February 2026 Provider Update

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February 6, 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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February Parents' Pages

Learn tips to strengthen daily reading habits at home, recognizing great Floridians during Black History month, healthy habits for a bright smile, promoting kindness, enjoying family math activities, and much MORE in the February issue of DEL's Parents' Pages!

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Provider Update Meeting

Please join us in person or virtually on February 10th at 1:00 pm to connect with our CEI Team for an overview of our Sleep Baby Safely program, and stay informed on important updates that support your work with children and families.

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Tandem Substitute Pools

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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Early education offered through kindergarten provides young children with diverse learning opportunities that help build and practice vital social-emotional, problem-solving, and academic skills needed for the first grade and beyond.

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MONDAY

FEB 9

The Florida Center Training Institute

Literacy with a Purpose: Brains, Books, and Bonds

Join a FREE 10 - session series led by Dr. John S. Hutton, pediatrician, researcher, and literacy advocate. Known for groundbreaking MRI research on early brain development, reading, and screen media, Dr. Hutton brings science-backed insights that support language, connection, and healthy development in young children. Learn More

THURSDAY

FEB 12

Language of CLASS Tool Kit #11517

Deepen your understanding of the CLASS tool, including history, structure, and key components, to strengthen classroom organization, behavior management, and learning formats. Register through the DCF website (#11517) to receive credit and re-register on Zoom using the link provided in your DCF registration by Monday, February 9th.

OPEN

FEB 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

FEB 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).