November 2020
November 5, 2020 Provider netWORK Webinar
 
You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
When: November 5, 2020 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: November Provider netWORK Meeting
Please register for this webinar using the blue button below. You will receive a confirmation email after completing your registration.

If you have any questions please submit them through the Redline.



November Board Meeting


This month's board meeting has been canceled. We look forward to seeing everyone in December!
Coalition Opportunities
The Coalition will be hosting 20-minute Power TA Sessions focusing on CLASS dimensions every Thursday throughout December, excluding holidays. These power-packed training sessions will provide teachers with a general refresher in specific CLASS dimensions.

Along with the power sessions, we are offering additional socially distanced in-person training options along with virtual alternatives. If you would like to attend an in-person session, please notify the Redline.
Click the button below to sign-up for the perfect power session, virtual or in-person training.
Department of Children & Families Opportunities
DCF is officially providing additional online trainings emphasizing the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards on the DCF Child Care Training System.
  • Implementing the Scientific Domain ​
  • Implementing the Social Studies Domain ​
  • Implementing Approaches in Early Learning Classrooms​

The cost for each course is $10. You can register for your preferred courses by clicking the button below or visiting the DCF Child Care Training System website.
Support for SR and VPK Providers: COVID-19
The Florida Department of Education (DOE) and Office of Early Learning (OEL) have worked to find flexible and meaningful ways to help providers meet the financial challenges brought on by the pandemic. From April through September, both SR and VPK providers were reimbursed based on enrollment instead of attendance. For October, SR providers were reimbursed for up to 16 total absences without documentation. VPK providers were reimbursed according to the “80/20 rule” consistent with the VPK contract.
 
For November:
 
  • Open SR providers will be reimbursed for up to 14 total absences or for 67% of the month without documentation, as this was waived in a DOE executive order. SR providers will continue to be reimbursed for the required parent copayments for all reimbursable days.

  • Open VPK providers, will continue to be reimbursed according to the “80/20 rule” consistent with the VPK contract. This means that you will be reimbursed 100% for students who attend at least 80% of the month.
 
Regarding provider site closures, OEL will continue the standard practice of paying for temporary closures due to COVID or another state of emergency in accordance with rules 6M-4.501 and 6M-8.204(5), F.A.C. Please note that absences are not counted during a temporary closure due to a state of emergency.
VPK Progress Monitoring Pilot: Timelines and Next Steps
Beginning in January 2021, the Office of Early Learning (OEL) will implement a voluntary, two-year pilot to administer the Star Early Literacy Assessment in private and public VPK providers.

STAR Early Literacy in Florida’s VPK programs will establish consistency in assessments between VPK and Kindergarten and provide a more comprehensive overview of the learning and growth continuum during critical early learning years. Providers who decide to participate will have access to a variety of progress reports for their students and resources as well as reports to share with parents.

To learn more about the pilot and how you can participate, please review the recording of the Introductory Webinar! Don't forget to submit your application prior to November 11, 2020. 
We know that this year has been hard, and when you find the teacher that is the right fit for your center you want to try to recognize them as much as you can. While we are all still picking up the pieces, we know that you and your teachers still have a job to do.

This year, the Coalition would like to help you recognize teachers in your centers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. During the last week of every 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 :

  • A photograph of the teacher (can be a head-shot or photo of them in action) 
  • A 1-paragraph biography 
  • One thing (or more) this teacher has done to go above any beyond the call of duty 

If your nominee wins, he or she must like the Coalition Facebook page and/or Twitter to be able to claim their prize. They can find us by searching @ELCNWF on both social media platforms.
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!
November Special Dates
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