March 17, 2021
Technical Assistance for new OEL Provider Portal

The Coalition would like you to know that you now have the ability to renew both SR and VPK Contracts for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 utilizing the 2021-2022 PROFILE update. This year we are offering Technical Assistance & Contract support via virtual ZOOM meetings. With these ZOOM meetings, Providers can receive one-on-one technical assistance with the contracting process on the NEW OEL Provider Portal and talk with Coalition Staff to receive assistance with the PROFILE questions and requirements.

Time slots are available in 20-minute increments and you will need to sign up for a designated time. Once you have signed up, an invitation and link to your designated ZOOM meeting will be emailed to you.

You should have the following information with you at the ZOOM Meeting:
  • W-9  Signed and dated for upload
  • Current screenshot of the SUNBIZ website showing ACTIVE and having borders showing the website and date information pulled down for upload
 
SR Providers ONLY:
  • Private Rate Statement as of July 1, 2021 for each age category served. You will need the information to enter in the PROFILE-Private Pay Rates and to upload it to the Document Tab. Providers are requested to list both Full-Time and Part-Time rates for each age category. If you do not typically do Part-Time, list the Full-Time rate in these spaces so there are compensation amounts in the system for each age category.
  • List of closure dates between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.
Please follow the link below to reserve your time slot NOW! ZOOM Meetings where screens are shared are not compatible with mobile devices, so we recommend using your computer. If you have questions about ZOOM or how these meetings will work, please email the Redline with “ZOOM” in the subject line.
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

Use the button to the right to join the Zoom meeting at the designated time.
Employment Bulletin Board

The Department of Children and Families’ Child Care Program Office is offering a tool for child care providers to advertise available positions at their facility.

Learn how to post a Job Ad and view Job Applicants by reviewing the flyer below.
COVID-19 Vaccinations for
Child Care Workers

This is great news for our early educators! The Biden Administration has challenged the state to get teachers, school staff, and workers in child care programs their first COVID-19 vaccinations by the end of March, according to the CDC.

Local pharmacy retailers participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program are Publix, CVS, Winn-Dixie, Walgreens, Walmart and Sam’s Club.
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.
Last Call for Hand Artwork!
Be sure to string together hand art into 8 to10 foot strands, and attach a name card including your program name, program city, class name, and class age group. We want our legislators to spot hand art from their hometown. 

Due to necessary COVID precautions, we are asking all providers to mail their hand artwork directly to the ELC of Big Bend. 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 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