The enrollment numbers below are based on the total number of children enrolled as of January 31, 2013.
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 Children Served 5,442
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 Children Served 286
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Sponsored by Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County Inc., Florida's Office of Early Learning, Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, 64% Federal Funds.
  
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MESSAGE FROM ELC INTERIM CEO:
LINDSAY CARSON
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It's only February but 2014 has already proven to be a very busy year at the Coalition. Exciting things are happening for us on different levels. First of all, I am happy to report our budget deficit is continuing to decrease. The waiting list is currently closed and we continue to randomly sample audit families to ensure those in care are eligible. In addition, we continue to identify administrative and operational cost savings. We are doing all we can to overcome a significant deficit without impacting services to eligible children enrolled or provider rates.
Legislative Update
At the state level, Governor Scott's proposed 2014-15 budget has been released which includes increased investments in early learning. While this is only the governor's proposed budget, it is a very good sign. Another Early Learning Bill has been filed by the House Education Committee. Their focus this year is primarily on professional development and health and safety. As a provider, this is your opportunity to advocate for children. Legislative changes could impact your child care business and it's important you review the bill.
We will continue to keep you informed as new information becomes available. I hope you will join us at our upcoming Provider Outreach meetings to learn more about other things happening at the Coalition.
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PROVIDER OUTREACH MEETINGS
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February Meetings
The Coalition is hosting Provider Outreach meetings in February for our School Readiness and VPK providers. During these meetings providers will learn the latest updates and reminders from the Coalition. We would also like to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
Limited seating is still available for the meetings listed below. Registration is required to attend. To reserve your spot, please contact 727-400-4461.
North County
Thursday, February 20 <-- Not too late to register!
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
St. Luke's ECC
2757 Alderman Road
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
South County
Thursday, February 27
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
McMannis Preschool
1901 62nd Avenue S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
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2014 Early Care and Education Conference
April 26, 2014
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Early Learning Coalition's annual Early Care and Education Conference is intended for teachers, directors and other educators who work with young children. All attendees will participate in three breakout sessions, one lunch session and listen to the keynote speaker Ron Mohl from Lakeshore Learning. This is one professional development opportunity you won't want to miss!
Conference Fee: $25
Additional CEU Fee: $16
Location: St. Pete College
Gibbs Campus
6605 5th Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida
This conference offers two tracks for Providers to choose from:
Space is Limited!
Register Online Today!
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CELEBRATE LITERACY WEEK, FLORIDA!
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This year the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County participated in Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! The week long celebration took place January 13 - 17. During the week, the Coalition promoted the importance of early literacy in our community. We invited all of our SR and VPK providers to take part in the celebration by participating in the Simultaneous Reading Activity and Million Minute Marathon.
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Simultaneous Reading Activity
Providers around the state read the same exact books at the same time to children in care on Wednesday, January 15 at 9:30 a.m. Several Coalition Board of Directors and staff members visited centers and FCCH providers to be guest readers during the week.
Check out more pictures from the Simultaneous Reading Activity on our Facebook page... Don't forget to "Like Us" to keep up on the latest Coalition information. Million Minute Marathon Results34,748 MINUTES READ IN PINELLAS
We are very excited to announce the results of the Million Minute Marathon! Last year, the statewide goal was to read 75,000 minutes... this year Pinellas County read almost half of the statewide goal with 34,748 minutes read to children at 103 local centers and FCCH sites! Thank you to everyone who participated in this literacy week activity. After receiving such positive feedback from you we hope to plan more activities like this during the year.
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Drop Box Location
We have moved the location of our drop box. It is now located next to the front door of our Clearwater Family Services lobby. In addition, we have put another drop box inside the lobby. The purpose of these drop boxes is for providers and parents to deliver documents easily without having to pay postage or needing to come into the office.
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