January 2026 Provider Update

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January 9, 2026

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Attention VPK & SR Providers!

Please read the NEW updated information below regarding VPK and SR program providers! For general questions regarding this information, please contact our Provider Relations Department at (941) 757-2900 ext. 2300.

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New Year, New Healthy Habits

Learn ways to build healthy habits as a family in the new year, tips to help build resiliency in early childhood, activities to celebrate Literacy Week at home, strategies for parents to become more involved in their child's education, and MORE in the January issue of DEL's Parents' Pages!

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2026 Provider Profile Update

It's time for child care providers to update their profiles in Florida’s Early Learning Provider Portal. Every year, hundreds of thousands of families are served through Child Care Resource and Referral Services. Will they find you?

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Provider Update Meeting

Please join us in person or virtually on January 13th at 1:00 pm for an opportunity to connect with our Provider Quality & Child Development Team to discuss CLASS and developmentally appropriate practices, and stay informed on important updates that support your work with children and families.

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NOW LIVE: Book Substitutes Through Tandem

Tandem is now available in Manatee County! Book vetted and state-compliant substitutes through our partnership and create your free account to begin building your substitute pool. ELC Manatee covers Tandem's fee; providers set the hourly rate, and Tandem bills them for the services used.

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Earn Your Emergent Literacy

Micro-Credential

Apply by January 16th for UF Lastinger Center’s Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential program! Completed online, this program provides free professional learning to early childhood staff working with children from birth-pre-kindergarten.

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Celebration of the Hands 2026

ELC Manatee will be collecting classroom artwork to be included in the Celebration of the Hands during Children's Week. If you would like to participate, please have your artwork ready by January 20th. When ready, email communityengagement@elc-manatee.org to schedule a pick up.

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Celebrate Literacy Week 2026

Mark your calendars and spread the love of literacy by joining us for a simultaneous reading activity on Wednesday, January 28th at 10:00 am (EST) in celebration of Literacy Week, January 26-30, 2026. This year's theme is Read, White, and Blue: Celebrating 250 Chapters of America!

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Join Us for Reading Day 2026

Register your classroom today and join us to celebrate literacy and help promote diversity and inclusion during the 2026 Embracing Our Differences Reading Day on Tuesday, March 10th, across Sarasota and Manatee counties.

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Become A Member Today!

If you're a family home child care provider in Manatee County and have a passion for your profession, we invite you to become a member of the Home Child Care Provider Association of Manatee County! Come collaborate with peers, enjoy a network of support, and opportunities for professional development.

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Read Together Every Day!

Unplug, connect, and read WITH your child for at least 15 minutes every day! These shared literacy experiences are valuable in helping your child develop a love of books and the motivation to learn to read once they reach kindergarten.

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MONDAY

JAN 12

UF Lastinger Center's Early Childhood Courses

20-hour, 2.0 CEU, VPK POP Approved & Standard Offerings

Lastinger provides online courses in English and Spanish that cover a wide range of early childhood topics, and are FREE for all School Readiness & VPK providers in Florida. Applications for the Spring Term open January 12th and close on or before January 30th. Learn More

TUESDAY

JAN 13

MarcoPolo for Educators Training

Learn more about the MarcoPolo for Educators Program. These sessions provide in-service hours with an attendance certificate and are a great way to explore the platform while enhancing instruction and family engagement. Recommended: CLASS Focused Training with STAR-aligned ELC English and Spanish sessions. Learn More

TUESDAY

JAN 27

Tuesday Tune-Up: Social Emotional Development

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Join us for an interactive Tuesday Tune-Up focused on open conversation, shared experiences, and collaborative learning. This session is designed to encourage meaningful discussion and connection among participants. Ask questions, share strategies, and learn from one another! No registration required. Sessions are available in English or Spanish.

OPEN

JAN 2026

NEW: Sleep Baby Safely Training

Sharpen the tools in your teacher, caregiver, or parent toolbox while learning how to help prevent infant deaths caused by unsafe sleep environments. Participants will earn 2.5 in-service hours and receive a stipend for completing the training. Contact communityengagement@elc-manatee.org to get started today!

OPEN

JAN 2026

Handle With Care Training

‘Handle with Care’ is an initiative aimed at helping children succeed in school

by alerting school staff with a simple notice when a student experiences a traumatic event involving law enforcement or Child Protection Services (CPS).

TUESDAY

FEB 3

Supporting Social-Emotional Practices & Effective Interactions

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

This workshop is thoughtfully designed to link essential social-emotional skills with effective strategies. Explore the Early Learners Calming Kit and learn how to incorporate these techniques into daily practices. This approach supports teachers and families in helping children manage their feelings and learn calming strategies. Space is limited. RSVP to janthony@elc-manatee.org ASAP to reserve your spot!