National Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss Day

“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!”

Monday, March 2, 2020 the Coalition will be honoring Dr. Seuss and his contribution to early childhood literacy. We ask that you share any and all fun and funky classroom activities on Facebook tagging the Coalition, @ELCNWF, and remember if all else fails, “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”

Request for Special Needs Rate

At the February Provider netWORK meeting it was brought to the Coalition's attention that providers needed information on how to receive a special needs rate for a child. We value your input as providers and have attached the instructions on how to request a special needs rate and the necessary form to complete the request. Also featured below is a link to BPIECE to ensure inclusion in the classroom.

Wait List Placement Update

The Coalition is working to continue placing birth to five-year-old children from the wait list. Between the January and February funding notifications, 514 new children have been offered School Readiness funding in our seven counties. ​

As of February 21st, 99 children have been placed, 71 are in process of review or waiting on additional information from the parent, 22 are waiting provider approval, 13 are looking for a provider (3 toddlers, 1 2yr, 2 4yr, 1 5yr, and 6 Sch), 11 stated they no longer needed care, and 13 were not eligible. The Coalition is making multiple follow up contacts with parents to ensure they are aware of the funding notifications and submit their required documents.

 

Please look for more updates in the upcoming editions of the weekly Blasts!

Scholarship Opportunities

Continuing your education is crucial to the success of all industries, the early childhood education industry included. In hopes of helping you become the best version of yourself, the Coalition has decided to offer scholarships to begin your  FCCPC Credential.  Enroll today by clicking  HERE  and begin your classes as soon as  March 2, 2020!  To learn more about what programs are being offered, please contact the Instructional Coordinator,   Patricia Schenck , via email or phone, 850-873-3577.

For more information of available courses and requirements, click the blue button below.

Did you participate in one of the Sesame Street in Communities workshops with our WFSU Partner?

Did you learn about the resources from a colleague that did?

If you said yes to either of the above questions, please take a moment and complete this brief survey from Sesame Street by clicking the blue button below.

 

If you interested in the Coalition hosting another Sesame Street in Communities workshop, please let us know by submitting a request to the  Redline .

Persons who complete the survey may receive a special prize from Sesame Street!

Census 2020

The Census Bureau has acknowledged their long-term misrepresentation of young children in decennial censuses and in Census Bureau surveys. Evaluations show that Census Bureau surveys like the American Community Survey, the Current Population Survey, and the Survey of Income and Program Participation also miss young children while counting, which can result in biased survey estimates.

To combat the misrepresentation of children ages birth to four, we ask that all parents be made aware of the benefits of counting their children.

Representation and funding make a difference where it matters, and it matters here.

Click the blue button below for a list of common family situations and Census approved answers to help the families you serve complete the Census.

ArtKidDoo is calling for YOU!

This family friendly event is a collaborative effort from the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, the Washington County Arts Council, local businesses, civic organizations, and child care providers, such as yourself, to encourage awareness for the arts in young children. Washington County and surrounding communities will come together for this free one-day event to offer hands on arts and crafts, as well as performance art by local artists, musicians, and vocalists. There will be ample opportunity for children to paint, color, dance, mold clay, as well as create jewelry and musical instruments at this year's event.

If your center is interested in contributing to the 6th Annual ArtKidDoo , you are in luck! Your center may participate as a vendor, which authorizes your members to manage a booth with a child friendly activity, you may create an activity, or we can assign one to you. Members of your program may volunteer, individually or as a group, as a volunteer you’ll be assisting with set-up, break down, event maintenance, and other duties as assigned, and if you are unable to actively participate, you may graciously donate on your centers behalf as a sponsor. For more information about the event, or to become a vendor, sponsor, or volunteer, click the blue button below.

Sponsored by the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida and the State of Florida, Office of Early Learning