SR Rule Updates, T2K Summer Bridge, MarcoPolo Access Cards, SR Match & ELC Provider Meetings

Providers, please read the NEW and updated information below pertaining to VPK & SR program providers! For general questions regarding this information, please contact our Provider Relations Department at (941) 757-2900 ext. 2300 for assistance.

Keeping Routines

Learn how keeping routines helps set the stage for a successful transition to summer fun and learning, easy ways to thank your child care provider, what to expect in kindergarten, tips for a head start for your child's mental health and more in the May issue of DEL's Parents' Pages!

Employee SR Match Program

Providers, if you have employees whose children are in your care and would qualify for School Readiness, then this program may be a good fit for you! Click the link below to learn more!

MarcoPolo T2K Acess Cards

The ELC is excited to offer VPK families free access to the MarcoPolo Transition to Kindergarten and Beyond app through T2K MarcoPolo access cards, giving families valuable tools and engaging activities to help their children build skills for a confident start to kindergarten.

Building Positive Classrooms

Join us on May 6th or May 20th (Spanish) at 6:30pm via Zoom to connect with our Child Development Team and special guest Discovery Source! Learn more about the Positive Behavior Prompt Kit, essential questions, prompts, and vocabulary that helps support routines, positive attention, and emotional expression in young learners.

The ABC's of Safe Sleep

Join us on Tuesday, May 27th to learn how you can help prevent infant deaths from unsafe sleep environments. Review Manatee County data and key safety tips, and discuss real-life scenarios to help you support your co-workers and families.

CLASS Group Coaching

Join us on June 3rd and June 5th for CLASS Group Coaching for PreK teachers. Both sessions will be held via Zoom from 6:00pm-8:00pm. RSVP your attendance to Melissa Cujas at mcujas@elc-manatee.org today to receive the meeting link.

NEW! ELC Provider Meetings

Starting on June 10th, the ELC will host monthly provider meetings. Join us every 2nd Tuesday at 1:00pm in person at the ELC or virtually on Zoom to connect, share ideas, and stay informed on updates that support your work with children and families.

Growing with CLASS: 3-Year-Olds

The ELC is now offering optional CLASS observations for three-year-old classrooms. This is not a formal evaluation, just a helpful resource to encourage more reflection on classroom interactions and explore ways to continue building strong, supportive learning environments. Click below to get started!

SAIL Into Summer!

SAIL is a NEW 11-week summer literacy program designed to support early literacy development in 3-year-old through VPK classrooms. ELC Coaches model lessons for teachers using the Nemours Reading BrightStart! curriculum to help strengthen kindergarten readiness skills. 

Friendly’s Book Club

Summer Program!

From June to early August, child care sites receive three visits to learn more about water, fire, and general safety led by local first responders. Kids enjoy storytime, safety lessons, and free books! Interested? Click below to learn more and contact us to schedule your safety summer today!

Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Classes begin in August! 

Do you enjoy working with kids? The Early Education Pre-Apprentice Program can help provide the necessary skills to become an early childhood educator. All costs are covered by the ELC, and job placement is available upon completion!

KidCare Healthcare 101

Navigating the world of health insurance can be overwhelming. To help empower families, Florida KidCare has launched a new landing page with clear explanations and Q&A's, making it easier to select coverage for their child that's unique to their needs and family circumstances.