May 13, 2020
For information to keep you safe and up-to-date with COVID-19 Updates !
Please report any closures, reopenings, or program changes due to COVID-19 to the Redline .
As the state continues to fight the spread of this virus across Florida. The Department of Health(DOH) designed and launched a mobile app, StrongerThanC19, dedicated to gathering community information and easing the transition to reopening the state.The information collected through the StrongerThanC19 community survey will help the Florida DOH identify our most heavily impacted communities, and also show which areas of the state are recovering. This knowledge will prove critical as a part of Florida’s data-driven, thoughtful approach to reopening.  

If you would prefer to complete the survey via their website, please click the green START image to the left! For information on staying safe at home and poison prevention, please click the blue buttons below!
SR Eligibility Redetermination Extension

  • OEL has extended redeterminations and suspended terminations an additional 60 days (May 15 through July 15).
  • Affected families will keep their original redetermination date when it comes time to redetermine.
  • Coalitions may redetermine families during this time if the family is willing but the coalition may not require families to redetermine.
  • If the coalition does redetermine a family and finds they are no longer eligible, the coalition may not terminate this family. 
Crosswalks for Florida Early Learning Standards
As of February 12, 2020, the Florida B.E.S.T. Standards were approved by the State Board of Education. The Office of Early Learning then created a crosswalk in both ELA and Math to ensure all students from pre-k to third grade were provided a continuation of education. In order to ensure the validity of the crosswalks, OEL requested internal and external feedback. The results of the feedback confirmed the Early Learning Standards: 4-Years Old to Kindergarten (2017) are aligned with the K-3 B.E.S.T Standards! To learn more about the Florida B.E.S.T. Standards click the blue button below.
Early Learning Virtual Summer Program
The Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA) is partnering with DOC Early Learning Solutions to provide access to DOC Classroom, a digital platform at NO cost for Summer 2020, during the COVID crisis, for FASA members only. DOC Classroom is a parent portal, curated by teachers, that offers educational explorations for parents to complete with their children at home to support family engagement with children ages 18 months to 5 years old. The platform is aligned with the Florida Early Learning Standards. For more information about DOC Classroom, access the website, or register your classroom by clicking the blue buttons below.
We, at the Coalition, understand the stress surrounding COVID-19, but we urge you to take advantage of the opportunity to receive free CEUs and a possible stipend! Please note that practitioners MUST use this LINK to access the courses that are available for enrollment. Direct enrollment opened Monday, May 4, and will close on Friday, May 15. Please click the blue buttons below to review the enrollment flier and register for Summer 2020 Early Learning Florida (ELFL) Courses.
First Responder Child Care Referral Program
Dear Providers,

We, at the Coalition, appreciate you sharing the First Responders Child Care Referral Program with the families you serve. To ensure you are providing them with the most accurate information, please review the list below. Additional details can be downloaded by clicking the blue button at the bottom of the page.

  • The referral is intended for first responders and health care workers only at this time.
  • Parents who are interested or have questions should call 850-747-5400.
  • Agencies, HR Departments, etc. are required to submit the completed referral form HERE on behalf of the parent.
  • Once the referral has been received, the parent will be contacted by our Customer Service Specialist to confirm personal information and their preferred child care provider. 

Attached to the blue button below is an excerpt from Governor DeSantis’s Executive Order 20-91 that lists essential services for Healthcare/Public Health and Law Enforcement, Public Safety and Other First Responders. At this time, these are the only personnel eligible for the First Responders Child Care Program.
Coalition Mental Health 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, provide advice on handling increased fears/anxieties, or address 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
We are so excited to share the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida has been selected to be a part of the Community Bag Program, which is designed to make it easy for customers to contribute to their local community while supporting the environment. For the month of  JUNE, each time a $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at the local Winn-Dixie store located in Jackson County, $1 will be donated to the Coalition, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag. Also, if you live outside of Jackson County and would like to participate, don't worry! The Giving Tag Program runs all year long. All you have to do is purchase the Community Bag at any Winn-Dixie store and follow the instructions on the attached Giving Tag to direct the $1 donation to our organization. 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.
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.
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