Early Learning Coalition
of St. Lucie County
Your Champions of Early Education
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July 2021
Parent Newsletter:
Resources for Your Family!
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It’s almost time! Your child may soon be starting their very first day of voluntary prekindergarten (VPK)! Be sure to capture this monumental day with photos by downloading and printing the “My First Day of VPK” sign HERE.
If you are sharing the photos on social media, be sure to use the tag #1stDayVPK. The Division of Early Learning will be sharing #1stDayVPK tagged pictures on our social media sites through the beginning of September this 2021–2022 school year. You can follow along using #1stDayVPK on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Additionally, you can use the special online Facebook digital photo frame to commemorate your child's big day! To add the frame, click here and search for "My First Day of VPK." Adjust the frame to your liking and then click "Use as Profile Picture."
First Day Tips for VPK
- Arrive early and allow enough time for your child to become familiar with their classroom and teacher before you say goodbye.
- Plan the night before and visualize the day. Help your child know what to expect and let them imagine how their first day will go.
- Don’t try and sneak away to prevent a meltdown. Accept that saying goodbye will be emotional but remind your child that they will be safe and will have fun at their new school. Even if they run off to play with friends, make sure you let your child know you are leaving.
- Practice getting ready in the morning, packing lunch and even driving to the school before the first day to help your child get familiar with this new routine.
- Let your child know how proud you are of them even before they take the first steps into the classroom.
VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) is a free program designed to prepare four-year-old children for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. VPK is available to all four-year-old children born on or before September 1st that reside in Florida, regardless of family income. Parents can choose from private child care centers or public schools and school-year or summer programs. Apply online today using your computer, tablet or smart phone, by clicking this Family Portal button or visiting our home page. Although our office is currently closed to visitors due to pandemic, you can call 772-595-6363 and our team can help guide you through the process.
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Boredom can be the launchpad for creativity! Whether it’s mealtime, bath time or anytime in between, there are so many great ways to help build your child’s brain. This PDF from our friends at VROOM has a few brain building activities for ages 0-5. Print them out, put them on your fridge, cut the cards out and put them in your purse - whatever helps to remind you that these great moments are all around you in the things you already do. Check out the pages that are relevant to you and your child, and print the ones you want. For example, ages 0-1 are on pages 2-5, etc.
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2021 Back To School Sales Tax Holiday
Consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax during the 2021 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Saturday, July 31 and extends through Monday, August 9.
ITEMS EXEMPT FROM SALES TAX:
- Most school supplies selling for $15 or less
- Clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $60 or less
- The first $1,000 of the sales price of computers and accessories (when purchased for noncommercial and personal use)
For a full list, please visit:
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Mosaic Digital Academy
Deadline 7/13/2021
Superintendent E. Wayne Gent announced in April that the St. Lucie Public school district will return to traditional, in-person learning for the 21-22 school year.
Families that would still like a virtual option for the upcoming school year can apply to enroll their child in Mosaic Digital Academy K-12.
The "virtual program" link to apply for Mosaic Digital Academy for the 21-22 school year can be found on the district webpage at
on the right-hand side.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, July 13, 2021.
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Children's Mental Health Matters
The Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County has awarded a $26,000 grant to Tykes & Teens, a leading provider of the highest quality, evidence-based mental health services and programs for children and adolescents for 25 years. The funding will support the agency’s Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program. Tykes & Teens is the only provider of this high-fidelity, evidence-based programming on the Treasure Coast, and the only Infant Mental Health provider in the region serving clients from newborn to age five and their families. “We have partnered with Tykes & Teens for several years on Infant Mental Health and Trauma Informed Care initiatives through funding provided by both our Children’s Service Council and the United Way of St. Lucie County,” said Tony Loupe, CEO, Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County. “We have seen the great work their specialized therapists do with children and families experiencing challenges, along with providing supports for the teachers of our childcare centers. When we were informed by Florida’s Division of Early Learning, Department of Education, of the ability to receive additional funding through the Federal Preschool Development Birth through Five Renewal Grant focusing on mental health initiatives, we immediately thought of Tykes & Teens. This funding will enhance our existing partnership commitment to our most vulnerable and youngest of children we serve while strengthening the childcare teacher and parent’s skills to support children’s healthy social emotional development.”
Tykes& Teens will be featuring a FREE Video Series in July & August!
As we emerge from the pandemic and students prepare to return to more in-person school and other activities following over a year of isolation, many are struggling with feelings of being overwhelmed, and feeling anxious and depressed. We’re looking forward to preparing parents and students for return to school and other in-person activities with a free “Mental Health Matters - Returning with Resilience” video series that will premiere on Facebook @TykesTeens starting July 14. The series features 15-minute video segments with leading mental health experts, educators and students that will include conversations with practical tips, tools and resources to help parents and students navigate back into a routine and emerge from the pandemic with resilience. For more info and resources, visit https://www.tykesandteens.org/mental-health-matters-series/
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July is National Ice Cream Month!
This is a perfect opportunity to use the 3Ts with your child.
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The 3Ts help parents optimize the power of language in everyday moments.
Tune In to what your child is focused on or excited about! Be in the moment.
Talk More ask about their favorite flavors or toppings. Share about what the ice cream feels like when eating it. If making Sundae's at home, discuss each step with
your child as you help them build their masterpiece.
Take Turns in the conversation with your child.
Find more tips for talking and interacting with your child at the 3Ts.org.
To learn more, click the image below:
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Khan Academy Kids is offering 4 weeks of Virtual Summer Camp!
Learn More:
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Free activities including baby bump & face painting, character meet & greets, balloon twisting, fun activity zones, crafts & more. Learn about local products, services and resources!
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SLC Libraries & TC Food Banks Are Partnering to Offer Grab & Go Meals
for St Lucie County Students!
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Help Me Grow Florida & ParentEducate.com Partner to offer Free, Online Parenting Classes.
Use code: HELPMEGROWFL for free Access for year!
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Save what you can, when you can with a Florida 529 Savings Plan.
Also, you can set up automatic monthly payments for as little as $25 per month. The Florida 529 Savings Plan provides a flexible, tax- advantaged way to save for college and/or K-12 expenses.
Use promo code: VPK529
to get a free $50 added to your new account.
For More Information:
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The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible families and households who are struggling to stay connected during the #COVID19 pandemic. Qualifying households on Tribal lands can receive a discount of up to $75 per month for service. Eligible households can also receive a discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. For more info, please visit:
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Join Sunshine Laundry and Big Brothers Big Sisters Reads at the Sunshine Laundry Centers in Fort Pierce for some exciting activities.
BBBS Reads Tutors will be on site to read and play educational games with your children.
Saturdays:
2504 S US HWY 1
1606 Orange Ave
May 29- July 31
10am-1pm
Wednesdays:
1606 Orange Ave (Only)
June 2- July 28
1pm-3pm
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Need More Information About Selecting the Childcare That Fits Your Family?
Childcare Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is a FREE community service offering information and
referral services to all families who are seeking:
- Quality childcare information
- Summer and holiday childcare solutions
- Childcare services for a special needs child
- Financial assistance options
CCR&R also assists in the recruitment, startup and support of providers, while promoting quality, availability and affordability of existing services in the community.
CCR&R makes referrals only, not recommendations. We do not warrant the information provided. We do not license, endorse or recommend any particular provider, nor can we assure a program gives quality childcare.
To Find Out More, Contact a CCR&R Specialist at the Early Learning Coalition of St Lucie County at (772) 595-6363
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Early Learning Coalition is Here For You
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At this time the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County remains closed to the public. However, we remain in office to serve the community and to help access ELC services:
Visit Us Online:
Call Us, Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm
(772)595-6363
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Parent Pages from the Division of Early Learning |
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Follow The Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County
On Our Social Networks!
Events, Resources, Parenting Tips and More!
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Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County www.elcslc.org 772-595-6424 |
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