March 10, 2021
You are invited to a Zoom webinar!

When: March 18, 2021 11:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Topic: Information regarding changes in the EFS Mod System related to children in the "Pending Family Acceptance" status as it relates to payments to Providers

Click the button below to join the Zoom meeting at the designated time.
Coming Soon!

Be on the lookout for additional information regarding future monthly Zoom sessions to discuss the new EFS Mod System features and processes. These monthly sessions will address any questions you may have as we hope to improve your experience with the new system.
Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women and also inspire a new generation of young women! See below for stories, information, and activities to celebrate Women’s History Month with young readers.
VPK Registration Now Open for 2021-22 School Year

Please remind parents of 4-year-olds that the VPK registration is now open for the 2021-22 School year. You can direct parents to the VPK page at elcnwf.org for more information using the button below.
The Coalition will be working on a campaign to promote VPK and encourage parents to enroll their qualifying 4-year-olds for the 2021-22 school year. In addition to our outreach and media strategy, we will be producing some marketing assets for Providers to utilize to assist in their enrollment efforts.
Look to the upcoming Provider Newsletters for more information about how to access those materials.
Place your hand artwork in the mail this week!
You can begin creating your hand artwork as soon as you would like. This year, we are asking that each program string together their hand art into 8- to 10-foot strands, and attach a name card including the program name, program city, class name, and class age group. We want our legislators to spot hand art from their hometown. 

  • Hand artwork must be strung together and secured prior to mailing. Please do not send individual hands.
  • Alternatively, you may also use the hands to create small posters that should be no larger than 11x14.

We ask that ALL strands of hand art be completed by March 12th. Due to necessary COVID precautions, we are asking all providers to mail their hand artwork directly to the ELC of Big Bend no later than March 12th to allow for the USPS shipping times. Please mail to:
The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region
2639 N. Monroe Street, Building C
Tallahassee, FL 32303

If you need us to come pick up your artwork, please email redline@elcnwf.org
It has been a while since we have recognized an amazing teacher in our area, and we know there are many of them out there! We want to help you recognize teachers in your centers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. During the last week of this month, one teacher will be chosen for a prize in recognition of their hard work and dedication to the children they teach every day. You can nominate teachers from your centers by the 30th of every month by sending the following information through the Redline :

  • Photograph of the teacher (can be a head-shot or photo of them in action) 
  • Short paragraph about who they are
  • One thing (or more) this teacher has done to go above and beyond the call of duty 

Let's see those nominations flood the redline!
We are looking for parents to join the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

Download a copy of the flyer by clicking the button below. Please make sure all parents in your center receive a copy of this flyer. You can print to send home with each of your children, or you can simply post the flyer on your social media page.
As OEL is reviewing VPK success rates between VPK vs. Non-VPK programs across the state, the Coalition wanted to remind you about the OEL sponsored Virtual Study Buddies (VSB) opportunities, to assist VPK teachers as they review for the end of course assessments that are required for some of the VPK trainings. These sessions are FREE and provide an opportunity for participants to ask clarifying questions and get a better understanding of the course content that they will be testing on.  
Florida KidCare

In a time when the health and safety of our community are most important, help keep the children in your center insured.
 
Encourage families in your centers to contact ELCNWF for information and assistance applying for Florida KidCare. Call 850-747-5400 X 108 or request CCR&R via the link below!
March Special Dates

Women’s History Month
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
National Craft Month

March 12
National Girl Scout Day
National Plant a Flower Day

March 13
National Good Samaritan Day

March 14
National Children’s Craft Day
National Learn About Butterflies Day
National Pi Day
Daylight Saving Time
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day

March 19
National Let’s Laugh Day

March 20
Spring Begins

March 21
World Down Syndrome Day

March 30
National Pencil Day

March 31
National Crayon Day
We exist to grow healthy children, parents, and the relationship between them.
Sponsored by the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida and the State of Florida, Office of Early Learning