April 2026 Provider Update

April 3, 2026

Attention VPK & SR Providers!

Please read the NEW updated information below regarding VPK and SR program providers! For general questions regarding this information, please contact our Provider Relations Department at (941) 757-2900 ext. 2300.

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Autism Awareness Month

Learn more about Autism and tools to track your child's growth from birth to five, how the New World's Reading Initiative can help build reading confidence and foster a love of reading at home, tips to support sensory play, explore Florida state parks, and MORE in the April issue of DEL's Parents' Pages!

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Provider Update Meeting

Please join us in person or virtually on April 14th at 1:00 pm for an opportunity to connect with our Provider Relations Team for an overview of how to complete a School Readiness Contract and VPK Application, and stay informed on important updates that support your work with children and families.

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T2K & VPK Summer Bridge

Please review the important requirement through the link below. It is vital that this information be shared clearly and promptly with your VPK families to ensure they are well-informed and prepared to support their child's ongoing success.

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Spring Resources

With the arrival of Spring last week comes the arrival of spring allergies. Use MarcoPolo For Educators to help teach your students about the different types of allergies and how our bodies respond to them.

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Awareness of Print

As young children's knowledge of the world continues to grow during the prekindergarten year, their vocabulary will also expand. The first step to learning a new word begins with the ability to recognize environmental print, and is often the first introduction to reading.

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TUESDAY

APRIL 7

Discovery Source Training: Teachers as Architects

Building the Social Brain 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

This virtual session will connect research findings with practical classroom strategies to support intentional early childhood educators' practices, as well

as children's mental health and essential social-emotional skills. Spots are limited, email janthony@elc-manatee.org to register today!

OPEN

APRIL 2026

NEW: Sleep Baby Safely Training

Sharpen the tools in your teacher, caregiver, or parent toolbox while learning how to help prevent infant deaths caused by unsafe sleep environments. Participants will earn 2.5 in-service hours and receive a stipend for completing the training. Learn More

OPEN

APRIL 2026

Handle With Care Training

Handle with Care’ is an initiative aimed at helping children succeed in school

by alerting school staff with a simple notice when a student experiences a traumatic event involving law enforcement or Child Protection Services (CPS).

OPEN

APRIL 2026

MarcoPolo April Training

MarcoPolo offers training in English and Spanish for ELC or RCMA Providers, Teachers, or Directors to learn more about how MarcoPolo For Families and MarcoPolo for Educators enhances family engagement and classroom quality. Learn More