June 12, 2020
Reminder: Mini Grants Opportunities Available for Child Care Providers & Instructors
To support early learning/childcare providers during the COVID-19 state of emergency, Early Learning Coalitions have been given the authority to award mini-grants to be used by providers. As a reminder, there are three types of mini-grants available, which may be used for the following purposes:
 
  1. Purchase of supplies that help meet health and safety needs related to COVID-19 - up to $1,000
  2. Payment of infrastructure/operating costs - up to $1,000
  3. Stipend payments to early learning practitioners who completed certain professional development trainings beginning on March 1, 2020 and while the emergency declaration is in effect.
 
Details on eligibility requirements, forms and FAQs can be found on our website at www.elcbroward.org/minigrants .
ELC News & Updates
2020/21 Provider Profile Submission
Thanks to all providers that have completed their 20/21 Provider Profile on the Provider Portal! If your 20/21 profile has not yet been activated and you are planning to offer VPK in the coming school year, it is especially important that you complete the profile or make any requested corrections to the profile immediately. VPK contracts and applications are currently being initiated on the Provider Portal for those providers with active 20/21 profiles. As we anticipate the start of a new VPK school year, please keep the following deadlines in mind:

  • Providers opting for advance payment for fall must have their 20/21 VPK contract and application certified and have children on their roster by July 1 in order to receive the first advance payment for the school year.
  •  VPK Providers on Probation for the school year must have their improvement plan submitted at https://vpkrates.floridaearlylearning.com/home by July 10 in order to give the ELC ample time to review and for any necessary corrections to be made by the provider. Please note that Improvement Plans for Providers on Probation must be approved 30 days prior to the first day of your VPK class schedule. If you submit your plan after July 10 or if you have corrections pending, you will be required to change your VPK calendar(s) to ensure the start date is at least 30 days away.

We continue to await guidance from the Office of Early Learning regarding School Readiness contracts for 20/21. Please check your e-mail frequently for updates from the Early Learning Coalition so that you will know what is required for your program to continue offering School Readiness services after June 30.

Thank you for your cooperation and we wish you a healthy and safe summer!
Executive Order Updates for the 2020 Summer VPK Program
An Executive Order was recently issued with new guidance for the 2020 Summer VPK Program. The updates are as follows:
  • The 2020 Summer VPK program shall constitute a minimum of 200-hours of instruction.
  • 2020 Summer VPK program to authorize a private school administrator who holds a valid certificate in educational leadership issued by the department to satisfy the requirement for a prekindergarten director credential.
  • All assessments for the 2020 Summer VPK program are cancelled.

Click here to view the Executive Order.
June 1 Virtual Plan Meeting Recording
On Monday, June 1, ELC Broward held a virtual PLAN meeting.

During this meeting, we discussed the mini-grants opportunties, provider payments and child care safety information provided by Child Care Licensing.

Click here to view the video.
Training Videos Now Available on ELC Website
If you've missed a training, or would like to re-watch one, you can now do so on our website. Trainings will be added on a weekly basis.

Professional Development
The Business & Leadership Institute for Early Learning Masterclass Workshop
The  Business & Leadership Institute for Early Learning  is offering a  FREE  Masterclass Series. Learn how to adapt to the disrupted business environment and shape a childcare program that will generate the real revenue necessary to create quality programming and care, offering more than a living wage and shape a business that is uniquely yours.

Beginning September 2020, the 8 full-day masterclass sessions will begin at ELC of Broward, continuing with two through four at Broward County Main Library and completing course work in sessions five through eight at Nova Southeastern University.

NAEYC Virtual Institute
The National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) will provide 6 weeks of FREE Online Professional Development for child care providers and families!

Early Learning Florida launches its next Early Childhood Leadership Development Course on June 15
Community Resources
EVERYONE in our
Community Can
Help Protect Children
With children out of school, WE ALL need to step up and keep watch. If you have any concerns, REPORT IT! OUR CHILDREN NEED US! Learn more about the signs of abuse and ways to report if you see something. Brought to you by Handle With Care. Read more
COVID-19 Resources for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in helping children feel safe and secure. As we adjust
to this new “normal,” children may feel sad and worried about their friends, family and even
themselves. Below are some tips and resources that will help your family have conversations about
COVID-19, manage stress, and obtain additional support for your family. Read more
Reporting Abuse During COVID-19
With schools, many daycares and most extra-curricular activities being closed due to COVID-19,
we need you now more than ever to help keep our children safe. As Floridians, we all have the
responsibility to report any suspicion or knowledge of abuse or neglect (39.201 F.S.). By making a
report, you are not only ensuring the child’s safety, you are also providing help and support to the
family. Learn more
Message from Child Aware America:
Yale School of Medicine survey regarding child care during the COVID-19 crisis
Your participation in a Yale School of Medicine survey regarding child care during the COVID-19 crisis is requested. Please help us by participating in a brief (12-20 minute long) survey being sent to child care providers like you across the nation. Your answers will be completely confidential. We need as many voices and experiences as possible as we try to determine the rate at which child care providers have become ill with COVID-19 symptoms and which strategies may have helped keep them safer. We need to hear from you whether you were open or closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Click here for more information on how to participate in the study.
For additional resources, please visit our website: www.elcbroward.org/coronavirus