In this Issue

• Spotlight On: Professional Development Systems
• Mission: Readiness
• After School Initiatives
• 20th Anniversary
• Welcome New Forum Members
• Early Childhood Caucus
• Policy Initiatives/Legislative Updates
• Forum Corner
• State and National News
• Early Learning Coalition Briefs
• Calendar of Events

Early Learning Coalition Briefs

Early Learning Coalition of Florida's Gateway

The Early Learning Coalition of Florida's Gateway, Inc. had its annual child care provider conference on Saturday, November 14, 2009. The theme was pirates with a tagline of "Children: Our Most Valuable Treasure." For a smaller rural Coalition, they were extremely proud to have 312 providers attend the conference for a great day of fun and learning.

Early Learning Coalition of Brevard

The Early Learning Coalition of Brevard is proud to present an "all new" Inclusion Library! The Inclusion Library features over 40 topical indexes of materials related to including all children in child care centers. Materials include books, DVD's, video tapes, journals, binder resources, and much more. The Inclusion Library is available for use by all child care providers. Materials may be checked out directly from the library, which is located in the Early Learning Coalition's Rockledge office. For more information regarding the Inclusion Library and available resources, contact Joanne Nelson, Inclusion Specialist, at (321) 637-1800 ext 2028.

The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia

The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia, in partnership with The Adult and Community Education Department of Flagler County Schools, held the fourth annual Discovering the Joy Conference on Saturday, October 10, 2009. This one-day conference began with a motivational and informational Keynote and Feature Presentation by Holly Christian, a Loving Guidance Associate with advanced level training on the Conscious Discipline^® Program from Dr. Becky Bailey. After a break for lunch and to visit vendor booths, participants attended informative breakout sessions. Topics included science, social emotional development, autism, safety, VPK and DCF updates, music, process art, language and literacy, math, and more. With over 440 in attendance, the overwhelming response to this conference showcased the community's dedication to field of early care and education.

The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida

The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida hosted seven provider meetings throughout their four county region in October. A total of 150 individuals participated in the meetings, which were offered in both English and Spanish. The purpose of the meetings was to provide a venue in which providers could voice their concerns and be heard in a non-judgmental setting, as well as to inform and educate providers about social emotional tools. In the next set of meetings, scheduled for January, concerns from the previous meeting will be addressed, information will be disseminated and once again a forum for conversation with Coalition personnel will be provided. The same Coalition hosts are assigned to each area meeting to personalize the important relationship between the Coalition and providers.

Early Learning Coalition of Marion County

The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County and Success By 6, in partnership with the Marion County Children's Alliance, hosted the 9th annual Children First Breakfast. More than 300 community leaders filled the banquet room to show their support for the children in our community. Dr. Wil Blechman, the breakfast's keynote speaker, delivered his message of "Investing in Children is Investing in Economic Success." His presentation focused on not only the high dollar return by reducing the cost of children's services in later years, but also growing the skilled workforce that our business community will need. He challenged state and community leaders to position children at the top of their economic development agenda.

The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County

The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County is overseeing a comprehensive social marketing campaign as part of a countywide initiative called Literacy Empowers All Families (LEAF). Funded by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, LEAF represents a commitment to reading and learning for children, parents and educators and "connects the dots" from birth through middle school. LEAF unites early child care providers, libraries, and the Sarasota County School District in a unified approach to serving at-risk families.

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties hosted the Second Annual Early Educators Conference on November 7, 2009 at Crews Lake Middle School. The one day conference was a huge success! Nearly 300 child care professionals from both Pasco and Hernando Counties were in attendance. The Coalition had the honor of hosting keynote speaker Dr. Pamela Phelps, who has over 40 years experience successfully working with young children and their families.

Coalition Executive Director Jim Farrelly giving opening remarks to conference attendees.

For the past thirty years, she has been the Owner/Director of the Creative Pre-School in Tallahassee, chosen as a national and state model for the inclusion of young children with disabilities. It is also the home of The Creative Pre-School Model Program Curriculum: Beyond Centers and Circle Time©. Dr. Phelps addressed conference attendees during both opening and closing sessions. She also spoke during an intimate lunch with 30 childcare Providers.

In addition to the keynote speaker, the Coalition organized 24 training classes with topics that ranged from "Dealing with Difficult Behaviors" to "Marketing Your Business." Each conference attendee had the opportunity to participate in two sessions and received 6 In-Service hours with the option to purchase .6 Continuing Education Units. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.

The Second Annual Early Educators Conference would not have been such a great success without the countless hours of planning done by Coalition staff and the faithful attendance of our respected Providers. The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties looks forward making next year's conference even better!

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On September 2, The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. had the honor of hosting Dr. Brittany Birken, the State Director of Early Learning and Deputy Director of Agency for Workforce Innovation. During her visit, Dr. Birken met with Board Chairperson Lisa Hammond, Executive Director Jim Farrelly and Assistant Executive Director Betsy Kier for a review of "Where we've been. Where we are and Where we're going." She had the opportunity to tour the Coalition's Spring Hill Headquarters, the New Port Richey eligibility office and board the Mobile Outreach Van.