July 31, 2019
August Provider netWORK Meeting Information

We look forward to seeing everyone at this month's Provider netWORK meeting. To ensure we provide the best information and service to all of you, we have made the decision to change the Coalition Connection: Face-to-Face meetings. Now, you will be a part of the Provider netWORK! To add more flexibility and value to our time with you we will alternate between in-person and webinar meetings.

Here is whats coming up this month:

August 6, 2019 Provider netWORK Meeting (in-person)
Time - 9:00 am CDT
Location - Panama City office (703 W 15th Street Suite A)

Don't forget to bring a dish to share!
Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC)
The ELCNWF will be sending 3 directors to the FLAEYC Director's Symposium and annual conference in Orlando, Florida September 5-8, 2019.
The ELCNWF will be paying for the registration and hotel. The selected attendees will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the conference and meals while at the conference.
Qualifications include:
  1. Working full time as a director
  2. Currently be employed by a School Readiness provider contracted with the ELCNWF
  3. Be available to attend the entire conference
  4. Be willing to present what was learned at the conference
One participant will be selected from each of the following categories:
  1. Rural- has been a director for more than 2 years at a contracted SR program located in one of the designated RURAL counties in the ELCNWF service area: Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson or Washington.
  2. Rookie- has been a director at a contracted SR program in any of the seven counties served by ELCNWF for LESS than 2 years.
  3. Regular- has been a director at a contracted SR program in any of the seven counties served by ELCNWF for LONGER than 2 years.
To nominate a director, complete the Director Nomination Survey by clicking the blue button below. Nominations are due by August 12, 2019. Winners will be notified by August 16, 2019.
If you have any questions submit them to redline .
Upcoming Board Meeting
The 2019-2020 year is underway and we are excited to gather everyone and host our first board meeting of the year!

Our first board meeting of the year will be held on August 14, 2019 at the Panama City office starting at 11:00am CST.

More information will follow upon availability.
Sales Tax Holiday
August 2 - 6
It’s that time of year again! While many our schools across all seven counties have your little ones covered, there may be other items that they need. Take advantage of the sales tax holiday this weekend.

A few items that will not be taxed during the sales tax holiday:

  • Baby clothes
  • Backpacks
  • Swim suits
  • Bibs
  • Belts
  • Jeans
  • Leggings
  • Raincoats
  • Shirts
  • Shoes
  • Skirts
  • Sweaters

For a list of eligible items and other restrictions, click the blue button below.
Gulf Coast State College Fall 2019 Open Registration
Gulf Coast State College is offering Early Childhood Education classes beginning August 19, 2019!

For registration assistance, please contact the Assistant Instructional Coordinator of Early Childhood Education, Teresa Salter. She can be reached via email at [email protected] or phone, 850-769-1551 ext 3393.

For information on classes and pre/co-requirements click the blue button below.
It's Almost The 1st DAY of VPK!
The 2019-2020 VPK year is almost here! To learn more, and to download the free "1st Day of VPK" sign click the blue button below.

Don't forget to share your photos and use #1stDayVPK to tag the Florida Office of Early Learning!
Summer Learning Resources
We know summer vacation is almost over, but children never take a vacation from learning. Child Care Aware® of America’s SMART Suite  has been refreshed with  new digital content.

Let's help children make the most of the end of their summers by utilizing the tips found in the blue button below.
Inclusion of Children with Disabilities into the Classroom
With the school year quickly approaching, we know your excitement is building as you arrange your classroom. We can smell the new crayons and erasers from here, but it is important to arrange the classroom in a way that is inclusive to all students and their needs. Click the blue button below for helpful tips on maintaining an inclusive classroom environment.
August is National Immunization Month!
August is almost here and school is only a few weeks away. With this short time frame we are bringing awareness to National Immunization Month.

Immunizations are important for children and adults of all ages. They are the best preventative measure to be taken, as they are safe and effective at protecting us from serious illness and many diseases.

For a specific list of what immunizations are required and recommended for your child by age group, click the blue button below.
Florida KidCare
This school year is going to be full of promises, progress and partnerships!

We are proud to announce that we have joined forces with Florida KidCare to provide the families of Northwest Florida with low-cost options for health and dental insurance.

For eligibility information and applications click the blue button below.
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