News from the Coalition
April 2013

Wait List is Shrinking One

Since July the Coalition has placed 1,001 children from the School Readiness child care scholarship wait list!  This great accomplishment could not have been done without the hard work of our dedicated Family Services Department.  We are extremely pleased to be able to assist more families in our community during these difficult economic times.

In September, the Coalition's Board of Directors approved a plan to spend additional funds on child care slots by opening the wait list for children from the ages birth to five-years-old. Since that time, the Coalition has sent hundreds of wait list letters to families on a monthly basis totaling 2,609 letters. All families that remained eligible for scholarships were enrolled in care. At this time only 750 children remain on the wait list.

New Initiativestwo

We have several new programs that will be rolling out in the coming months to assist child care providers in the areas of literacy and accreditation.  Both programs are still in the pilot stages.  Please keep a look out for more information in the coming months on our website at www.elcpinellas.net.

Building Blocks for Literacy
The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County and Pinellas Education Foundation have partnered to together to administer Building Blocks for Literacy to our community. This program is designed to increase the knowledge and skills of early childhood educators in developmentally appropriate early literacy instruction.  Research from Vermont Stern Center for Language and Learning has shown a significant increase in early literacy skills among the children whose providers participated in the program, especially children who are most at risk for reading failure.

Accreditation Assistance Project
The Coalition is excited to announce the Accreditation Assistance Project.  This two year pilot program is targeting areas in Pinellas County currently with limited access to accredited child care programs. Four child care centers will be identified to participant in technical assistance, professional development and financial assistance.

LAUNCH Three 
Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health

The Coalition has been awarded part of a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to promote the wellness of young children birth to 8-years-old. 

 

Pinellas County was selected because indicators show a high level of substance use issues with adults who may be parenting or pregnant, which presents enormous risks to infants and young children.  Our county was also chosen because we have an array of already existing programs that address the wellness of young children.

 

The LAUNCH grant requires that we address (5) core areas in partnerships with other agencies also awarded the grant:

  • Screening and assessment in a range of child serving settings
  • Integration of behavioral health into primary care settings
  • Mental health consultation in early care and education
  • Enhanced home visiting with a focus on SE well being
  • Family strengthening and parent skills training

No grant recipient has any one part of these goals: we all must work collectively in strong partnerships to reach the goals. Our role will be to work in partnership with the Community Health Center and the Healthy Start Parents as Teachers or PAT plus programs.The target area is in the Lealman corridor and is comprised of several zip codes with approximately 60 centers and family child care homes. Coalition staff will teach the Pyramid Model to providers in these areas with free training, materials, intensive on-site coaching, referrals, individual supportive interventions and group activities.For more information please contact Patty Lister, Program Supervisor 727-400-4432.


March ASQs four

Our Quality Services Department is happy to report ALL Ages & Stages Questionnaires were returned on time during the month of March! We would like to thank all of our School Readiness Providers for helping accomplish this goal. We appreciate your continued support in screening to help us identify children with developmental delays and special needs.  Without you many of these children would not get the much needed services they now receive.

Don't forget if you have any questions or concerns regarding a child in your care, please contact our Inclusion Warm Line at 727-545-7536.  Click here
for more information about the Warm Line.

VPK Registration five

Now is the time to remind parents to register for VPK!  If you have any School Readiness children in care that are eligible for VPK in the fall, please encourage parents to register early. Last year we had a many School Readiness families wait to the last minute to enroll in VPK. Just because they currently receive a SR scholarship does not mean they are automatically enrolled in VPK. SR children will receive wrap care as long as they remain eligible for scholarships. Please help us get the word out!

Parents have 3 ways to register for VPK VPK
  • Online at www.vpkpinellas.net 
  • Schedule an appointment at one of our
    offices by calling 727-400-4411 
  • Attend a Round Up event