Status of Child Care and the Effects of the Pandemic in Florida

Child care is an essential but fragile system primarily made up of small businesses with slim profit margins. The impact of COVID-19 on our communities has been dramatic. At least half of child care programs have closed temporarily, and those that remain open are financially stressed, even while they are providing care for other essential workers. They are anxious about their ability to remain in business with reduced capacity and staffing, as well as limited financial resources.   When our communities and local businesses are able to reopen, it is questionable whether child care will be available to meet the demands of working families. Parents could be forced to remain home even if it is safe to return to work. I am truly concerned.   Early educators are essential workers. A strong economy depends upon a stable early learning workforce. This is why the Forum will continue to advocate for increased funding for early educators and child care programs, especially during these challenging times. Wishing everyone a healthy and safe summer.

Phyllis Kalifeh, Ed.D. President and CEO  

Voice of an Early Childhood Director through the Pandemic Lens

Emilu Alvarez, program director of the NAEYC-accredited Creative Learning Center in Miami, has had to make some hard decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many child care directors in Florida, Emilu was overwhelmed with trying to maintain financial stability while shouldering the responsibilities of caring for children. Emilu shares her story below:   On March 14, 2020, (which feels like years ago) I remember sending a message to the parents in my program and telling them we were fine, that we were taking all precautions to avoid the spread of this epidemic. The following week, as more concerns in the community arose, so did the absences of our children. We immediately started calling families if a child was absent. We were trying to reassure them that we were following guidelines. As a provider, I was feeling very alone . Read More

Please make a note of the Forum's new address for your records

Mark your calendar for a free webinar on legal considerations for child care programs and COVID-19

Child care programs, like other businesses, have an obligation to try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In addition, employers and owners of these programs have a legal obligation to their workers to provide a safe workplace.  Join us for a free one-hour webinar that will provide attendees with information and resources, as well as discuss steps you can take to help protect your children, families, employees and your program. Space is limited. Click here to register.

Thank you, early educators! You are an essential workforce, and we created this video in your honor. #IamEssential

T .E.A.C.H. to reimburse active scholars for the cost of a new computer or laptop We have exciting news! T.E.A.C.H. can now cover the purchase of a new computer or laptop (up to $500) for active scholars taking online coursework. To find out if you are eligible or to submit a reimbursement form, please contact your T.E.A.C.H. counselor at 877-FL-TEACH (877-358-3224).  Florida's early educators are ESSENTIAL to INCENTIVE$! Since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, INCENTIVE$ has awarded more than 1,200 checks to participating early childhood educators and providers. The average award amount is $480. Many thanks to our generous funders whose support makes our work possible. For more information about INCENTIVE$, call 888-352-4453 or visi t incentives-fl.org . Welcome, FAN! We are pleased to welcome the Florida Afterschool Network (FAN) and Director, Brian Hickey, to the Children’s Forum beginning in October 2020. The Forum will serve as the administrative home for FAN, and Brian will continue to lead efforts to improve and expand high-quality afterschool opportunities that are accessible, affordable, accountable and inclusive. To learn more, visit flafterschool.com . 

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