Your Input Drives Change: Take the Small Business Credit Survey
The Federal Reserve’s 2026 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and we are a partner in this effort.
Owners and key financial decisionmakers of for-profit businesses, share your recent experiences about what financial conditions you face, whether and how you use debt, and more. Your perspective matters. Answers to these questions contribute to data that directly inform the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours!
Click here to take the 12-minute survey. Survey closes November 13, 2026.
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Helping a Family Transfer Providers?
To help facilitate the transfer process, you may provide parents the Provider Transfer form when they request to transfer their child to a different provider. Parents must complete the form and notify ELC Sarasota of their decision to transfer their child.
It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the ELC Sarasota, and we will assist them with the transfer process. To help ensure a seamless transfer, please do not email or fax the Provider Transfer form to the ELC Sarasota on the parent’s behalf.
You can download a copy of the Provider Transfer form to provide to parents using the button below. We also have it posted on our website on the Educator Forms & Resources page so you can easily access it whenever you need it.
As always, please call our Family Services Support Team if you have any questions at 941-954-4830.
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A Reminder from Local Licensing: Shot Records Need to be Electronically Signed
Form DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization, must be used to document receipt of immunizations required for entry and attendance in Florida schools, child care facilities, and family child care homes.
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Electronic Immunization Records through Florida SHOTSTM
The Florida State Health Online Tracking System (SHOTS) is a free, statewide online immunization registry that helps health care providers, schools, and parents keep track of immunization records.
Health care providers enrolled in Florida SHOTS can print a certified Form DH 680 with an electronic signature. Schools and licensed child care facilities enrolled in Florida SHOTS can also access these records. Parents may access their child's certified Form DH 680 with a personal identification number issued by their child's health care provider.
Click here to learn how patients, providers, and parents can all benefit from electronic immunization records through Florida SHOTS.
| VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN (VPK) |
NEW: Find Your VPK Progress Monitoring Dates in Seconds
Because it’s brand new and a convenient tool, we wanted to share again about the faster, easier way to find your program’s progress monitoring windows.
We created a new online tool on our website so you can quickly access your FAST Star Early Literacy Progress Monitoring dates without waiting for an email or digging through old messages.
Get ready for the next round of assessments by checking your PM2 dates today.
Simply enter your email and Provider ID to get your dates in seconds, anytime you need them.
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Provider Profiles Open January 1st!
Before we know it, we will be gathering with family and friends for the upcoming holidays as we make our way into the new year. As we enter into the final few months of 2026, now is a great time to begin preparing for the next contract season. Here are a few important reminders and things to expect as we approach January 1, 2027.
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Profiles open on January 1st! You can log in to the Statewide Provider Portal to complete your profile for the new contract year. Profiles must be completed by March 1, 2027.
- Providers will need to complete the orientation and submit an acknowledgement form before the ELC can execute a SR and/or VPK contract for the 2027-2028 fiscal year. We will keep you updated on when the 2027-2028 SR and VPK orientations become available.
Required documents when completing your SR/VPK profile:
- DCF license or Exemption Letter
- E-Verify
- W-9
- Child Care Worksheet
- General Liability Insurance
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Consultation on the Go
The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s new Consultation on the Go program brings early childhood consultants directly to your site to provide support in areas such as classroom management, social-emotional development and behavior guidance.
Learn more about this new program by downloading the flyer below!
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New Resource for Working Floridians Without Health Insurance
Florida Blue has launched a new online resource designed to help working Floridians who are uninsured better understand their health coverage options and find support.
WorkingUninsuredFL.com brings health insurance information, educational resources and assistance together in one place, giving individuals and families a trusted starting point when they have questions about coverage.
If you or someone you serve is working without health insurance, visit WorkingUninsuredFL.com to explore available resources and learn more.
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Free ABCmouse Access for Families
Families with a Sarasota County library card can now access ABCmouse for free from home, with books, games and activities covering early literacy, math, art and more!
Click here to access ABCmouse.
Don’t have a library card? Families can easily apply online here.
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An Otterly Fun Reading Adventure Is Coming!
Little Otter’s Big Reading Adventure launches Sept. 28 at Sarasota County Libraries for children ages 0–6 and their families.
Families can read together, complete fun early literacy activities and earn prizes along the way. Plus, participating libraries will celebrate the launch with a special streamed demonstration featuring the resident otters from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium!
Click here to learn more.
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Upcoming Board of Directors Board Strategy & Execution Workshop
October 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM
1549 State St
Sarasota, FL 34236
Open to the Public
Individuals who wish to address the Board of Directors must complete a
Public Comment Request Card, available on our website and onsite.
Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person, on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be heard at the time designated for public comment on the official meeting agenda.
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