April 8, 2020
DID YOU KNOW!?
We created a website page to keep you safe and up-to-date with COVID-19 Updates !
Please report any closures or program changes due to COVID-19 to the Redline .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued updated Supplemental Guidance For Child Care Programs that remain open during COVID-19. Please click the blue button below to review the additional recommended health and safety considerations. Please remember this information should be used in conjunction with CDC’s guidance for administrators of   child care programs and K-12 schools . The guidance, linked below, does not supersede state and local laws and policies for child care programs.
Updated DCF Guidelines
In response to COVID-19, the Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation, recommends all childcare providers follow the guidelines listed below.
  • Prohibit any person except the following from accessing an operation: operation staff; persons with legal authority to enter, including law enforcement officers, Child Care Licensing staff, and Department of Children and Families protective services staff; professionals providing services to children; children enrolled at the operation; and parents or legal guardians who have children enrolled and present at the operation.

  • Ensure that each child is provided individual meals and snacks.

  • Require pickup and drop-off in the lobby/entry way of the operation, unless it’s determined that there is a legitimate need for the parent to enter an operation. For example, meet the parent at the pickup area and escort the child to the parent.
  • Do not serve family style meals.

  • Before allowing entry into the operation, screen all individuals listed above and deny entry to any person who meets any of the following criteria through verbal survey:
  • Do you have a fever of 100.4 or higher?
  • Have you had any respiratory infection, or have had a cough, shortness of breath, and low-grade fever?
  • In the previous 14 days, have you had any contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; is under investigation for COVID-19; or is ill with a respiratory illness?
  • In the previous 14 days, have you traveled on a cruise or internationally to countries with widespread, sustained community transmission?
To review the official DCF document, please click the blue button below.
Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan
Effective immediately, eligible small businesses interested in applying for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program, a short-term loan designed to help business owners bridge the gap between the time of impact and when the business has secured long-term assistance, should apply for the program through one of two following ways:


Small businesses that have applied for the bridge loan program in response to COVID-19 should not submit an additional application. 

Also, we, at the Coalition, encourage you to stay informed by subscribing to the Florida DEO email updates for the latest news on available SBA resources and services. If you need additional assistance, please contact your local SBA office and resource partners.
Chipley and Marianna Anchorage Children's Home
Temporary Contact Information
The staff of Anchorage Children's Home of Chipley and Marianna are currently working remotely. They have provided a temporary phone number, (850) 610-4238 , to report Rilya Wilson absences for Jackson , Washington and Holmes counties. Please leave a message and someone from their agency will return your call.
Provider Pick-Me-Ups
Kids Kingdom Christian Preschool & Early Care
The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida would like to acknowledge Melissa Holley at Kids Kingdom Christian Preschool & Early Care for going above and beyond to support the children and families of Calhoun County. Kids Kingdom closed on April 2, and began serving to-go meals to children on April 3, ensuring each child would be fed. We, at the Coalition, firmly believe it takes a village and applaud the actions of Kids Kingdom Christian Preschool & Early Care. Thank you for being a part of our village.
New Program Offered to ELC Children, Families and Child Care Staff
In light of recent events, the Coalition will be offering support services including the opportunity to talk with mental health specialists who can help provide information, support, and even counseling.

These services are free to the children and families in your care as well as child care center staff. Sessions can be conducted via phone or video until it is safe to meet in person. These services are confidential and are designed to help in this time of increased stress and uncertainty.

There are many ways that we can help. We can explain the current health crisis to young children, develop plans to deal with the isolation associated with social distancing, advice on handling increased fears/anxieties or other needs in the family. Sessions typically meet once a week for 50 minutes at a time that is convenient for all.

If you are interested please submit a request to the Learning Line !

When submitting requests please include the following:
  • Your name
  • The name of the person/child you are requesting theses service for
  • Place of employment
  • Email address
  • Phone number
The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida was selected as a beneficiary of the Community Bag Program for the month of April! The Winn-Dixie Community Bag Program, which launched in February 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work. A $1 donation will be given to the Coalition every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at any Bay County Winn-Dixie location throughout April. This is a great way to raise awareness, support the environment, and fundraise for  our cause. To learn more about this program and locate your nearest Winn-Dixie, please click the blue buttons below.
Understanding How Children Respond to Stress
In times of confusion and uncertainty it is crucial to remember people of all ages experience stress. From everyday stressors, like general anxiety, to major life-changing stressors. like abuse or disasters, all stress ranges have the ability to either help people improve or hinder their success. Children are at a disadvantage when dealing with stress, due to their lack of experience, thus making it especially harmful and disruptive for children. Click the blue button below to understand how children respond to stress, and review Karen L. Peterson's, PhD, book  Helping Them Heal , describing the different types of stress that children may experience and how they typically react to stress.
Pre-Writing Skills
As Easter approaches, recognizing holidays as they naturally occur is super important to instill a sense of normalcy and improve morale during times of extraordinary circumstances. Click the blue button below to review the Pre-Writing Handwriting activity sure to have you hopping for joy!
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! We know you work tirelessly every day to ensure the children in your care are safe and properly supervised. If you participated in Wear Blue Day on April 3rd, please share any pictures you took and be sure to tag @ ELCNWF ! Thank you for all you do!
Florida KidCare
Don't miss out on the year-round open enrollment with Florida KidCare!

With the help of Florida KidCare, staying healthy doesn't have to be difficult.

Florida KidCare provides the families of Northwest Florida with low-cost options for health and dental insurance for children birth to 18!

For eligibility information and applications click the blue button below.
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.
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