March 17 – IMPORTANT UPDATES FROM ELC & OEL
MESSAGE FROM ELC:

Dear Provider,

The ELC of Broward has been in contact with OEL to urge them to provide information regarding program closures, absences, and family eligibility in light of the spread and threat of COVID-19 as well as additional resources and support during this very stressful time. Below is a communication from Shan Goff with OEL who has been working closely with Florida Department of Education and the Governor’s Office to provide answers and relief. We will continue to press OEL to provide concrete answers for early learning programs and parents as quickly as possible to enable you to make important decisions related to your programs, staff, and families. Also, we will continue to share information as it comes to us and look to other resources to provide support. Until then, please do not hesitate to contact any of your assigned ELC staff representative and/or provide your questions at info@elcbroward.org.

MESSAGE FROM OEL:

We recognize that our children’s health and safety is the first and foremost priority in this time of uncertainty and state of emergency. We are working in collaboration with the Office of Early Learning, Department of Education, and Department of Children and Families to provide guidance to minimize the financial impact on providers and families. Specifically, paying for additional absences of both school readiness and VPK children and extending timelines for required eligibility determinations, screenings/assessments, plans and reports. We anticipate providing you additional information in the next couple of days. 
 
Additionally, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the activation of the Business Damage Assessment survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin. The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online at https://floridadisaster.biz/ . Results from this survey will be shared with state agencies and local partners. Surveys submitted by small businesses can be used to access the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan, made available for COVID-19 through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. For inquiries or assistance with the survey, businesses can contact Emergency Support Function 18 at ESF18@em.myflorida.com .

SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN ATTENDING DAYCARE
 
Child care centers already approved to serve school-age children AND who have school age children already enrolled in School Readiness, are eligible to receive reimbursements for full-day care beginning today. During the submission of March attendance, please remember to manually change the unit of care from PT to FT on the SR attendance roster for all of the school-age children that attend full-time.
 
INFORMATION SHARED ON ELCBROWARD.ORG
 
COVID-19 Provider Updates:

We want to ensure you, your staff and the families you serve are properly informed.  Therefore, we've established a web page on our website ( www.elcbroward.org/coronavirus ) , dedicated to providing information regarding COVID-19.

Please check this page at least daily, as we post information as soon as we receive it. We also encourage you to follow us on Facebook for timely updates as well.

Stay safe,
ELC of Broward