COVID-19 Updates

The Department of Education, Office of Early Learning, and Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas are committed to providing up-to-date information and guidance to our early learning community to address concerns. The health and safety of our School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) students, families, providers and staff is of utmost importance. This information will be updated as necessary while our communities mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

The below precautions and changes will be taken until further notice, as recommended by the above entities.

Contact staff with questions or concerns at 727-548-1439 or info@elcpinellas.org.

COVID Impact Study

Going Back to Preschool - COVID-19

Wear Your Mask at School - COVID-19

Our Clearwater and St. Petersburg office are open to serve families.

The ELC is taking added precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Appointments only – Please call the ELC office (727-400-4411) and schedule an eligibility appointment.

Self-service kiosk – Families may use the self-service kiosk to upload documents on a limited basis.

Must wear a mask – Guests/staff must wear a mask at all times in the office/building.

Temperature checks conducted on all guests upon entry.

Social distancing – Guest must stay a safe distance (at least 6 feet apart) from other individuals.

Lobby capacity will be limited.

Practice respiratory etiquette – Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inner elbow.

Avoid touching your face – particularly eyes, nose and mouth with hands.

Use hand sanitizer – Whenever it is not possible to wash your hands, please use one of the designated hand sanitizer stations throughout the office/building.

For Families

We continue to serve families and providers via email, telephone, and online.

Contact staff with questions or concerns at 727-400-4411 or info@elcpinellas.org.

FAMILY -FAQ

SHOULD I KEEP MY CHILD HOME?

Ultimately, parents have to make the decision that is best for their child(ren). At minimum, if your child or someone in your home exhibit any symptoms such as a fever, cough, respiratory illness, or shortness of breath, immediately self-isolate for 14 days.

MAY I TRANSFER MY CHILD TO A DIFFERENT VPK PROGRAM?

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no restriction on how many times a child may reenroll in another VPK program. When a child reenrolls more than once, it is called a subsequent reenrollment exemption.

MY SCHOOL READINESS PROVIDER IS CLOSED AND I STILL NEED CARE. CAN I TRANSFER MY CHILD TO ANOTHER CENTER?

Yes. We understand parents may need alternative care arrangements if your center is closed. If you choose to transfer, you may lose your spot at your original provider. Please note, if your child is attending a program that has been instructed to quarantine by the Pinellas County Department of Health, your transfer may be delayed.

School Readiness Parent and guardians can obtain a transfer form from our website. Please fax in your completed transfer form to 727-400-4486. Within 2 business days, you must log into your family portal account (https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/Account/Login). It is your responsibility to sign the payment certificate to complete the process and ensure proper payments to the new provider.

SCHOOL READINESS PROVIDER: DO I STILL HAVE TO PAY MY PARENT FEE?

Parent copayments for School Readiness families are reinstated, effective July 1, 2021

IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT, WILL MY PROVIDER STILL BE PAID?

As of January 1, 2021, Rule 6M that apply to absences have been reinstated. There are no waivers in place regarding individual monthly absences for a child. This rule allows a child to have a maximum of three absences per month.

If a child has more than three absences, families must submit a Request for Justification of Extended Absences (RJOA) Form and supporting documentation to their childcare provider. This documentation is required for the provider to receive reimbursement for up to an additional seven absences in a month.

The RJOA Form is to be completed before the end of the month for absences beyond three in a month. The form requires both the provider and the client to sign it no sooner than after the child’s last absence in a month. Additional documentation may be required, depending on the reason given for the absence. The child’s childcare provider must attach the completed RJOA Form to the child’s fourth absence and any supporting documentation to the related absences prior to the attendance being submitted to the Coalition for reimbursement on the last day of the month.

Please do not upload the form and documentation to your family portal. The Reimbursement Specialists will only accept RJOA forms and docs that are attached to the child’s fourth absence, which is then viewable by the Reimbursement Specialist when the attendance is processed. As a reminder, vacation, lack of transportation and child suspension are non-reimbursable absences per Rule 6M.

CAN I MAKE AN IN-PERSON APPOINTMENT WITH THE ELC?

Yes. Parents and Guardians can call 727-400-4411 to schedule an in-person appointment or phone/online interview. Please confirm your selected child care site is open and accepting children before scheduling an appointment.

IS THE ELC ENROLLING FROM THE SCHOOL READINESS WAITING LIST?

Yes. We are continually enrolling children from the waiting list based upon the availability of funds. Eligible children attending VPK can “jump” the waitlist and enroll in School Readiness with no waiting.

More Resources

SUPPORTING CHILDREN THROUGH COVID-19

Supporting Children During COVID-19: Online Workshop

Your effectiveness as a parent or caregiver is seldom more important than during times of crisis like the current Covid-19 outbreak. Now, more than ever, the children in your care are looking to you to provide stability and soothe their fears and anxiety. Your parenting skills can dramatically impact the healthy development of your children and can have lifelong mental and physical health implications for them. This free online workshop will focus on different strategies in supporting children during COVID-19 pandemic.

REGISTER HERE
Cost: Free
Language Preference: This workshop is currently offered in English. Spanish and Creole versions are coming soon.

Caring for Children in Group Settings during COVID-19

Early childhood education programs have many questions about how to keep children and staff healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidance for open programs is now available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This webinar will also highlight the guidance and best practices in preventing the spread of disease from the Caring for Our Children Online Standards Database. The session will also include time for Q&A.

VIEW HERE
Session is a 1.25 hour video recording from the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC). It includes English caption.

The Institute for Childhood Preparedness

The Institute For Childhood Preparedness was founded by Andrew Roszak, JD, MPA, EMT-P in August 2018. Andrew founded the Institute to help early childcare professionals prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters and emergencies.
Cost: $19.00

EXTERNAL RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

General Information [Florida Department of Health]

Up-to-date facts and figures about the Coronavirus in Florida. Includes this interactive map to examine specific counties and track progression over time. 

Fact-Checking Misinformation [World Health Organization]

The World Health Organization (WHO) corrects many of the misconceptions surrounding the Coronavirus such as interaction with the weather, potential causes, and dietary interactions. 

Compiled below are a variety of different services, resources, and guides to help ease discomfort for the duration of the Coronavirus pandemic. We will continue to update this information in the coming days and weeks as the situation evolves. 

Internet & Phone Services [FL Department of Education]

To help families access various resources, a number of companies are offering heavily discounted or free services for individuals that qualify. AT&T is offering new customers 2 months of free home WiFi service. T-Mobile has suspended data-limits and late-fees. These and offerings from Microsoft, Verizon, Comcast, Spectrum, and more are listed here. 

Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy

The COVID 19 pandemic offers a critical opportunity to share your unique skills in coping with stress and trauma. Many of us and the families we serve may be shifting through the stages of change and grief----denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance---about this pandemic. You may be adjusting to telehealth and virtual visits but know that our families need your reassurance and help in regulating and coping. To help, we’ve compiled many great resources. Visit our page.

NAEYC

Our hearts go out to all who have been infected by COVID-19 and those whose lives have been disrupted by this pandemic. We are particularly concerned about the significant impacts this public health crisis is likely to have on our nation's child care and early learning programs, including educators, families, and children. We’ve compiled these online resources to provide information from NAEYC and a few national health and educational organizations. Visit our page.

FOOD PROGRAMS / RESOURCES

Meals at schools [Pinellas County Schools]

The Food and Nutrition Team will be distributing some free meals, breakfast, and lunch,  at nine schools this week for Pinellas County Schools students ages 18 and younger. A list of food distribution locations is here. 

Food Pantry Locator [Food Finder]

Via mobile app or website, foodfinder.us quickly and easily locates a number of different food pantries in an area. Simply input a zip-code to generate a list of pantries with address, phone and more. 

Getting Groceries During Quarantine [EatRight.org]

To help limit potential exposure time, have a grocery list ready before heading to the store, and focus on foods with longer shelf-lives such as flour, grains, canned goods to help reduce the number of trips needed and maintain social distancing. 

More Tips & Resources [EatRight.org]

To help keep meals nutritional throughout the pandemic, eatright.org offers several articles on such topics as minimizing food waste, making family cooking fun, properly cleaning ingredients and more.

Summer Meals [Summer BreakSpot]
Summer BreakSpot provides nutritious meals at no cost to children 18 and under while school is out for the summer. Meal sites are located at parks, libraries and churches and offer breakfasts, lunches, snacks or supper. Text “FLKIDSMEALS” to 211-211 to find the closest Summer BreakSpot. Or call 2-1-1 and ask the operator.

EMPLOYMENT

Employment opportunities around Tampa Bay [WFLA]

From Dollar General to PepsiCo, many local companies are hiring hundreds of new staff. 

Reemployment Assistance [Florida Department of Economic Opportunity] 

Individuals laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period and those who are caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with the Coronavirus may qualify for temporary wage replacement. 

Employer Paid Leave Requirements [Families First Response Act]

Details on Paid Sick Leave or Expanded Family and Medical leave for employees impacted by the Coronavirus.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Florida Blue extends access to members

Many members who have coverage through their employer are able to have a teladoc appointment for $0 cost-share. Further, they are waiving copays and deductibles related to the medical test for the virus and extending prescription refill limits in certain circumstances.

REPORT PRICE GOUGING

Price Gouging Hotline [State of Florida]

If you experience a case of someone charging drastically inflated prices for items such as hand sanitizer or medical masks, reports can be made by calling 866-966-7226. More info here.

Early Learning At Home

ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

Anytime is 3Ts Time
This campaign is designed to help prepare children from birth to 5 for success in school and in life, with you, their parent, guiding them. We know talk and interaction are food for a child's brain, helping develop how they interact with their surroundings and find interests. It was developed by the TMW Center, based off research led by Dr. Dana Suskind. Click HERE to view a video overview.

PBS
PBS Stations in the state will begin airing a new, weekday television schedule of education programs aligned to state standards. Stations will also offer a suite of free digital learning resources accessible from home.

Vroom for [vroom.org]
Vroom believes all parents want what’s best for their children. So we joined with scientists, researchers, and parents to take the science out of the lab and put it in the hands of caregivers. Vroom provides science-based tips and tools to inspire families to turn shared, everyday moments into Brain Building Moments®.

Everyday Activities for Early Development [ZeroToThree.org]
Even with limited resources, there are ways to help your child’s intellectual, physical, and social development. Zero-to-three has easy-to-learn activities for each stage of development that are shown to secure healthy development. 

Math is Everywhere Toolkit [Sesame Street]
Printable resources and interactive videos with the Sesame Street characters. This can help overcome creative blocks about how to incorporate math concepts into everyday life at home. 

Realistic Daily Schedule During COVID [BusyToddler.com]
Having a schedule to follow can be a source of comfort. While every household has different demands and resources, the people with BusyToddler have put together a guide that can be tailored to fit your needs and abilities. This is also a tremendous source for offline activities. 

Talking with Children About Coronavirus [CDC]
Children, regardless of age, are processing everything that is happening. The CDC offers suggestions for how to talk about the Coronavirus in a healthy, productive, and responsible way. PBS also illustrates how such a conversation might happen and provides insight on addressing children’s questions and concerns.

Storymakers (Facebook)
Storymakers enact practices of making, increase literacy proficiency, use materials and inquiry to imagine, play, make, and share their everyday stories.

The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL)
CSEFEL is a five-year project designed to strengthen the capacity of Head Start and child care programs to improve the social and emotional outcomes of young children. Useful pages for parents include:

Book Nooks: activities connected with children’s books: http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/strategies.html#booknook
Scripted stories: http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/strategies.html#scriptedstories
Family Tools: http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/family.html

Conscious Discipline (Article)
"Whew! Let’s step back, take a few deep breaths and learn a little about your child’s brain: Safety is the brain’s most basic need, followed closely by connection. When we feel unsafe or disconnected, our brains downshift from the higher centers responsible for learning and problem solving, to the lower reactionary centers. ..."

Office of Early Learning Resource Lists

Great information and resources for families can be found on the Florida Office of Early Learning (OEL) site. Information is updated regularly - check back continuously for new materials.

Virtual Supports: http://flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com/docs/Virtualsupports.pdf
Families Page: http://flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com/families.html
Family Resources: http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/family-resources

LITERACY TOOLS

A Child-Friendly Book about the Coronavirus [California State University]

Developed with the aim to discuss the complex issues surrounding the Coronavirus, self-quarantine, and social distancing. With colorful illustrations, gentle wording, and advice to parents, this free book is a great way to facilitate a conversation about the coronavirus. 

Home Literacy Checklist [ReadingRockets.org] 

Reading Rockets is a resource for early literacy programs and activities. Linked is a checklist to help determine how the current environment at home promotes strong literacy and pre-literacy. 

Toddler Practice Guides for Parents [Center For Early Literacy Learning]

The Centre for Early Literacy Learning (CELL) has a number of different activities and interactive videos for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, to help them follow a story’s narrative. 

Celebrities Reading Children's Books [Storyline Online] 

For moments when there is a lot on the plate and making time to read is difficult, StoryLine comes in handy. Used by teachers in classrooms and nurses in hospitals’ pediatric wards, children across the country watch celebrities read a wide range of classic children's books.

HELP YOUR COMMUNITY

Community Recovery and Resilience Fund [Pinellas Community Foundation] 

Recently created to focus on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable of Pinellas County’s population through organizations best aligned to meet their needs.

Childhood Hunger Relief Fund [Pinellas Community Foundation] 

Provides direct benefit to organizations helping hungry and food-insecure children in our community.

St. Pete Free Clinic

Updating current needs throughout the day due to the heavy use. Serving hundreds everyday. 

Tarpon Springs Shepherd Center

Providing support and assistance to families in north Pinellas areas. 

Donations Needed To Help Fight COVID [Pinellas County]

Pinellas County officials are asking for donations to help meet the needs of emergency workers. The link has a list of needed items and where to donate.

For Providers

We have heard from many of you and understand the uncertainty and stress you are under. After making your programs your life’s work, we can only imagine what you must be feeling considering the challenges you are facing. We know just how much you care about the children in your programs, their families and your dedicated staff.

The Department of Education, Office of Early Learning, and Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas are committed to providing up-to-date information and guidance to our Early Learning Community to address concerns. The health and safety of our School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) students, families, providers and staff is of utmost importance. This information will be updated as necessary while our communities mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

Contact staff with questions or concerns at 727-400-4411 or info@elcpinellas.org.

Policy Waivers Include:

Voluntary PreK Attendance: Beginning October 1, 2020, providers will be paid in accordance with the VPK Uniform Attendance Rule (e.g. “80/20 rule”).
Parent copayments for School Readiness Families: Reinstated, effective July 1, 2021.

PROVIDER – FAQ

SHOULD I CLOSE MY PROGRAM?

This is an independent business decision unless is recommended by the Epidemiology at the Pinellas County Department of Health. Providers are required by Child Care Licensing to follow recommendations of Epidemiology.

WHAT DO I MARK ON THE SCHOOL READINESS ATTENDANCE ROSTERS?

There are no COVID related waivers for absences as of the new guidance for from the CDC and DOH. There are no temporary closure waivers in place either. Therefore, providers will need to follow the usual policies in place for absences beyond three (3) in a month. Please be advised that a maximum of three (3) absences per month will be reimbursed without a Request for Justification of Absence (RJOA) Form. For children with more than three (3) absences, an RJOA Form and supporting documentation, if applicable per the form, is required in order for the provider to be reimbursed for up to seven additional absences in the month. The RJOA Form is to be attached to the fourth (4^th) absence at the time attendance is being recorded. If additional documentation is required depending on the reason chosen for the absence, then the documentation will also need to be attached to one of the related absences at the time the attendance is being recorded. A comment should be made to help direct the Reimbursement Specialist to the absence where the supporting documentation is attached. These forms need to be attached before the provider submits the attendance to the Coalition or the additional absences will not be reimbursed. Please do not upload the form and documentation as the Reimbursement Specialists will not look for RJOA forms and docs in any other location other than those that are attached to the fourth (4^th) absence which is viewable when the Reimbursement Specialist is processing the attendance. As a reminder, vacation, lack of transportation and child suspension are non-reimbursable absences per Rule 6M. NOTE: Late RJOA forms and supporting documentation will be processed in a future reimbursement payment period as long as the provider uploads the RJOA Form and any required documentation to the Monthly Adjustment Request folder in the document library of the Provider Portal. It is beneficial to email your site’s assigned Reimbursement Specialist if you have done this as notification of a new document upload is not sent to the Reimbursement Specialist.

IF I HAVE TO CLOSE MY VPK PROGRAM DUE TO COVID EXPOSURE, AM I REQUIRED TO REVISE MY VPK CALENDAR TO MAKE UP THE INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS?

In accordance with the Uniform Attendance Policy for Funding the VPK Program, Temporary Closures Caused by Emergency Circumstances:

A student is considered to have attended all VPK program hours offered during a temporary closure caused by emergency circumstances for a combined total of five (5) instructional days for each VPK class if the private provider or school district submits notification in writing to the coalition the dates which the provider was closed.
1. A closure is temporary if the provider resumes instruction following the closure.
2. A closure is caused by emergency circumstances when a state of emergency is declared by federal, state or local officials for the area in which the provider is located.
A temporary closure caused by emergency circumstances is not payable for any student who does not attend a VPK instructional day following the closure.
A private provider or school district shall revise its class schedule to restore VPK instructional days which are lost due to temporary closures caused by emergency circumstances in excess of a total of five (5) instructional days for a VPK class.
A private provider or school district may revise its class schedule to restore the instructional days lost as a result of a temporary closure caused by emergency circumstances instead of accepting payment for a temporary closure.

ARE THERE TRAININGS AVAILABLE THAT I COULD ASSIGN TO STAFF MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN QUARANTINED?

Yes. You can find a complete list of free and low cost training's HERE.

WILL ELC STAFF BE DOING SITE VISITS FOR CLASS ASSESSMENTS, COACHING, AND SUPPORTIVE INTERVENTIONS?

Yes, fully operational.

HOW CAN I LIMIT EXPOSURE AT MY SITE?

1. Make sure all parents and families know that they should remain home if they are ill. It is flu season, so every fever is not a sign of COVID-19.
2. Provide childcare in stable groups of 10 or fewer (inclusive of childcare providers for the group); children and childcare providers should not change from one group to another; if more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be in a separate room.
3. Groups should not mix or interact with each other, or have access to or use the same objects, materials, or surfaces without sanitation.
4. All play equipment used by one group of children should be cleaned and sanitized before use by another group of children.
5. Any child or employee exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 illness shall not be allowed to stay in the childcare facility.
6. Screen children upon arrival for fevers.
7. Be sure you are stressing the importance of handwashing. Everyone that comes through your doors should be washing their hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available. Encourage coughing and sneezing into the crook of the elbow, or a tissue that can be discarded.
8. Clean and sanitize door knobs, computer keyboards, touch screens, tabletops, toys and other surfaces that are touched often. Clean all eating surfaces before and after use. Ensure play space is cleaned thoroughly upon closing every night in preparation for the next day of business.

SCHOOL READINESS FAMILIES COPAYMENTS

Parent copayment for School Readiness are reinstated, effective July 1, 2021.

HOW TO VIDEO: TEMPORARY CLOSURE DEMONSTRATION

https://youtu.be/4tIvg6gGYGM

External Resources

BUSINESS-RELATED RESOURCES

NAEYC Navigating Relief for Child Care Providers

This document is designed to help child care center directors and family child care owners, as well as early childhood educators and staff, understand what help may be available by providing a brief, high-level overview of these programs and linking to additional, guiding information. CLICK HERE

Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan

Businesses affected by COVID-19 may qualify for a bridge loan to help cover operating fees until receiving more long-term financial resources such as insurance or returning business. 

Business Damage Assessment Survey

Completing this form will help federal agencies determine the extent of the economic damage. 

Short Time Compensation

Designed to help employers retain workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff. This program aims to reduce costs, both financial and time, of recruiting and hiring qualified staff once conditions improve. 

FAQs on Unemployment Related to Coronavirus [Johnson Pope]

Developed by three Pinellas-based lawyers, this guide works through 14 issues with clarity and focus needed to navigate the current pandemic. 

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Employer Paid Leave Requirements [Families First Response Act]

Details on Paid Sick Leave or Expanded Family and Medical leave for employees impacted by the Coronavirus. 

Reemployment Assistance [Florida Department of Economic Opportunity] 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

General Information [Florida Department of Health]
Up-to-date facts and figures about the Coronavirus in Florida. Includes this interactive map to examine specific counties and track progression over time. 

Fact-Checking Misinformation [World Health Organization]
The World Health Organization (WHO) corrects many of the misconceptions surrounding the Coronavirus such as interaction with the weather, potential causes, and dietary interactions. 

Price Gouging Hotline [State of Florida]
If you experience a case of someone charging drastically inflated prices for items such as hand sanitizer or medical masks, reports can be made by calling 866-966-7226. More info here. 

Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities [CDC]
Exceptionally detailed information about sanitization best practices. Most disinfectants are currently believed to kill the Coronavirus, meaning that “most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.

TEACHING RESOURCES

Office of Early Learning Activity Plans
These lesson plans, based on the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards: 4 Years Old to Kindergarten (2017), are designed to help develop the skills that 4-year-old children should know and be able to do by the end of their prekindergarten year. There are targeted standards for 4-year-old children included in each lesson plan.

The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) Resource Page
NCPMI is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs to improve and support the capacity of state systems and local programs to implement an early childhood multi-tiered system of support to improve the social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of young children with, and at risk for, developmental disabilities or delays.