News from the Coalition
May 2013

You Spoke Up... We Listened...ONE

Over the last several months the Coalition has worked to create new processes in order to better serve families and assist child care providers.  We have asked for your feedback when talking to providers and sending out satisfaction surveys.  We've listened to what you had to say and put some new processes in place. 
  • 3 ELC Family Services Offices are up and running in Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs.  More Information 
  • Family Services Direct Line for Providers - Providers now have a direct line to call and check the eligibility of children in care. Simply call 727-400-4411 and listen for the prompt that says "If you are a Child Care Provider or Protective Services Casework."    
  • Case Management System - Families now have one direct contact person at the Coalition to help with their child care needs. More Information  
  • Returning Calls - If you leave a message with Family Services before12:00 pm you will receive a call back that same day.  If you leave a message after 12:00 pm you will be called back before 12:00 pm the following business day.   

Mini-Grants & Curriculum FairTWO

Don't forget Mini-Grant applications are due May 17, 2013! The Coalition is offering grants worth up to $3,000 to help enhance the quality of School Readiness programs. There is still plenty of time to submit your application.
The Coalition is hosting two Mini-Grant & Curriculum Fairs this week for providers. If you are thinking about applying for a mini-grant you are strongly encouraged to attend one of these fairs.  This is your opportunity to speak with Coalition staff regarding the mini-grant application process in person. Representatives from the leading curriculum and school supply companies will be on site to show you their latest products. More Information about the Mini-Grants & Curriculum Fair

Fairs will be held on the following date:

Date: Friday, May 10

 

Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: First Baptist Preschool

5495 Park Blvd.

Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Date: Saturday, May 11

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Living Love Early Childhood Center

4825 East Bay Drive

Clearwater, FL 33764

Curriculum Vendors

Creative Curriculum

High Scope

High Reach

Beyond Centers and Circle Time
Beyond Cribs and Rattles

School Supply Vendors

Becker's School Supplies

Lakeshore Learning Company

Kaplan Early Learning Company  

School Specialty 



FFCCHA Conference ScholarshipsThree

Scholarships are still available for FCCH providers to attend the 21st Annual Florida Family Child Care Home Association Conference in June in Clearwater, Florida. The Early Learning Coalition is offering 35 scholarships to attend. Scholarships are first come, first serve and applications are due no later than May 17, 2013. This is a great professional development opportunity for FCCH providers! Click here for complete details on the scholarships.


Submitting VPK CertificatesFOUR

VPK If you are a VPK provider with at least 4 students enrolled per classroom for the Summer 2013 or Fall 2013-2014 programs you may begin submitting their VPK certificates to the Coalition. Once we receive these documents we can begin enrolling children. If you have any questions, please contact your Reimbursement Specialist.

VPK Registration & Round Up Eventsfive

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