March 20, 2020
Dear Teachers,

We, at the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, appreciate your dedication to the children and families you serve. We also understand your concerns for your own health and the health of your personal families regarding COVID-19. At this time the Coalition has requested that parents contact their individual child care provider for information on possible closures. Please, if you haven’t already, follow the Coalition on Facebook for our most-up-to date information.

For more information on COVID-19 and how the State of Florida is combating this virus, visit the Florida Department of Health website. 
Free & Fun Resources
Sometimes we spend more time at work than home. Take this time to utilize the free educational materials and tips on indoor activities links below and have FUN!
Vroom provides science-based tips and tools to inspire families to turn shared, everyday moments into Brain Building Moments®.
By supporting the caring adults who touch the lives of infants and toddlers, Zero to Three hopes to maximize the long-term impact in ensuring all infants and toddlers have a bright future.
With both a parent and caregiver section, Sesame Street in Communities is here to support you in your efforts.
Provides quality information and trusted resources to parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age eight.
The Coalition has been in constant contact with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the families of Northwest Florida have the most up-to-date information about preventative measures and possible exposure.

Please, if you haven't already, follow the Coalition on Facebook for their most up-to-date information. At this time, we recommend relying on the preventative measures listed below to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Practice other good health habits.

For more information on how to keep your family safe, please click the blue button below.
Have you been wondering how, and what, to explain to your students during this confusing time? According to the Child Mind Institute, kids worry more when they're kept in the dark. Luckily for us, they already compiled a list of meaningful tips and topics to reassure the children in your care that they're safe and short a video of kid-friendly ways to explain the COVID-19.

Please click the blue button below to review the Child Mind Institute's list of ways to reassure your children and/or watch the kid-friendly explanation video.
Finding The Right FIT For Your Class
Exercise isn't just physical - the brain needs to be involved too! Help your students flex all their muscles with 3 FREE weeks of Fluency & Fitness. This kid-tested and teacher-approved video library focuses on engaging the children with meaningful action while also expanding their knowledge on both reading and math. Click the blue button below to view the activity previews and begin you 3 week FREE trial today!
Boost your classroom energy with the addition of GoNoodle! With FREE access to: movement type, sensory & motor skills, SEL & mindfulness, and curricular categories, the children you care for will be sure to dance their way into a more balanced lifestyle. Click the blue button below to start today!
Florida Department of Health
Tips and Infographics
Continuity of Education
Free Educational Websites & Activities
While many large group gatherings have been suspended to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, we at the Coalition understand that you and the children in your care still need to experience life and all it has to offer. Please consider utilizing the virtual field trip link below to explore over 30 different activities and sights.
Maintaining healthy children and parents is the Coalitions highest priority! A very close second priority is continuity of care and education. We understand your concerns and we want you to know we are here to support you and the children you care for. Please click the links below for free kid-friendly educational websites.
Stronger Together & Better Than Ever
We, at the Coalition, know the teachers in our service area will come back from COVID-19 stronger together - and better than ever. To help you rock the rest of this school year, we would like to introduce you to the Technical Assistance and Training System (TATS) where you can rock your classroom and your plan! Click the blue button below and review the various checklists, editable lesson plans, and sooo much more!
We exist to grow healthy children, parents, and the relationship between them.
Sponsored by the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida and the State of Florida, Office of Early Learning