March 2026 Provider Update

March 6, 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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Spring Into Action

Enjoy hands-on activities that spark curiosity and joy as a family, prioritizing water safety, tips to help support phonological awareness at home, summer camp planning checklists, and MORE in the March issue of DEL's Parents' Pages!

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Thank You for Attending

MCYC 2026!

We hope you enjoyed your day! To receive your certificate, please log into your LearnUpon account and complete the required post-survey by Tuesday, March 31. Click on the link below for Instructions and CEU information.

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MCYC 2026 Devereux Kit

Thank you for attending MCYC 2026! We encourage you to explore the Build Your Bounce Back Kit to support you as you care for others. Start with the self-paced course and use the tools to build resilience, manage stress, and bounce back from challenges.

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Provider Update Meeting

Please join us in person or virtually on March 10 at 1:00 pm for an opportunity to connect with our Child Development Team for insight on frequently asked questions, and stay informed on important updates that support your work with children and families.

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2026 DeSoto Children's Parade

& ELC Party in the Park

Join us on Friday, April 3, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm for a FREE family event! Group performances/floats will showcase America's history, culture, and values as they parade their way down 10th Street, ending with a party in Sutton Park featuring the ELC Book Bus, local agencies, crafts, and more!

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Substitute Pool Provider Training

Through ELC Manatee's partnership with Tandem, child care providers have access to 4 quarterly virtual training sessions focused on staffing best practices. Register to join the sessions in LearnUpon and build your talent toolbox!

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FREE Autism Screening (Ages 0-5)

In partnership with the Florida Department of Health, Easterseals of Southwest Florida is offering families with concerns about their child’s development a free Autism screening. Providers may also refer children identified with delays through Ages & Stages or other developmental tools.

New After-School Curriculum

Share Your Input

Learning Beyond Paper is launching a new After-School/Out-of-School Time Curriculum and is gathering feedback on what your afterschool programs need the most. Your voice matters, so please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey.

Take Survey

Invite Your Child to Think

& To Solve Problems

Children who are successful in kindergarten are cooperative, identify and express their feelings, and are able to develop special friendships with peers. Click below for more information and activities that can help foster your child's social-emotional development.

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TUESDAY

MARCH 24

Tuesday Tune-Up: Promoting Sensory Development

6:30 pm-7:30 pm

Join us for an interactive Tuesday Tune-Up! Focused on open conversation, shared experiences, and collaborative learning, this session is designed to encourage meaningful discussion and connection among participants. Ask questions, share strategies, and learn from one another! All teachers welcome!

A separate Spanish session will no longer be offered. Join Us!

TUESDAY

MARCH 24

Language of CLASS: Promoting Instructional Support in the Preschool Classroom (#11636) 6:00 pm

VPK POP Providers & VPK Staff

This instructor-led training is designed for administrators, directors, and teachers of 3-5-year-old children. It focuses on teacher-child interactions through the Pre-K CLASS lens. Register through the DCF website (#11636)

to receive credit and re-register on Zoom using the link provided in your DCF registration.

THURSDAY

MARCH 26

Understanding Your CLASS Scores

6:00 pm-7:30 pm

Join us for an opportunity to connect with an ELC CLASS Assessor and review your classroom scores, discuss how the CLASS tool reflects your daily interactions, and explore ways to use your feedback for continued growth. RSVP by Wednesday, March 25th. Learn More

TUESDAY

MARCH 31

Scribbles Matters (#11637) 6:00 pm

VPK POP Providers & VPK Staff

This instructor-led training is appropriate for administrators, directors, and teachers of 3-5-year-old children. Participants will recognize the characteristics of Emergent Writing and make connections between the Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS®) Domains and the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards (FELDS) in the Language and Literacy Domain. Register through the DCF website (#11637) to receive credit and re-register on Zoom using the link provided in your DCF registration.

OPEN

MARCH 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