The Children’s Forum congratulates the 2025–26 Academy Fellows on their graduation at the Early Learning Leadership Breakfast during Children’s Week! Special thanks to Highlights Early Learning for joining us to celebrate their accomplishments. We look forward to the next steps in their advocacy journey!

Attention child care program owners and directors:

• Are you or your staff interested in earning an early childhood credential or renewing your current one?
• Would you like to further your education with an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in Early Childhood?
• For Broward and Osceola programs: Does your staff need to earn ECE college credits to help them maintain eligibility and/or increase their INCENTIVE$ Florida stipend level?

Great news - the TEACH Early Childhood^® Scholarship Program is here to help! Through scholarships and comprehensive supports for early educators, TEACH works to establish a well-qualified, fairly-compensated, and stable workforce for Florida’s children. Apply now and you can get started as early as the Summer or Fall 2026.

In addition to tuition assistance and a dedicated counselor, eligible TEACH scholarship models provide:

• $75 book stipends per approved course
• A student access stipend each term of $250-$300
• 90% computer reimbursements, up to $500 every three years 
• A reimbursement TEACH pays to the sponsor to help cover release time for teachers working 30+ hours
• Contract completion bonuses from $500 to $1,500

It only takes about 15 minutes to complete the TEACH Scholarship application. Click the button below to get started or visit the TEACH website for additional details.

It's a Wrap! Another Incredible Children's Week is in the Books ✨

The Children’s Forum was proud to serve as the Organizing Partner for Children’s Week Florida 2026, held February 22-27. As the state’s largest celebration dedicated to children, teens, and advocates, this impactful event brings together partners, families, educators, and supporters to speak with One Voice and champion the message that every child deserves to thrive. We're proud to share some memories from the week!

Children's Week Florida Recap:

2026 Highlights & Spotlights

Nearly 33,000 pieces of custom hand artwork were collected from across the state to create the Celebration of the Hands display. This vibrant visual served as a beautiful backdrop at the Capitol and stood as a daily reminder to legislators and visitors that the future of our children rests in their hands. 

The Advocacy Dinner and Awards Ceremony honored three exceptional advocates for their commitment to children and families. Guests also enjoyed a musical performance by keynote speaker Coy Bowles, member of the Zac Brown Band and children’s book author.

Chiles Advocate:Ted Granger

Impact Advocate:Virginia Jacko 
Youth Advocate: Clint John, Jr.

More than 3,000 children, teachers, families, and advocates filled the Capitol Complex for Children’s Day at the Capitol. This event provided engaging activities, youth entertainment, a press conference, and much more.

The 12th annual Storybook Village brought stories to life with themed booths and activities. Children who visited the Village received free books to keep the excitement going at home.

Storybook Garden featured sensory-friendly activities and supportive services for children with unique abilities. It also served as a quiet and calming space amid the large crowds at Children's Day.

Teen Day at the Capitol hosted more than 150 students at the Challenger Learning Center. This event included small group discussions, a visit to the State Capitol to explore the legislative process, and tours of the historic Capitol building. Attendees of this teen-centric event also helped honor some incredible advocates in the out-of-school-time space. 

Nearly 200 early childhood advocates came together for the Early Learning Leadership Breakfast, held Wednesday during Children's Week. Roy Keister of Scottsdale Academy was honored with the Early Learning Leadership Award for his remarkable contributions to the field. 

Thoughtful Thursday allowed people to participate in Children’s Week Florida via webinars through the comfort of their homes or offices. This year's Thoughtful Thursday focused on on the importance of language development and early interventions for young children.  ICYMI, you can click the button below to access these recordings.

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Dramatic Play in Early Childhood Classrooms

In Florida, severe weather and natural disasters are a familiar part of life. Hurricanes and major storms can impact entire communities, including the youngest children in early learning programs. During these times, educators often help children understand what is happening while providing reassurance and stability in the classroom.

Weathering the Storm was developed to help early childhood programs support these important conversations in developmentally appropriate ways. Part of the Weather & Natural Disaster Education Series, the micro-curriculum provides educators with practical resources that help guide discussions and activities focused on understanding weather events and supporting children during uncertain times.

Designed for children ages 3–5, the Weathering the Storm kit includes a Teacher Curriculum Guide and five carefully selected children’s books aligned to program practices. Together, these materials help educators introduce concepts through storytelling, reflection, and guided learning experiences that are appropriate for young learners.

Why programs love Weathering the Storm

• Created by Dr. Lauren Loquasto, author of the “Big Conversations with Little Children” series
• Utilizes 5 NAEYC derived learning domains
• Features activities for every classroom center

By combining children’s literature with structured guidance for educators, Weathering the Storm helps programs approach challenging topics with care and intention. These resources support educators in creating classroom environments where children can ask questions, build understanding, and feel reassured.

Weathering the Storm includes a Teacher Curriculum Guide and five program-aligned children’s books designed to help educators support children ages 3–5 during severe weather events. It is available for purchase exclusively at TheDiscoverySource.com.

This article was contributed by The Discovery Source, a valued Forum Forward member.

We’re thrilled to welcome Kaplan to Forum Forward, our growing community of corporate partners! For more than 50 years, Kaplan Early Learning Company has been a champion of play. From research-based curricula to enriching classroom environments and innovative technology solutions, Kaplan’s products and services inspire a lifelong love of learning in children and educators, encourage the eager, and build inseparable bonds that last a lifetime. Together, let's transform lives through play.

As a Forum Forward member, Kaplan receives exclusive opportunities to collaborate among a cadre of business executives, policy experts, stakeholders, and leaders in the early care and education community! We are proud to help them and other organizations expand their impact in the early learning field through promotional services, educational opportunities, and networking events.

INCENTIVE$ Florida provides annual stipends of up to $5,000 to early educators who earn credentials, college credits, or degrees while remaining committed to the field. This locally funded program recognizes professional growth and rewards early educators for their dedication to the classroom.

Research shows that inadequate pay is the leading cause of turnover among early learning educators across the country. INCENTIVE$ helps address this need by ensuring that children in the classroom benefit from highly educated and experienced professionals. In partnership with the TEACH Early Childhood^® Scholarship Program, INCENTIVE$ supports participating educators while strengthening Florida’s early learning workforce.

We would love to help bring INCENTIVE$ to your community! To learn more, contact us at 850-487-6300 or send an email to incentivesquestions@thechildrensforum.com.

Help Me Grow^® Florida provides free expert knowledge on child development and ensures children and families are connected to needed community-based services and supports. Sponsored by the Children's Forum, HMGF is based 43 counties across Florida and is constantly growing. Together, we are working to help all children thrive.

Many pediatricians recommend HMGF to the families they serve. Dr. Carolyn Marasco is grateful for HMGF and is and is incorporating the program into the training of future pediatricians. We are thankful for Dr. Marasco, and to all physicians, whose dedication and compassion continue to improve the lives of the children and families in their care.