Important Message from the
Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County

Office of Early Learning Update
March 30, 2020 @ 4:00PM

Dear Early Learning Provider,

The Office of Early Learning in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education issued a Provider Q & A one-pager. The purpose of the document is to provide guidance and clarification regarding the state actions to minimize the financial impact to School Readiness & VPK Providers.

At the top of the document, it clearly states that all provisions will be reviewed every 15 days. So what is in effect today, may not be in two weeks. Please continue to check your emails and join our webinars whenever possible. We are also providing helpful community resources on our social media.

Our provider hotline remains open to assist you: 1.877.767.4659



Thank you,

The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County
Office of Early Learning
"How to Handle Attendance"
  1. If your site was open – Mark attendance correctly. Using the “Absence due to Disaster” reason for any child that was absent between March 16th and March 31st. Additional documentation is not needed for these absence days.
  2. If your site was closed – Ensure that you have notified us with all the dates your site was closed prior to submitting the attendance. We will enter emergency temporary closure dates in the portal. Submit attendance in system – days will appear with an *, but will be paid.  *Closure notifications can be sent to the Provider Services team (Jon or Maureen) or your Reimbursement Team Specialist.
  3. DO NOT change your closure calendar on your profile.

  1. If your site was open and offering VPK – Mark attendance correctly. If children had additional absences from March 1st through March 31st will be paid. There will not be an 80/20 calculation applied to March 2020.  
  2. If your site was closed – Ensure that you have notified us with all the dates your site was closed prior to submitting the attendance. We will enter emergency temporary closure dates into the portal. 
  3. If your site was open but not offering VPK – ensure that you have notified us with the non-VPK dates prior to submitting the attendance.
  4. Do NOT Change your VPK application class calendar due to the COVID-19 closure dates.
ELCPBC Webinars
SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF RESOURCES
Child Care Specific Provisions in Stimulus Bill | Link to child care specific provisions in the bill.

Keeping American Workers Paid & Employed Act (Part A of Stimulus) Link to guide for employee retention efforts during this time.

Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan | Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. This is a short term loan, not a grant.

Business Damage Assessment Survey | The State of Florida has activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida's local business operations so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin. If you want child care businesses to be represented, we strongly recommend every child care facility (especially private pay) fill out this survey.

Florida Dept. of Economic Opportunity's Short Time Compensation Program for Employers | The short time compensation program helps employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown. There are eligibility requirements, but this is a temporary solution for employees with reduced hours.

U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance in Response to Coronavirus | The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.

Price Gouging Hotline | Price Gouging Hotline: 1.866.966.7226 Please call and report any price gouging that you see locally.

Coronavirus Tax Relief | The IRS has established a special section on their website to help taxpayers, businesses, and others affected by the Coronavirus.

Be kind. Drop us a line!