April 17, 2020
Dear Teachers,

We, at the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, understand the gravity of this ever evolving situation and applaud your efforts to remain dedicated to the children and families you serve. Together, we will work our way through these uncertain times. As you continue to face this pandemic, please remember - you are not alone. We are here to support you in any and every way we can.

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!
Khan Academy is an acclaimed e-learning platform offering tutorials, assistance, and resources to children and families around the globe.
No matter how many children's shows are on Netflix, it seems like there will never be enough to keep your kids busy during the  COVID-19 quarantine. Thankfully, as this period of self-isolation goes on, more and more resources to entertain and educate children are becoming available — including a few ways to teach youngsters about the environment.
If you’re looking for an alternative to endless Disney movies and video games, educational apps can be an effective use of your child’s screen time. These 29 apps are organized by age (preschool, early elementary, and older kids) to help you find the right apps for your children.
Vroom Tips help you do more with your shared moments. Add learning to mealtime, bathtime, bedtime, or anytime with 1,000+ fun, free activities.
Even while apart the children you care for remain in your heart. We, at the Coalition, know many child care programs have closed due to COVID-19 and many teachers desire the opportunity to teach. If you would like to be the featured teacher on the Coalition's new Virtual Circle Time web series please submit all requests and/or questions to the Redline.
Why We Appreciate
Childcare Teachers & Providers
This article is not about necessary health precautions or containment, it's also not about curriculum or technology based learning. This article is about YOU and why we love and appreciate you!

We, at the Coalition, love and applaud teachers in the early learning arena, but even on the best days you still need to check on your mental health. Now, in a time when stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and primal fear are evident in your life, and the children you care for, it is crucial to remember that you cannot effectively care for others if you are not taking care of yourself first. Please click the blue button below and treat yourself.
Finding The Right FIT For Your Class
Click the video above and watch your child follow simon as he says to dance, jump, and wiggle around! Patty Shukla isn't just fun, she's also educational. While dancing around, your children are le arning coordination, balance and building their confidence.
Maintaining healthy children and parents is the Coalitions highest priority! With assistance from Cosmic Kids Yoga keeping the children of Northwest Florida socially developing while also social distancing will be easier than ever. Click the video above to learn more.
Covid-19: Through The Eyes Of A Child
Webinar Series
Dear Caregivers,

Please join us for the first of four webinars from the COVID-19 Through the Eyes of a Child mental health series on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 12:30pm CST. This will be a live webinar with a Mental Health Professional, Denise Folsom, the first topic of discussion will be “Making Sense of Children’s Thinking and Behavior”. Please take a moment to register for this webinar by clicking HERE .

Additionally, we will be sending out registration invitations for the three remaining live mental health webinars in the coming days. For future webinar reminders and other resources be sure to follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and/or Twitter . 
Florida Department of Health
Tips and Infographics
Resources
Self-Care Strategies
People who take care of others often put their own needs last. Does that sound familiar? Caring for yourself is important for your health and wellness, and it is directly related to your ability to care for others and succeed at work. Click the blue button below to learn more.
MOTHERCOULD was created to express the feelings of motherhood and empower the crafty and creative caregiver within us all. Click the blue button below to review a few of her sensational sensory activities and ready to go recipes.

In times of incredible stress staying home may not be the safest option. The Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 via phone at 1-800-962-2873, or text 1-800-955-8771. For domestic violence support and assistance, the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached via phone at 1-800-500-1119, or text 1-800-621-4202, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

To speak with a local domestic violence representative, please call the phone number associated with your county of residence below.

Bay County: (850) 769-7989

Gulf/Calhoun Counties: (850) 229-2901

Franklin County: (850)653-7170

Holmes/Jackson/Washington Counties: (850) 415-5999
Stronger Together & Better Than Ever
We, at the Coalition, know the teachers in our service area will come back from COVID-19, better than ever and stronger together. Helping you make the most magic in this amount of time is the BrightStar Care - 10 Self-Care Tips for Child Care Providers article. Click the blue button below to review the tips and remind yourself you're fantastic, kind of like a unicorn!
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