In this Issue
- Child Care WAGE$ Florida WORKS!
- Spotlight On: Afterschool Initiatives
- Forum Corner
- Children's Week at the Capitol Largest Turnout in Years
- Worst to First: A Campaign to Put Florida's Kids First
- Attend the One Goal Conference: Building the Future Together
- Celebrate Provider Appreciation Day May 8
- Legislative Updates
- State and National News
- Early Learning Coalition Briefs
- Calendar of Events
Early Learning Coalition Briefs
Early Learning Coalition of Duval County
The Early Learning Coalition of Duval has committed to funding a limited amount of T.E.A.C.H. educational scholarships. These scholarships are designated for child care practitioners who wish to further their education and earn a:
- Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
- National Child Development Associate Credential (National CDA)
- Associate's degree in Early Education or Child Development
- Bachelor's degree in Early Education or Child Development
- Director's Credential
Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County
The Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County recently delivered a workshop to all lead VPK teachers targeting the behavior and learning styles of boys. Based on research from the Gurian Institute in Colorado Springs, CO, the four-hour workshop uses the latest brain research to explore how boys are wired and how classroom teachers can adjust their practices and environments to help boys learn.
In an effort to bring together business, community partners and parents while supporting quality early education and care programs, the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County partnered with International Paper, Barnes & Nobles, Escambia County School District Title 1, City of Pensacola , the United Way and Escambia County Parks & Services to host a Sustaining the Future event.
Early Learning Coalition of Florida's Gateway
The Early Learning Coalition of Florida's Gateway hosted a local Children's Day event on March 20. The event was free to the community and included food donated by local businesses, games, bounce houses, community awareness booths, pony rides, petting zoos and live children's performances.
Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend
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| The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend celebrates the grand opening of the Word Garden Children's Library. |
The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend supports families as they help their child develop early literacy skills by providing them with quality children's books and family literacy education. Through the My First Books program, a new children's book is given to families who visit one of the Coalition's seven Family Service Centers.
Early Learning Coalition of Broward County
Along with several early care and education professionals, the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc., recently explored the contributions that child care providers give to families to help children stay in care. The group elected to distribute a pilot survey to gauge the amount of contributions, or, as it is newly defined, the scholarships that are being given to families.
The Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast
The Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast is undergoing a transition to a Coalition-based service delivery system. They are excited about the opportunity to provide comprehensive services to the community, and look forward to the changes ahead.
In addition to the activities of our transition, The Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast continues to work with several community groups to raise match funds to support their programs.
The Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast is excited to offer an opportunity for early education professionals to attend a Ten Principles of Positive Discipline workshop on June 13.
Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County
On April 4, thousands gathered in Al Lopez Park in Tampa to celebrate the 2009 Hillsborough Week of the Young Child Family Fun Day Celebration. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, along with many other organizations, sponsored the event that brings the citizens of Hillsborough County together to celebrate young children and recognize the contributions and importance of early childhood professionals.
Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia Counties
Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia Counties, in partnership with Healthy Start, Community Partnership for Children, United Way, MFCS Head Start, Children's Advocacy Center and the Department of Children & Families, celebrated Children's Week at the Kelly Administrative Building on March 19. Hands made by children of various local child care facilities were on display in the Kelly Rotunda, a Proclamation was presented by the County Council to the partnering agencies and more than 20 agencies participated in the outdoor community fair which included information tables, storytelling and entertainment. Dixie Morgese, Executive Director of Healthy Start, served as Master of Ceremonies, Wiley Lowe as Guest Speaker provided an excellent, motivational talk on children, and music was provided by Laurie Moran. Over 160 lunch sacks were distributed to the community.
Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County
The Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County recently worked with local community leaders, child care and education providers to collect children's hand-print artwork. These decorative pieces were part of the Children's Week "Hanging of the Hands" event, which kicked off the Children's Week festivities in Tallahassee March 30-April 3. The Coalition collected proclamations from all seven Seminole County municipalities and the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners showing support for Children's Week and April 1 as Parents' and Children's Day. Jennifer Grant, Executive Director of the Coalition, traveled to Tallahassee to represent and showcase the imaginative hand-print pieces collected from the community children.