Past News and Updates

September 2011

September 30, 2011: The Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida and UM invite you to the 2 Annual Fatherhood Conference: Building Family Success: Keeping Fathers Involved, read more.
September 30, 2011: The latest issue of the ELC Newsletter has been released, read more.
September 29, 2011: The pre-k movement grows daily. In an effort to keep advocates, policymakers, and educators informed, Pre-K Now sends an email with short summaries of stories on pre-k and related programs, read more and subscribe.
September 22, 2011: Board of Ed approves English learner, pre-k rules, read more.
September 21, 2011: READ - - All In: Children Are Key to America's Economic Recovery by Peter A. Gorski recently published by Zero to Three.
September 16, 2011: Florida's August employment figures released by AWI, read more.
September 13, 2011: The ELC of Broward is seeking a motivated and dynamic CEO to oversee operations and lead the agency into its next phase of growth, read more.
September 13, 2011: Dynamic Team to Lead New Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, read more.
September 9, 2011: We need your help to write a winning Race to the Top proposal! As valued partners in our early learning system you have first-hand knowledge about how our system works and how it could work better. Please read the Race to the Top presentation then please fill out this survey as best you can. There is much we need to know to develop a strong plan for the future of Florida's early learning system.
September 8, 2011: Being a kid is all about finding your own way to do things. It's about learning how to use the slide on your own and finding ways to make new friends. Learn more about Exploring Early Childhood with your Child in our latest issue of Parent Link, read more.
September 8, 2011: The Center for Children and Families at Florida International University would like to invite you to attend our Fall 2011 Speaker Series on Evidence-Based Interventions for Childhood and Adolescent Mental Health Problems, read more.
September 8, 2011: Legislative Panel OKs Early Learning Race to the Top Application, read more.
September 7, 2011: Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan urges Gov. Scott and Florida Legislature to apply for Race to the Top early education funding, read more.
September 7, 2011: Join AWI for a presentation and discussion on the Race to the Top grant. AWI values all partners able to participate and help Florida secure these funds that would benefit Florida's Early Learning system, read more.
September 2, 2011: Governor Scott Joins Domestic Security Officials to Launch “If You See Something, Say Something”™ Campaign in Florida, read more.
September 2, 2011: Share a Little Sunshine launches the Florida Fan Game, click here to participate.
September 2, 2011: Labor Day Message from Agency for Workforce Innovation
Director Cynthia Lorenzo, read more.

August 2011

August 29, 2011: Gov. Rick Scott: Let's compete for $100 million Race to Top grant for young kids but lawmakers must accept other federal money before qualifying for Race to the Top grant, read more from the Sun Sentinel
August 29, 2011: Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge: Summary of Requirements, Priorities, and Selection Criteria, released by the Early Learning Challenge Collaborative.
August 24, 2011: Join the Melissa Institute this weekend for a great movie on violence prevention, read more.
August 19, 2011: Governor Scott and Secretary Browning Count Down to Florida's 500th Anniversary, read more.
August 17, 2011: The latest version of the ELC Newsletter has been released, read more.
August 10, 2011: Read the August issue of Parent Link, Back to School with the Right Tips and Tools.
August 9, 2011: Download Count Me In the new resource tool kit for early childhood inclusion.
August 8, 2011: Anyone looking for upstream solutions to the biggest problems facing America should look to Nobel Prize winning University of Chicago Economics Professor James Heckman's work to understand the great gains to be had by investing in early and equal development of human potential, watch the videos.
August 2, 2011: Read the speech given by Dave Lawrence to the Board of Education.

July 2011

July 22, 2011: AWI releases June's employment figures, read more.
July 18, 2011: Join us for Come Together Day this Saturday, July 23, at Golden Glades Elementary, read more.
July 12, 2011: Summer calls for picnics at the park, afternoons at the beach, and any other outdoor events you and your family enjoys doing. In this issue of Parent Link, we want to make sure you are covered in summer safety tips and more; from sun protection to bug bites to any outdoor event you and your family will have, read more.

June 2011

June 30, 2011: Cops oppose cuts to early-childhood education: Two local police chiefs joined a press conference this week to draw attention to cuts in funding for early-childhood education, read more from the Miami Herald.
June 23, 2011: The Florida Philanthropic Network summarizes the impact on non profits of the Florida's FY 2011-2012 Budget, read more.
June 17, 2011: AWI releases Florida's Employment figures for May 2011, read more.
June 16, 2011: The high cost of scrimping on pre-K, read more from the St. Petersburg Times.
June 16, 2011: The Children’s Trust, in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe and other agencies, has done its utmost. Yet 4,500 local school-age children currently enrolled in Florida’s subsidized School Readiness program must now be cast out. Read more.
June 14, 2011: The ELC has scheduled the following two community town hall meetings in Monroe County so that parents may gain a better understanding of the impact the early care and education budget reductions mandated by Governor Rick Scott, and effective July 1, 2011, will have on you and your children. We welcome your feedback and encourage your attendance at either of these two sessions. Sessions and dates for Miami-Dade County and Monroe County.
June 8, 2011: BULLARD CRITICIZES SCHOOL READINESS BUDGET CUT, read more here and here.
June 2, 2011: Please take a moment to read David Lawrence’s most recent op-ed in The Miami Herald regarding Gov. Scott’s $615 million in vetoes, his statements on education, as well as the $30 million cut from Florida’s voluntary pre-kindergarten budget, read more.
June 1, 2011: Our Look Before You Lock campaign aims to help busy parents remember to look in the passenger and back seats of their vehicles before they lock their car doors, read more.

May 2011

May 27, 2011: Miami-Dade College North Campus Pre-School Lab has a great program to help give children a healthier start, watch this now!
May 24, 2011: Have questions about child development between the ages of 0 to 5 years old? Ask Dr. Hughes, read more.
May 24, 2011: Governor Scott proclaims MAY 22-28, 2011 as Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week, read more.
May 20, 2011: Are some daycare providers cashing in on kids? Read and watch the story from News Channel 5- Contact 5 investigation.
May 20, 2011: Miami-Dade Public Library System to Offer Free Vision Screenings & Follow Up Care for Children Ages 5-17, read more.
May 20, 2011: AWI releases Florida's Employment figures for April 2011, read more.
May 17, 2011: UM Mailman Center and Early Steps invite you to Early Steps-Health & Developmental Conference : Practical Strategies for Families on May 19, 2011, read more.
May 16, 2011: The Department of Education (DOE) and the Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) will be hosting two rule development workshops related to the forthcoming Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Four-Year-Olds (2011), read more.
May 12, 2011: Read our legislative page to see the bills passed during the 2011 regular session.
May 11, 2011: Florida Family Child Care Home Association is hosting the conference Enhancing our Minds . . . . 2011, read more.
May 11, 2011: Read the latest ELC Message which highlights the impact of the latest legislative session.
May 9, 2011: The Agency for Workforce Innovation, Office of Early Learning announces a public hearing to which all persons are invited to comment on the Child Care Development Fund State Plan, read more.
May 6 2011: GOVERNOR SCOTT PROCLAIMS MILITARY SPOUSE RECOGNITION MONTH IN FLORIDA, read more.
May 6, 2011: The Early Learning Coalition wishes Providers a much deserved Provider Appreciation Day! Read more in our News Alert. Read the proclamation form the Governor.
May 5, 2011: Legislature fails Florida’s children! Read the rest of David Lawrence's opinion article from the Miami Herald.
May 5, 2011: May's Parent Link is all about electronic media! In this issue we are providing information on computer usage and your preschooler, computer software, online resources for you and your family, and much more! read more.
May 4, 2011: Read the latest issue of the ELC News Alert.
May 3, 2011: Applications for the Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program in City of Miami (District 2), click here for more details.
May 2, 2011: THE FINAL STRETCH - BUDGET CONFERENCE IN HIGH GEAR, read more in the latest issue of the FCSC's Capitol Connection.

April 2011

April 26, 2011: New fill-it-in VPK Parent application now available!
April 26, 2011: A Message from Governor Rick Scott: This week, families throughout Florida mark the Passover and Easter holidays. Ann and I, along with Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll and her family, extend best wishes to you and your family during this special time, and to our troops far from home as they fight to protect the freedoms we all enjoy , read more.
April 26, 2011; Join David Henrie, star of Emmy-winning series "Wizards of Waverly Place," and his friends for a fun-filled evening of entertainment, music and comedy to benefit the United Way, read more.
April 26, 2011: Read the latest issue of our VPK News Flash!
April 26, 2011: The Miami Children’s Initiative has scheduled meetings for its Board of Directors on the following dates May 10, May 24 and June 21. All meetings will begin at 6:00 PM and will be held in the 4th Floor Conference Room of the Joseph Caleb Center, 5400 NW 22nd Avenue. Ms. Annie Neasman is Board Chair. All are welcome to attend.
April 21, 2011: Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation along with DCF invite you to Family Fun Day on May 7, read more.
April 20, 2011: The House and Senate scrambled last week to complete a long agenda and get bills heard before committee meetings end next week, read the rest of the story in the latest issue of the FCSC's Capitol Connection.
April 19, 2011: ELC and partners are offering Child Care Licensing Provider Training, read more.
April 18, 2011: The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, together with The Children’s Trust, is presenting the 5th annual FREE “All Kids Included Family Arts Festival – Dreams Take Flight” for children and families of all abilities on Saturday, April 23rd from 10 AM - 5 PM, read more. Click here for event details.
April 18, 2011: FACCM invites you to a webinar on April 21 featuring Kris Murray, President of Child Care Marketing Solutions, read more.
April 18, 2011: A Message from Governor Rick Scott: We received encouraging news that Florida’s unemployment rate for March is 11.1 percent. While that number is still too high, it is the lowest unemployment rate we’ve seen in more than a year, read more.
April 15, 2011: AWI releases Florida's Employment figures for March 2011, read more.
April 13, 2011: Roughly midway through the legislative session, the House and Senate passed their respective budgets through each chamber's appropriations committees. Both chambers are scheduled to debate the budget bills on the floor late next week. Budget conference will most likely begin during the second week of April, read more from the latest issue of Capitol Connection from the Florida Children's Services Council.
April 12, 2011: Congratulations to ELC Board Member, David Williams, Jr., who has been appointed to the Miami Gardens City Council, representing Seat 5.
April 8, 2011: The Board of Directors of the Miami Children’s Initiative has two meetings coming up, the Business Plan Hoc Committee on April 11 and the Board of Directors meeting on April 12.
April 6, 2011: This month Parent Link is celebrating Child Abuse Prevention Month with helpful tips and informative articles on how to prevent child abuse.
April 6, 2011: AWI and DOE developed one set of standards for Florida’s four‐year‐olds participating in either School Readiness or VPK. They are seeking public comment on the DRAFT Standards, read more to participate.
April 6, 2011: Read the latest issue of the AELC newsletter!
April 5, 2011: If you can sing, act, play an instrument or have any other talent this is your time to show it off! You are invited to audition for the World Refugee Day, read more.
April 5, 2011: Read the VPK Good Exemption Rule.
April 4, 2011: Join us as we celebrate the Day of the Young Child on Saturday, April 9, read more.
April 4, 2011: Read the latest issue of the Capital Connection from the Florida Children's Service Council.

March 2011

March 31, 2011: VPK Assessment Kits are available for pre-order April 25 - May 13, to get the state-wide discount, read more.
March 30, 2011: The latest issue of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.
March 25, 2011: AWI releases Florida's Employment figures for February 2011, read more.
March 21, 2011: Read The Economics of Inequality, the Value of Early Childhood Education by James Heckman.
March 20, 2011: Read Steps to Success a News and Information Resource for Florida Early Care and Education Trainers.
March 14, 2011: Join the Miami-Dade county Public Schools as they celebrate the Week of the Young Child, read more.
March 14, 2011: Join the National CASA’s Forgotten Children’s Festival on April 2, 2011, read more.
March 14, 2011: Read the March Money Matters issue of the ELC's Parent Link.
March 14, 2011: Read the latest issue of the Florida Children's Services Council legislative newsletter, Capitol Connection.
March 14, 2011: ELC Coral Gables office phones are working after some technical difficulties last week. We would like to thank you for your patience.
March 8, 2011: Take Action: Tell Your Senators to Protect and Sustain Child Care and Head Start Funding, read more.
March 7, 2011: Read Governor Scott's latest message!
March 3, 2011: The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe is seeking candidates to fill positions for the Board of Directors. Please contact Lee ana Pena at 305-646-7220, ext. 246 for an application or download the Board of Directors Membership Application for Governor appointed private business sector or faith based provider. Applications must be submitted no later than April 18, 2011.
March 3, 2011: Join us at the Miami Children's Museum on March 18 at 4:00pm to celebrate Children's Week, read more.
March 3, 2011: Providers remember to send your hands to Yesenia Reyes before March 11!
March 3, 2011: The latest issue of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.
March 3, 2011: Join us on March 9th to Celebrate Children's Week with the We Give Books Read Mobile Tour, read more.
March 2, 2011: Join Quality Counts for a Healthy Living Training that will address ways to prevent obesity and live healthier. This training will be offered in English and Spanish, read more.

February 2011

February 24, 2011: Have you registered for the "Empowering the Unemployed Expo" It is not too late. Now more than ever, it is important to be ahead of the competition. "Empowering the Unemployed Expo" will take place on Friday, February 25, 2011, from 9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m at Florida National College 4425 West 20 Avenue in Hialeah, Florida, read more.
February 24, 2011: The ELC strategic planning meeting will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 8:30am to 3:00pm at the ELC Board Room, 2555 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 5th floor.
February 23, 2011:Join the Miami Children's Museum as they celebrate Dr. Sues' 107th Birthday and commemorate one of the world's greatest children's book storytellers, read more.
February 22, 2011: House Passes Spending Package with Deep Cuts to Child Care and Head Start. The spending package is now heading to the Senate, read more.
February 17, 2011: Miami-Dade Parents ready to register your children for VPK? Download the registration flyer for more information.
February 17, 2011: Miami-Dade VPK Providers! New expedited registration services for providers with 35 VPK students or more, read more.
February 15, 2011: Download the National Women’s Law Center Tax Credits Outreach Campaign toolkit for valuable resources on getting the most from your income tax refund.
February 15, 2011: All Kids Included Family Arts Festival wil be on Saturday, April 23rd at South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center.
February 15, 2011: Read Governor's Scott's proposed budget. For more details on Governor's Scott's Florida budget reform visit, http://letsgettowork.state.fl.us/
February 11, 2011: Read a blog from Vance Louis, Statewide Coordinator, about today’s Health Regulation Committee vote on SB 406. The Children’s Movement of Florida and the ELC support SB 406, which would allow an estimated 150,000+ children to receive coverage under Kid Care.
February 8, 2011: Miami-Dade Area Health Education Center will be providing health screenings for children birth to five who participate in school readiness funded programs, click here to download parental consent form.
February 7, 2011: Child Care Standards and Improvements Work Group report has been released, read more.
February 7, 2011: Join Quality Counts for a Healthy Living Training that will address ways to prevent obesity and live healthier. This training will be offered in English and Spanish, read more.
February 4, 2011: The ELC Board of Directors will hold a strategic planning meeting on Saturday, February 26, 2011, read more.
February 4, 2011: Read the latest issue of the Association of Early Learning Coalitions newsletter.
February 3, 2011: Parent Link is all about nutrition this month! Have a picky eater? Read through the latest issue for tips and ideas, read more.
February 2, 2011: The latest issue of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.

January 2011

January 30, 2011: Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of children and parents. There was an overwhelming response to Saturday's open enrollment day which is a clear reflection of the tremendous need for subsidized child care slots in our community. Working families are simply desperate for help with the high cost of child care, read more.
January 27, 2011: Meet authors Lynne Katz (University of Miami) and Judge Cindy Letterman (11th Judicial Circuit, FL) and learn the most effective ways to work with courts, improve child–parent relationships, and plan interventions for vulnerable young children and families, read more.
January 26, 2011: The U.S. Department of Education today launched a new web site that provides convenient and transparent access to key national and state education data, highlighting the progress being made across the country in every level of the education system and encouraging communities to engage in a conversation about their schools. The United States Education Dashboard, available at http://dashboard.ed.gov
January 25, 2011: Join Quality Counts for a Healthy Living Training that will address ways to prevent obesity and live healthier. This training will be offered in English and Spanish, read more.
January 21, 2011: AWI releases December 2010 unemployment figures, read more.
January 20, 2011: Vice Chairwoman Edmonton has announced a new cycle of the annual Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program. Small business owners are eligible to receive up to $10,000 to help their businesses grow. Click here for the grant application.
January 20, 2011: The Gold Seal Rule Promulgation Workshop scheduled for January 27, 2011 has been cancelled while Governor Scott's Executive Order Number 11-01 is reviewed. The rescheduled date will be posted.
January 19, 2011: Miami-Dade County will conduct a Managed Enrollment Initiative for residents seeking School Readiness funded child care services, read more.
January 17, 2011: The latest issue of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.
January 13, 2011: The Niagara Conference has moved to Miami! Sixth Biennial "Niagara in Miami" Conference on Evidence-Based Interventions for Childhood and Adolescent Mental Health Problems. Register now for the February 16-18 conference, read more.
January 7, 2011: A Message from Governor Rick Scott: I am pleased to serve as your new Governor and want to take this opportunity to call on you to join me in our effort to get Florida back to work. I am enclosing excerpts of my inaugural speech which highlight my agenda. I look forward to working with you to achieve these goals during these next four years. Read Governor Scott's Inaugural address.
January 6, 2011: Parent Link New Year's Resolution issue is out! With the start of a new year, we want you and your family to start the year off right, read more.
January 6, 2011: Join Quality Counts for a Healthy Living Training that will address ways to prevent obesity and live healthier. This training will be offered in English and Spanish, read more.
January 6, 2011: DCF Child Care Program Office has added information for
the next Gold Seal Rule Promulgation Workshop scheduled for January 27, 2011, it includes the most recent versions of all documents pertaining to the proposed Rule, read more.
January 5, 2011: Governor Rick Scott signed Executive Order No. 11-01 which freezes all new regulations and establishes the Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform, which will review all rules prior to promulgation as well as agency practices and contracts.
January 5, 2011: VPK Provider Application Training Sessions will be held to assist provider with the revised VPK Forms 10 and 11, read more.
January 4, 2011: Join Wesley House and the ELC for Conscious Discipline: Creating Problem Solving Classrooms training seminar on Saturday, January 22, 2011 in Key Largo, read more.

December 2010

December 21, 2010: The ELC Board of Directors passed two important policies for School Readiness Providers: School Readiness Funded Provider license Policy and the Child Safety and Licensing Policy, read more.
December 21, 2010: After more than 30 infant and toddler deaths last year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission officially outlawed the manufacture, sale, and re-sale of drop-side cribs, read more.
December 15, 2010: Dr. Edward Tonic of Harvard University and Children's Hospital Boston- Child Development Unit has devised a way to show how important this social connection is to babies and how much it affects them when the relationship of a caregiver or parent is broken, click here to see video
December 13, 2010: The Nonprofit Business NOVO Awards are open to not-for-profit organizations and recognize programs that have made a difference in the lives of the people they serve, produce outcomes that exemplify innovative excellence, and feature best practices of not-for-profit businesses. To download 2010 application form click here.
December 10, 2010: The Miami Children’s Initiative, Inc. will hold its first Board of Directors’ meeting on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 5:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Joseph Caleb Center, 5400 NW 22 Avenue in the Conference Room of Suite 701. The vision of the Initiative is to work together to build “A Prosperous Community for Liberty City’s Children and Families”. Ms. Annie Newsman is chair of the Board.
December 9, 2010: The 40th Annual Florida Keys Health Fairs will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011, read more.
December 6, 2010: The ELC Board of Directors approved a reimbursement rate alignment for School Readiness Providers that meet the requirements, read more.
December 4, 2010: The ELC publishes its first issue of Parent Link, a parent newsletter that will help connect parents to community resources and the Early Learning Coalition, read more.
December 1, 2010: The Children's Movement of Florida has just released a video highlighting five issues of first focus, a portion of the CNN national story that was seen by millions of people, and highlights from the Milk Party rallies in which 15,000 Floridians participated, click here to watch.

November 2010

November 29, 2010: Rule Development Workshops for Gold Seal have been announced for December 9 and December 14, read more.
November 23, 2010: Join us and the National Women's Law Center on November 30 for a National Call in day to tell the White House to urge Congress to not cut 300,000 children from the Child Care and Development Block Grant, read more.
November 23, 2010: Join the National Women's Law Center for a conference call on What the Child Care and Early Learning Community Needs to Know About the New Health Care Law, on December 8, 3:00pm, click here to register.
November 21, 2010: The American Federation of Teachers publishes resolution High-Quality Early Education for All, read more.
November 19, 2010: Effective immediately, the Coalition's Board of Directors has approved a moratorium on adding new providers to the School Readiness funded program. This means that the Coalition will not accept School Readiness Provider Contracts for new providers until further notice, read more.
November 15, 2010: Issue #11 of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.
November 10, 2010: ELC Board Member Alan Eckstein reads to children at the Inez Martin Child Development Center in Key West. The coalition recently received a Reading Is Fundamental grant that will provide books for 1,252 Monroe County children, read more.
November 8, 2010: The Provider Services Committee Meeting scheduled for today, November 8, has been cancelled. The rescheduled date will be posted in our calendar.
November 6, 2010: Agency for Workforce Innovation announced that employers can apply for a federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) using a new online system that can dramatically speed up the approval process, read more.
November 5, 2010: State of Florida will require School Readiness providers to submit a Child Care Certificate for all new School Readiness children, read more; see sample Child Care Certificate.

October 2010

October 29, 2010: Meet and greet with new ELC board member Shaleen Fagundo 10/29/10 @ 1:00pm. South Dade Government Center 10710 SW 211 ST, Room 203.
October 28, 2010: Important message from the county regarding redetermination, read more.
October 27, 2010: Lights On Afterschool had over 7,000 rallies, read more.
October 21, 2010: Issue #10 of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.
October 14, 2010: FIU and Green Family Foundation Neighborhood Help are sponsoring a Health Career Event at Carol City High School on OCT 21, read more.
October 14, 2010: Florida Family Child Care Home Association (FFCCHA) will have their Professional Development Leadership Summit November 5 - 7th, read more.
October 12, 2010: As part of the new background screening law (HB7069), providers must use Affidavit of Good Moral Character, read more.
October 8, 2010: Last chance for Miami-Dade providers to be a part of RIF! Come to the ELC office anytime on October 13 during these hours 9:30am to noon and 1:00pm to 2:00pm.

September 2010

September 29, 2010: RAIN or SHINE the Milk Party is on tonight! Miami-Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W. Flagler St. Doors open at 6 p.m. Program starts at 6:30 p.m. Be a voice for our children!
September 23, 2010: Issue #9 of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.
September 22, 2010: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics and Healthy Start Coalition of Miami‐Dade are joining forces to launch The Jasmine Project on Saturday, September 25, 2010, read more.
September 20, 2010: Miami-Dade Providers, interested in being part of the RIF book distributions? You must attend one of the information workshops they start next Tuesday, September 28, read more.
September 16, 2010: Miami-Dade County's Child Development Services (CDS) Office in Miami Gardens is open again.
September 16, 2010: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched the first Web site in Spanish to help consumers take control of their health care, visit CuidadodeSalud.gov.
September 15, 2010: You must register to vote by October 4, 2010 so that you can vote in November! Visit miamidade.gov/elections for more details.
September 14, 2010: Volunteer your Time and Take the Bus to the Children's Movement of Florida Milk Party Rally in Miami-Dade County on Wednesday, September 29th! For more information contact john.knight@childrensmovementflorida.org.
September 14, 2010: Attention providers! The ELC offering five scholarships for directors or teachers (3 from Miami-Dade and 2 from Monroe) to attend the FLAEYC conference in Orlando. To enter the raffle: email your name, center and contact information to tcullen@elcmdm.org before September 20, 2010. To find out more about the conference go to flaeyc.org.
September 10, 2010: The new background screening law (HB7069) for child care programs, which went into effect beginning August 1, 2010, requires the use of the Affidavit of Good Moral Character (Form CF1649), Read more in the latest issue of the VPK News Flash.
September 9, 2010: This Saturday (September 11) - Dade Blue Health Fair and Miami-Dade Health Insurance Utilization Program (MD-HIUP) Launch, read more.
September 9, 2010: Go to the Fall for the Arts Festival on Sunday, September 12 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, read more.
September 9, 2010: Proposed CCEP funding rule has been released, read more.
September 9, 2010: Watch I am Florida, then join the Miami-Dade Milk Party to help create a better future for our children!
September 9, 2010: Premium Assistance Offers Even More Residents Affordable Healthcare (MD-HIUP)--One-Year Anniversary of Miami-Dade Blue, read more.

August 2010

August 27, 2010: Issue #8 of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.
August 26, 2010: By almost every objective standard, Florida ranks poorly in measure after measure of how we invest in children. Now you can do something to change that! Read more about the Miami-Dade Rally. Read more about the Monroe Rally.
August 23, 2010: Keysnews.com reports that the State expands kids health care program
August 18, 2010: The Children's Movement of Florida continues to hold "Milk Parties" on behalf of Florida's Children. Find out more about this.
August 13, 2010: The Child Development Educational Alliance will hold their next conference October 8-9, 2010 in Jacksonville, read more.
August 10, 2010: Read the latest issue of Teach More / Love More from The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation.
August 5, 2010: The Children's Movement of Florida to Announce Launch of ‘Milk Party’ Campaign, read more.
August 5, 2010: The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation was awarded a $5 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The award speaks volumes of the confidence that the Kellogg Foundation and the federal government have on investing in our community, and on the partnerships that have been forged with major universities, the school system and community organizations. Much of the credit for this grant belongs to Ana Sejeck who led the application process and is such an important figure in these unprecedented partnerships, read more.
August 5, 2010: The Children's Movement unveils its new bus the Children's Express that will travel all around Florida to highlight the important role we all play as our children's advocates.
August 5, 2010: ELC Grievance Policy has been updated please click here to access the policy and the form.
August 4, 2010: The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe is seeking a candidate to fill a position on its Board of Directors for a private, for-profit child care provider. The candidate must reside in Florida and be associated with a private-sector child care center or family child care home business entity conducting business in Miami-Dade or Monroe County. Preference will be given to one whose center or family child care home is accredited by a recognized agency.
Please contact Leeana Pena at 305-646-7220, ext. 246 for an application or download the Board of Directors Membership Application. Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, August 20th.
Please note that candidates will be selected on Friday, August 27th and must be available for interviews on Wednesday, September 1st.
August 4, 2010: All those interested in being a part of the ELC Board of Directors must fill out the Board of Directors Membership Application.
August 3, 2010: Take Action Now! Read the summary of federal legislation affecting children. Then contact your legislators to remind them how important our children are.

July 2010

July 29, 2010: Miami Dade County District 3 will host a back to school fair this weekend, read more.
July 29, 2010: Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust Housing Advocacy Committee is hosting the South Dade Housing Empowerment Symposium, read more.
July 29, 2010: Community Health of South Florida, Inc. is offering low cost school physicals, read more.
July 28, 2010: Issue #7 of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.
July 27, 2010: DCF is launching a new website to help providers with the new background screening requirements, read more.
July 27, 2010: Funding child care helps all of us, read more from the Miami Herald.
July 20, 2010: DCF is offering a new 4-hour course, Quality Self-Assessment and Improvement for Afterschool Programs read more.
July 14, 2010: AWI and the ELC will host Regional School-Age Care Quality Meetings for Afterschool Site Directors & Administrators, Afterschool Providers, and Early Learning Coalition Staff/Trainers, read more.
July 14, 2010: Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP)
is Now Accepting Applications, read more.
July 14, 2010: Are you between 5 and 12 years old? If so, USCIS is hosting an art project to ask you to put your ideas on paper, read more.
July 12, 2010: Florida is about to implement important changes to ensure the safety of Floridians who are so dependent on the quality of the people caring for them, read more about these changes.
July 7, 2010: Non Profit leaders Face new Realities, read the Status Report on non profit care.
July 6, 2010: Florida's children deserve to be our first priority when deciding how the state's resources are spent, visit the Children's Movement of Florida to find out more about this important initiative.

June 2010

June 30, 2010: The Child Care Executive Partnership (CCEP) helps
working-families afford quality child care. Find out how you can be part of the program, read more.
June 29, 2010: The Early Care and Educational Providers’ Business Meeting scheduled for June 30, 2010 has been cancelled.
June 23, 2010: Issue #6 of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.
June 18, 2010: In our effort to Go Green, public packets will no longer be available for meetings. Click here to download the June 21, 2010 Executive Committee Meeting packet.
June 17, 2010: Do you know your responsibilities as a mandated reporter? Be informed of the Florida Laws for caretakers of young children. Sign up for the Quality Counts Director's Series, read more.
June 16, 2010: The Quality Counts Career Center will be accepting scholarship applications for the Fall 2010 semester from June 16 thru August 6, 2010, read more.
June 4, 2010: In our effort to Go Green, public packets will no longer be available for meetings. Click here to download the June Board Meeting packet.
June 4, 2010: VPK Providers who took an instructor led course can now update their transcript by faxing, scanning and/or mailing certificates to the ELC, read more.
June 2, 2010: Florida Department of Education has scheduled several Rule Development Workshops to gather public input on the methodology for calculating the 2009-10 VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rate, read more.
June 2, 2010: VPK Payment Rate Schedule for FY 2010-2011 has been published, read more.

May 2010

May 26, 2010: Success South Florida Magazine Honors 40 Under 40 Leaders of Today and Tomorrow, among them ELC's Blythe Keeler Robinson, read more.
May 25, 2010: We are currently recruiting for the 2010-2011 Curriculum Learning Communities, click here for more information on the program and the pre-application form.
May 25, 2010: The cuts to subsidized child care challenge the central tenet of the welfare overhaul adopted in 1996, which imposed a five-year lifetime limit on cash assistance, read more.
May 20, 2010: Give Your Kids A Head Start With State's Free VPK, read more.
May 19, 2010: South Florida Workforce is Recruiting to Fill Jobs through the Florida Back to Work Program, read more.
May 18, 2010: Read the latest Deepwater Horizon Response situation report.
May 18, 2010: For information on the ongoing efforts to clean up the Gulf Oil Spill please click here.
May 17, 2010: Issue #5 of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more.
May 14, 2010: Low-quality child care can have lasting impact, watch the video and read more!
May 12, 2010: Our Quality Counts is included in this new and extensive study of QRS initiatives around the nation, read more.
May 7, 2010: Proposed VPK Provider Payment Rates by county for VPK for fiscal year 2010-11, read more.

April 2010

April 30, 2010: Senate Bill 2014 by Senator Wise has passed and is on the Governor's desk, read the bill.
April 21, 2010: VPK Funding preserved! Your phone calls, emails, and trips to Tallahassee have paid off. The House and the Senate agreed on a $404.8M appropriation for VPK, read more.
April 21, 2010: Want to be a part of Child Care Executive Partnership? To participate for the 2010-2011 school year, please visit our CCEP webpage to download the necessary forms and fax them back no later than Monday, May 10, 2010.
April 16, 2010: Issue #4 of the ELC News Alert has been Released, read more.
April 14, 2010: VPK funding is still in jeopardy! See how YOU can help, read more.
April 14, 2010: Florida Family Child Care Home Association will have their 18th Annual Conference June 22-27, 2010, read more.
April 14, 2010: Florida Family Child Care Home Association is looking for presenters for their upcoming conference, read more.
April 6, 2010: Florida Cabinet for Children and Youth Report releases their report on kindergarten readiness, Kindergarten Readiness Turn the Curve Exercise Summary
FLKRS Results for Florida

March 2010

March 26, 2010: AWI releases Employment figures for February 2010, read more.
March 25, 2010: FLORIDA’S VPK STUDENTS ARE BETTER PREPARED FOR SUCCESS IN KINDERGARTEN~ Latest results indicate VPK students score higher than their non-VPK peers in key learning areas, read more.
March 22, 2010: New dates added tot he VPK Standards Trainings, read more.
March 22, 2010: 4th Annual: All Kids Included Family Arts Festival “A Quilting Safari” April 17th At Miami Children’s Museum, read more. For more information read the press release from Miami-Dade County, in English or en español
March 18, 2010: VPK funding is in jeopardy! We need to engage all early learning partners and stakeholders to educate legislative members on the implications of reductions. Click here to see how you can help!
March 17, 2010: Reading is essential to a child's learning process. That's why Target awards grants to schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations to support programs such as after-school reading events and weekend book clubs, read more.
March 17, 2010: Is Your Pre-K Teacher Giving What They Get? Read the article from education.com
March 17, 2010: There will be legislative training session on March 26 in English and Spanish, read more.
March 15, 2010: Another Tight Budget Year, More Tough Cuts, read more from the Capital Connection Newsletter.
March 15, 2010: Read the latest issue of the VPK News Flash.
March 12, 2010: Issue #3 of the ELC News Alert has been Released, read more.
March 12, 2010: Legislative Update! Over the last week, the House and Senate have released their proposed budgets for both the School Readiness and VPK programs, read more.
March 11, 2010: Florida Department of Education has released the VPK Readiness Rates for 08-09. Click here to search the Readiness Rates.
March 10, 2010: BLOCK Fest - Coming to the United Way Center for Excellence - March 18th - Don't miss the fun, read more.
March 10, 2010: Miami-Dade County Community Action Agency presents the 8th Annual Pregnant Women, Infant and Toddlers Conference: Cherish the Moments, Treasure the Gems, read more.
March 10, 2010: AWI releases the unemployment figures for January 2010, read more.
March 9, 2010: Become a certified Parent Peer Group™ (PPG) MASTER Trainer for Informed Families - spaces still available for the training on March 26, 2010, read more.
March 8, 2010: Now is the perfect time to become more informed and actively involved on behalf of children and early care and education! read more
March 4, 2010: Governor Crist Promotes Florida’s Talent Supply Chain, From Pre-Kindergarten Through Higher Education, read more.
March 4, 2010: ELC celebrates Read Across America by reading Dr. Suess books to young children, read more.

February 2010

February 25, 2010: In the Wake of Recent State Budget Cuts, Coalition Reports Unprecedented Numbers of Children Benefiting from School Readiness Programs, Yet Thousands More Still In Need, read more.
February 24, 2010: Administration Increases Funds for Child Care in Federal Budget Proposal read more from the Early Care and Education Consortium.
February 24, 2010: Final 08-09 VPK Readiness Rates will be published and available for the general public on Friday, February 26, 2010, read more.
February 24, 2010: In a Salute to Dr. Seuss, Students at Shores School Center in Miami, Which Serves an 85% Haitian Population and Whose Families Have Been Impacted by Haiti’s Earthquake, to Participate in a Special Breakfast of “Green Eggs & Ham”, read more.
February 23, 2010: Help us celebrate Children's Week by creating hand artwork with your children! read more.
February 22, 2010: Technology companies, health professionals, and federal, state, and local agencies combine forces to provide free health information via text messages, read more.
February 22, 2010: US Census 2010 – Why every person counts!
Participating is easy, important and safe! Ten minutes to answer 10 questions can directly impact your quality of life, read more.
February 18, 2010: Do you want a bigger voice in Congress? Do you want more money for schools & hospitals?
-Participate in the 2010 Census
-Sea parte del Censo 2010
-Patisipe nan Census 2010
February 11, 2010: ELC News Alert Issue 2 has been released, read more.
February 10, 2010: In the Wake of Recent State Budget Cuts, Coalition Reports Unprecedented Numbers of Children Benefiting from School Readiness Programs, Yet Thousands More Still In Need, read more.
February 8, 2010:Help for Haiti: Volunteer with the Red Cross! The Red Cross needs child care providers to assist with Haitian children as they arrive to the United States., read more.
February 8, 2010: Detroit Free Press reports state preschool programs over the past 25 years are saving the state $1 billion this year in crime and education costs, read more.
February 4, 2010: Read the latest H1N1 update for the Florida Department of Health.
February 2, 2010: Governor Crist announces 2010-2011 budget recommendations, read more.
February 1, 2010: VPK News Flash for February has ben released, read more.
February 1, 2010: There will be a Parent Peer Group Training on February 5, 2010, read more.

January 2010

January 29, 2010: On February 5, 2010, preliminary 2008-09 VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rate are scheduled to be posted on the readiness rate Web site, read more.
January 25, 2010: Governor Crist Unveils Record $22.7-Billion Proposed Budget
for Pre-K-12 Education, read more.
January 25, 2010: The City of Miami will be hosting a career fair, read more.
January 20, 2010: AWI Releases December Unemployment Figures, read more.
January 20, 2010: The Florida Council of 100 and the Florida Chamber of Commerce are championing a new approach for energizing what Workforce Florida aptly coined Florida’s “Talent Supply Chain read more.
January 15, 2010: AWI releases the Rules Timeline, read more.
January 13, 2010: Do you need to hire extra staff but are struggling to find the funds to do so? Your South Florida Workforce is offering a solution of government-funded assistance! Visit South Florida Workforce for more info.
January 13, 2010: If you know of any local businesses that would like to participate in reducing child care costs, addressing the needs of early care and education, and supporting a strong workforce in our community, we encourage you to refer them to the Child Care Executive Partnership (CCEP). This program is designed to ensure that children of employees through age 12 are provided affordable, high-quality, and developmentally appropriate child care. It's not too late! read more
January 07, 2010: Worried about H1N1? Join Child Care Aware Parent Network's webinar Keeping Your Child Healthy at Home and in Child Care, read more.
January 05, 2010: Join AWI Rule Workshop scheduled for this Friday, January 8th from 1-5 pm related to the VPK forms 10,11 and 20, read more.
January 04, 2010: Join Informed Families and Former FL Gov. Jeb Bush for a special Evening with Joseph A. Califano, Jr. on February 18, 2010, read more.

December 2009

December 24, 2009: Issue 15 of the News Alert has been released, read more.
December 22, 2009: Day-care center to lose state pre-K program. Early Learning Coalition of Marion County cites possible fraudulent procedures at Ocala's Kids Zone USA, read more.
December 22, 2009: FCSC releases their summary FY 2010-11 Budget Shortfall and its impact on Early Learning, read more.
December 21, 2009: DCF has released a draft of the 2009 Rule Changes as well as an Enforcement Fact Sheet.
December 15, 2009: The ECE has posted some of the 2010 conferences being organized by members of the World Forum Alliance and the Exchange Strategic Partners, read more.
December 15, 2009: FACCM 2010 Annual Conference will be held in Orlando, FL January 15-16, 2010, read more.
December 9, 2009: We are still collecting supplies to benefit a local children's home, read more.
December 8, 2009: Healthcare reform fact sheet and its impact, read more.
December 2, 2009: VPK providers can come to our office, 2555 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, to pick up VPK banners. Limit one banner per certified VPK Provider.
December 1, 2009: DCF The Child Care Licensing Department have training on the new Child Care Licensing requirements as well as immunization for the H1N1 Flu Virus, read more.

November 2009

November 24, 2009: Elizabeth Bellon of the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/
Monroe reads in English and Spanish to children at The Learning Center as part of a Reading is Fundamental (RIF) book distribution event. The coalition received a $125,000 grant from RIF, the nation’s largest literacy organization, to give books to a total of 28,000 children in both counties, read more on page 3A
November 24, 2009: City of Miami Fire Rescue will performing free car seat inspections at Station #10, 4101 NW 7th Street on Dec. 5, 2009
November 23, 2009: Issue 14 of the ELC News Alert has been released, read more
November 20, 2009: Tickets FORE Charity and the ELC have teamed up bring you a special $40 Any-Day ground pass to 2010 World Golf Championships-CA Championship to be held in the Doral Golf Resort & Spa and 75% of the net proceeds will directly benefit the Early Learning Coalition! read more
November 19, 2009: Miami-Dade Early Learning Centers Receive Grants Totaling $174,000 from IBM, read more
November 18, 2009: Miami-Dade County Health Department announces Special H1N1 Flu Vaccination Day, November 21, 2009 read more,
Día especial de vacunación contra la gripe H1N1 lea mas,
Jou Espesiyal ou Ka Pran Vaksen Kont Grip H1N1plis enfòrmasyon
November 17, 2009: ELC will host a book distribution with guest reader "Story Lady" Danielle Bascomb read more.
November 10, 2009: Download the activities flyer for the third RIF-ELC Book Distribution.
November 10, 2009: Miami-Dade County Health Department announces Special H1N1 Flu Vaccination Day, November 11, 2009 read more,
Día especial de vacunación contra la gripe H1N1 lea mas,
Jou Espesiyal ou Ka Pran Vaksen Kont Grip H1N1plis enfòrmasyon
November 5, 2009: Rep. Ari Porth Convenes State’s First-Ever Early Childhood Caucus ~ Bipartisan group to examine best practice ways to prepare Florida’s children for the future, read more
November 5, 2009: Bipartisan group to focus on children's issues, including VPK Six Tampa Bay area lawmakers -- three Republicans and three Democrats -- are among 20 members of a new bipartisan group focusing on early childhood issues, including Florida's voluntary prekindergarten program, read more
November 5, 2009: Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children’s TYLENOL® National Child Care Teacher Awards™ award acknowledges the critical role of child care teachers in providing quality early care and education. The ELC encourages Miami-Dade and Monroe county child care teachers to apply , read more.
November 3, 2009: ELC releases three RFPs: Data Management, Child Assessment and Screenings, Inclusion Services.

October 2009

October 29, 2009: Issue 13 of the ELC News Alert is out, read more.
October 29, 2009: Town Hall Meeting to discuss Degreed Teachers In Pre-K Classrooms will be held in N. Seminole on December 15, 2009, read more.
October 27, 2009: Congratulations to the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe - winner of the 2009 GMSHRM Diversity & Inclusion Award, read more
October 27, 2009: AWI has published VPK 80:20 attendance rule FAQs and examples, read more
October 27, 2009: HB 201 was filed in the Florida House of Representatives and its companion SB 248 was filed in the senate both concern background screenings for early care and education employees, read more
October 27, 2009: Congratulations to the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe - winner of the 2009 GMSHRM Diversity & Inclusion Award, read more
October 27, 2009: AWI has published VPK 80:20 attendance rule FAQs and examples, read more
October 27, 2009: HB 201 was filed in the Florida House of Representatives and its companion SB 248 was filed in the senate both concern background screenings for early care and education employees, read more
October 26, 2009: America After 3pm publishes report Top 10 States for Afterschool in 2009, read more
October 26, 2009: America After 3pm publishes report Florida After 3pm, read more
October 26, 2009: Florida Named a Top 10 State for Afterschool Programs
But Expert Says State Has “Long Way to Go”, read more
October 23, 2009: Chicago Tribune: Latino toddlers lag white peers, studies find, read more
October 23, 2009: Hosted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, One Voice is an online forum dedicated to addressing the state's economic issues with a "one voice" approach. To learn more and become actively engaged in the discussion to better the future for all Floridians, read more
October 23, 2009: Give kids an early chance from the Orlando Sentinel
October 22, 2009: Bremerton Patriot Educators from several state school districts got an education in early learning from some leaders in the field this week read more
October 16, 2009: AWI releases Florida’s September Employment Figures
October 16, 2009: Chamber Firms Up Political, Business Goals for Florida
October 14, 2009: Providers if are interested in receiving a H1N1 vaccination, please download the appointment form and fax it back before Monday October 19, with the time of your appointment.
October 12, 2009: Become a certified Parent Peer Group™ (PPG) MASTER Trainer for Informed Families - spaces still available for the training on 10/14/09 and 11/18/09, read more.
October 9, 2009: Issue 12 of the ELC News Alert is out, read more.
October 7, 2009: National Women’s Law Center releases a study of child care policies in the US. More states made cuts than made improvements, read more.
October 6, 2009: The RAND Corporation releases policy brief Promoting Effective Preschool Programs.
October 2, 2009: Download the activities flyer for the Second RIF-ELC Book Distribution.

September 2009

September 30, 2009: The Guardian ad Litem Program is looking for volunteers, read more.
September 29, 2009: AWI Presentation on the Provider Market Rate Survey for the Program and Strategy Committee is available for download.
September 23, 2009: VPK News Flash includes information on the attendance policy, read more.
September 18, 2009: Draft Matrix of Services developed by the Inclusion Task Force for 18 -36 months and 3 to 5 years.
September 15, 2009: VPK Providers who took an instructor led course can now update their transcript by faxing, scanning and/or mailing certificates to the ELC, read more.
September 9, 2009: CDC releases guidance to help Child Care Programs respond to the 2009–2010 Influenza Season, read more.

August 2009

August 17, 2009: Download the RIF Book Distribution Activities Flyer.
August 14, 2009: ELC releases 2006-2008 Report, read more.