you are interested, please fill out this survey and confirm your interest. There are a limited number of staff available , so please send in your no later than Wednesday June 2nd to increase your chances of being selected.

Take the survey

ELC Broward Partners with the Health Foundation of South Florida to Bring Awareness to the Community about the COVID-19 Vaccine

You’re right to ask questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. That's why we've partnered with the Health Foundation of South Florida to help keep you, your staff and families informed.

Click here to learn about the myths & facts about the vaccine. Scroll down for the answers you need to important questions regarding the effectiveness, safety and cost of the COVID-19 vaccine. Plus, see the words of wisdom straight from the heart of our own South Florida community—from neighbors who’ve already taken the vaccine and those helping others do the same. All have said “I DID IT!” Here, they share why.

Office of Early Learning News

Thank you for Supporting our Summits!

It took a village to launch the Florida Office of Early Learning Transition to Kindergarten Regional Summits. Thank you to all who participated! Some of the resources are still accessible here. Download yours today!

May Issue of Parents' Page

The May issue of Parents’ Pages, a newsletter for families, is available on OEL’s website. This issue includes information about preparing for hurricane season, the School Readiness Program, developmental screenings, National Mental Health Month and foster care in Florida.

OEL Presents: Social Studies Learning Circles

The Social Studies Learning Circles will provide early childhood educators (teachers, administrators, directors) an opportunity to share in professional learning via conversations about strategies, research and best practices in the preschool classroom as they relate to the social studies standards.

For more information and to register for a Social Studies Learning Circle Session please visit OEL's Professional Development Page and view the May Learning Circle Calendar.

Free Resources & Information

Rental Assistance - The Florida Department of Children and Families is accepting rental assistance applications from tenants and landlords who are behind on their rent because of the COVID-1pandemic. Visit OURFlorida.com to apply. Applicants without access to the internet can apply by phone by calling 833-493-0594.

MyFloridaMyFamily - is an online hub that provides a comprehensive directory of local resources that help strengthen families. The website serves as a gateway to connect Florida's families in need to local faith institutions and community organizations for information and assistance with their needs.

The FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program - provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income consumers. Eligible households can enroll through an approved broadband service provider or by visiting the GetEmergencyBroadband.org site. The application process opened on May 12, 2021, and eligible households can receive:

Up to a $50-per-month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

Help in applying for the program is available from the Emergency Broadband Support Center by emailing EBBHelp@usac.org or calling (833) 511-0311.

Apply Early! The EBB Program will end when funds are exhausted or 6 months after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health emergency, whichever is sooner.