Early Learning Coalition
of St. Lucie County
Your Champions of Early Education
April 2021 Provider News:
Resources for your Childcare Center!
Reminder: Weekly provider update calls
every Wednesday at 12:30 through Zoom
Don't forget our weekly provider call every Wednesday at 12:30. These calls are voluntary: just our way to stay connected, answer questions and give any updates. We hope you can join us; the instructions to join remotely is sent to you in a Zoom meeting invitation every week and you can participate on your phone or your computer. Our past provider meetings are listing in archive on our website, in the provider's section.

Remember, we will update you regularly on any information you need to know that is coming from OEL or the state DOE, so watch your emails for updates!
Late Breaking News on VPK
Summer Programs
As we approach the summer months ahead, families will have several options to continue their child’s learning, growth and development. Families can apply for the Summer VPK program or a VPK Reenrollment online through the Office of Early Learning’s Family Portal. Families may also contact their local Early Learning Coalition for assistance with completing the application and for information on additional summer options.  See info here:

Virtual Kindergarten Summit Sign Up Now
The 2021 Transition to Kindergarten Regional Summits are set to kick off in April. Each two-day summit (8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. each day) will inspire preschool and public school educators as they plan ways to support the transitional changes children and families face when moving from preschool to kindergarten with a literacy focus. April 20-21 (North Region) April 27-28 (Central Region) May 4-5 (South Region) Please share these dates with your teachers, providers and other interested stakeholders Be sure to sign up today to reserve your spot. Please select only ONE summit or date.
FREE TICC Training for Providers
This past year has not been easy. COVID-19 has changed the world and now, more than ever, stress and trauma are impacting children.
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we invite you to take our Trauma-Informed Care for Child Care Professionals (TICC) course for free during the month of April.
In addition to helping identify the signs of stress and learning techniques to create a trauma-sensitive environment in the classroom, this five-hour online course contributes to in-service training requirements.
To take advantage of this free offer, log into your Child Care Training student account, register and complete TICC from April 1 – 30.

We encourage you to continue learning more on this topic, as stress and trauma are impacting children and adults now more than ever. Here are suggested courses we think you will like:
·      Challenging Behaviors Awareness and Prevention (CBAP)
·      Basic Guidance and Discipline (BGD)
 To access these courses, log into your Child Care Training student account and select "Training Credentialing" to search by course name. Thank you again for your participation during our Child Abuse Awareness Month efforts!
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month:
Here's how you can help!
Prevent Child Abuse Florida encourages all Floridians to participate in the 2021 National Child Abuse Prevention Month by taking simple actions that can make a big difference in the lives of children and families:
hashtag to show support for children and families.
• Follow Prevent Child Abuse Florida on social media, share their posts throughout April and encourage others to do the same.
• Purchase blue and silver pinwheels from www.preventchildabusefl.org.
• Make a tax-deductible donation and help build a virtual pinwheel garden.
Grab and share these flyers....
Small Business Grants available through SLC
Recover St. Lucie website
Vaccine Update: Find info you need here!
Here's the update on vaccinations for COVID-19 and links to where you can get yours.

Also, use these resources, as well:
The COVID Call Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reach at 1-866- 779-6121 or by emailing COVID-19@flhealth.gov. The vaccine page can be found below 
Celebrate Earth Day with Miss Penny
Join Miss Penny as she celebrates Earth Day, via video lesson.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Teachers, School Staff
& Childcare Workers
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On March 2, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a directive
that all states immediately make teachers, school staff, and childcare workers eligible for COVID-19 vaccination across all vaccination providers.
Additionally, pharmacy locations that are part of CDC’s Federal Retail Pharmacy Program are now giving priority to school staff and childcare workers for COVID-19 vaccination during the month of March. In addition to existing state and local COVID-19 vaccination sites, teachers and staff in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (pre-K–12 schools) and childcare workers will be able to sign up for an appointment at more than 9,000 participating pharmacy locations nationwide.
Who can get vaccinated?
  • Teachers and staff in Pre-K–12 schools, Childcare centers, Head Start and Early Head Start programs
  • Part C Early Intervention
  • Licensed childcare providers, including center-based and family care providers and home visitors, Classroom aides, Bus drivers, Janitors, Counselors, Administration staff, Cafeteria workers, Substitute teachers
Now, Post a Teacher Ad with DCF!
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The Department of Children and Families’ Child Care Program Office now offers a tool for Child Care Facilities to advertise available positions. How To Post An Ad: Use the following steps to post your ad:
1. Enter your exact Child Care License Number
2. You are taken to the employment database
3. Choose “Make Director Ad” or “Make Staff Credential Ad”
4. Create the position summary
5. List position requirements
6. Specify dates to run
7. Input provider contact information
Florida Pre-paid Open Enrollment ends April 30
The Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans offers their annual Open Enrollment with five plans starting at $45 per month, each built for flexibility and guaranteed by the State of Florida. In a recent study conducted by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation Board, more than 90 percent of Florida parents say college is more important than ever or just as important in the wake of COVID-19.

Florida families last year purchased more than 50,000 plans, committing to their children’s future even as the pandemic hit. Anyone who enrolls in a Florida Prepaid Plan during the month of March or April will save $25 on enrollment using promo code ELC2021. For more info, click Here
April OEL Parent Pages to Share
Overwhelmed by Change? Turn to 3Ts
3Ts Development for Providers helps children succeed at early age
Remember: even when things are uncertain, YOU are helping to build the brains of the children you care for and are preparing them for success just by talking and interacting with them. Your class day is full of opportunities to use the 3Ts and help your children understand changes going on in the world. Learn more at the3Ts.org. Also available in Spanish at las3Cs.org.  AnyTimeIs3TsTime #3TsFlorida #PNCGrowUpGreat
Here is a free professional development series for you and your staff – which is a perfect in-service training opportunity! This resource shares easy-to-remember strategies and features videos of caregivers using the 3Ts in everyday situations.
Free Face Masks from ELC & the Children's Services Council
We still have FREE clear facemasks for your teachers, and the great cloth stretchy facemasks, from Children's Services Council, for your parents too! To set up a pick up time, let your resource specialist know by email. These are available for contracted providers, through funds set aside for this purpose. If you are not a contracted provider, please contact the Children's Services Council or the County Health Department to find sources for free masks.
Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County www.elcslc.org 772-595-6424