August 7, 2019
Training Opportunity Via ELCNWF and Save The Children
We are proud to announce our official partnership with Save The Children !

Save The Children was the world’s first global charity for children, founded in 1919.
What makes Save the Children exceptional, is not only their belief that children are not just little adults, but also their passionate commitment to one goal: Giving all children the best chance for the future they deserve – a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Every day and in times of crisis. Here in the U.S. and around the world. Whatever it takes. They focus on children through: Advocacy , education , emergency preparation , protection programs , and much more ! 

Coalition team members are now certified to provide training to your staff, community, parents, and children on emergency preparation, reaction to emergencies and community resources!

For information on the available training's click the blue button below.
FREE Directors Emergency Preparedness Course
The Coalition will be hosting a Child Care Emergency Preparedness course on Thursday, August 15, from 11:30 - 4:30PM at the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, Panama City Office. Lunch will be included.

This course helps child-focused professionals develop and implement robust emergency plans that cater to the specific needs of their program. Written by Save the Children’s nationally recognized emergency experts, the course teaches participants best practices in evacuation, relocation and family re-unification. The curriculum also provides guidance for practical applications to improve overall emergency protocol.

All Participants Receive: 
  • Child Care Emergency Preparedness Workbook
  • Child Care Emergency Preparedness Manual
  • Certificate of Completion

There is limited seating in this course, please email the Redline to register by Tuesday, August 13, 2019.
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.
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.
Monday is "The 1st DAY of VPK"!
The 2019-2020 VPK year starts Monday! 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!
SR School Age Co-Payment Flip Reminder
Just a friendly reminder, school age parent
co-payments need to be flipped to part-time when they return to school in your respective county.

If you have any questions, please email the Redline.
SR Program Assessment using the Quality Performance System (QPS)
As of July 1, all program assessment registrations, QIP monitoring, and child-assessment reliability certificate verification and tracking will take place in the new custom designed Quality Performance System (QPS system).

All provider data that was in the ELPFP/SRPA system, transferred into the QPS July 1, 2019.
If you have not activated your QPS acount, you will need to at your earliest convenience. You will need your  EFS Mod number and  your license/registration number.

The Office of Early Learning recommends Google Chrome or Firefox for accessing the site and navigating around it. 

If you have chosen to implement child assessments to your 2019-20 School Readiness contract you must upload your Interrater Reliability Certificates for each of your teachers to the  QPS  prior to August 20, 2019. 

75% of teachers reported on the provider’s birth to five classrooms roster must complete and have the reliability certificates uploaded to receive the child assessment differential rate. Providers must maintain this percentage in accordance with Rule 6M-4.500 F.A.C. If child assessment reliability certificates are not uploaded prior to August 20, 2019, you must contact the Coalition to amend your 2019-2020 School Readiness contract.  
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
With school starting Monday we know our top priority is keeping kids healthy, because healthy kids learn best!

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.
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