September 15, 2020
Hello Child Care Providers and Early Learning Partners!

We hope you are doing well. In this monthly update, we're sharing some important news and information in early learning, training opportunities and free resources for you and your families.

Over the past several weeks, we've sent out a lot of new information and updates. We know that with your busy schedules, it may be a bit overwhelming to keep up. When you get a moment, check out our Provider COVID-19 web page for all of the latest child care provider related news. Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at questions@elcbroward.org.

We're here for you. Together, let's continue to make a positive impact on the children and families of Broward County!
First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces 2020 Hispanic Heritage Month Theme and Student Contests
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the theme for Hispanic Heritage Month will be “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida” and released information regarding the student art and essay contests and Excellence in Education awards. Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15. Read more.
The Census 2020 Deadline is Approaching!
The United States Census occurs every ten years and has a powerful impact on the future of Florida communities and their voice in Congress. The United States Census Bureau has announced that they will complete counting throughout the United States on September 30th. It is critical that the Florida education community take this brief survey as it directly benefits Florida students and families and informs the amount of federal funding distributed to states for programs that impact schools, students, and families.

To read the full memo from Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, click here.
Visit 2020census.gov to complete the Census today!
In the News...
 Read for the Record on October 29th!
It's that time of year again! Broward Read for the Record is an opportunity for children to read the same book on the same day!

This year's book is Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away!

Mark it on your calendar to be a virtual guest reader for Broward: Read for the Record!

For more information log onto: https://www.cscbroward.org/BRFTR2020

Watch the Read for the Record 2020 Video
2020 Florida Literacy Association Early Learning Literacy Grant Proposal
The Florida Literacy Association (FLA) is currently accepting submissions for the 2020 FLA Early Learning Literacy Grant. Early learning childcare/preschool providers may submit a completed proposal demonstrating the need for supplemental literature and how the resources will be utilized in the support of literacy instruction in the classroom.

2020-2021 VPK Flexible School Year Options Private and Public School Providers
Did you miss the virtual VPK webinar for providers? We've got you covered. Take a moment to review the recording to learn about the VPK Flexible Innovative Option for Providers.

If you have any questions, reach out to the Provider Relations Team at questions@elcbroward.org
United Way Learning Pod Applicants
United Way has now posted the collaborative funders’ initial learning pod choices. The listing of the selected sites can be found on United Way's website. The funders’ dollars will flow through ELC Broward for any child care center chosen.
The Innovative Instructional Institute (i3) presents…a Virtual Learning Studio Event Series
Are you currently unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic? CareerSource Broward is currently hiring for a teacher's aide and teacher's assistant.
FLAEYC 65th Annual Conference on October 15-17, 2020
The Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC) is thrilled to host the 65th Annual Conference on October 15-17, 2020. Due to the ongoing public health concerns, this professional development and networking opportunity will be conducted completely online. Despite the change in venue, our commitment to FLAEYC members and Florida’s early childhood educators remains consistent and we promise the 2020 Conference experience will provide plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth for all child care professionals and advocates.

Upcoming Trainings
Featured Training of the Month:
Active Movement & Learning in the VPK Classroom
Children develop remarkable physical, motor, and sensory capacities that enhance exploration and mastery of the environment during their first five years of life. In this webinar VPK Teachers will learn about the Florida Early Learning and Development Standards within the Physical Development domain. Teachers can expect to discover ways in which they can implement concepts like physical play, safety, personal care routines, gross and fine motor development in the classroom and the playground.

Want more ELC Broward Trainings?

All of our trainings can be found on our website calendar, which is updated on a weekly basis.
Provider Toolkit
Awareness & Education
Baby Safety Month - September is Baby Safety Month and Safe Kids Worldwide shares 5 Tips for New Parents.
Child Passenger Safety Week - September 20th - 26th is Child Passenger Safety Week, KidsHealth from Nemours shares important information on Choosing Safe Baby Products: Infant Seats & Child Safety Seats and Car Seat Safety for parents. In addition to making sure the child rides safely, always remember to check the backseat of the car before locking the doors. Adding this action to your daily routine helps keep children safe. 
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - The CDC has many resources and promotion materials to help stress the importance of washing hands with soap and water. Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.
Free Online Tools
DREME offers families 3 interactive storybook apps for playful early math learning available free on Google Play or the App Store.
Kahn Academy Kids offers families a fun educational program for children ages two to seven. You can download a free app with math and other learning activities to use at home with your child.
The 3Ts helps your families with continued learning and engagement with their children with the 3Ts: Tune In, Talk More, Take Turns. This complimentary online program develops skills you can use to build your child’s brain as you go about your new and old daily routines.