Early Learning Coalition
of St. Lucie County
Your Champions of Early Education
June 2021
Parent Newsletter:
Resources for Your Family!
June Is Water Safety Month
Quick Water Safety Tips:
  • Actively watch children in/around the water
  • Create physical barriers between children and pool/water access
  • Swim Lessons save lives, contact your local YMCA or 211 for more information
  • Be ready for an emergency, both the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association offer CPR training.
It's summer time! As the heat rises and we seek the refreshing relief of the water, it is important to remember safety first! Florida loses more children under the age of five to drowning then any other state in the nation. The Department of Children and Families has two informative water safety initiatives for parents and children. “Eyes on the Kids” is guide for parents and “Water Safety for Kids” includes several water safety activities for children. Both serve as a reminder that it only takes a moment to intervene on a preventable accident; water safety education is key and can save a life.

This swimming season, be sure to discuss with your children the water safety rules (even if the water is not at your own home). Small children are often fascinated with water fun; but its important to provide multiple reminders through out the season to all :
  • At all times, an actively aware adult should be present when a child is anywhere near the water
  • U.S. Coast-Guard approved lifejackets should be worn, should fit properly, and be worn while on boats, rafts, inner tubes, docks, and on at all times for inexperienced swimmers
  • A cellular/wireless device should be kept handy to contact 911 in case of an emergency. It is important to show children how to dial 911 in the event of an emergency, as well.

Local information for St Lucie county swimming lessons and swimming facilities can be found here.

Most importantly- have fun, be safe, and stay cool!
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Early Learning Coalition is Here For You
At this time the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County remains closed to the public. However, we remain in office to serve the community and to help access ELC services:

Visit Us Online:

Call Us, Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm
(772)595-6424
Time To Recertify?
Don't Stress!

Our Eligibility Specialist are here to help. Annual recertification can sneak up on you, but you will begin to get notifications 45 days prior to inactivation.

Our eligibility team will need:

-Four weeks of current, consecutive paystubs
-Four weeks of additional household income
-Current school schedule for enrolled adults
-Current Proof of Residency
-Any changes in Income,
Household Size, or Address

To begin the recertification process, you can visit the:
Voluntary Pre-K is a
FREE program

Helps prepare your child for Kindergarten and builds the foundation for their educational success.

For more details,
visit our VPK website.
 
Did you have a certificate for the 2020-2021 School Year VPK program, but didn't get to use it?

Your child can participate in a Summer 2021 VPK program, using your existing certificate that was not redeemed this school year. Please call us (772) 595-6424 for more information and to get started today!

We're here to help get your children ready for Kindergarten!
Parent Reminders: Parent payment fees are waived through 06/30/2021 if you have any additional questions, please contact your eligibility specialist at (772) 595-6424
Building Resilience With Changing Covid-19 Times
Children have had several months filled with the same pandemic fears, confusion, and stressors that adults have faced. With positive pandemic changes progressing in the community and in schools, the upcoming weeks will be filled with transition. As many children look forward to the events and predictability they have so greatly missed, it's important to keep in mind that challenges may occur as we transition back to the “normal”. Remember during this time to acknowledge your child's resiliency, their true ability to overcome real hardship. Our friends at Sesame Street have a great song for our little ones commending them for just how resilient they have been through out this difficult time and provide a good reminder they can bounce back!

For more information on Child Resilience, please click HERE
Happy Father's Day!


Wishing all the dads, grandfathers, step fathers, and those who role model like a father- a very Happy Father’s Day! 

The research completed by Zerotothree.org just confirms what we already know...
Playtime with Dad ROCKS!

Positive time with dad can influence a child’s relationship building, self confidence, and communication skills! To learn more about the benefits of being with dad, click here.

Know a dad that loves basketball?
Local dads and father figures are encouraged to check out
More Than a Game, make sure to preregister to reserve your spot today!
Parent Perks & Resources
Khan Academy Kids is offering 4 weeks of Virtual Summer Camp! 
Learn More:

Still Searching For Summer Camps?
Here are some ideas
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Help Me Grow Florida & ParentEducate.com Partner to offer Free, Online Parenting Classes.

Use code: HELPMEGROWFL for free Access for year!
SLC Libraries & TC Food Banks Are Partnering to Offer Grab & Go Meals for St Lucie County Students!
Free activities including baby bump & face painting, character meet & greets, balloon twisting, fun activity zones, crafts & more. Learn about local products, services and resources!
The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible families and households who are struggling to stay connected during the #COVID19 pandemic. Qualifying households on Tribal lands can receive a discount of up to $75 per month for service. Eligible households can also receive a discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. For more info, please visit:
Help your child avoid the “summer slide” by encouraging them to join St. Lucie County Library System’s Summer Reading Challenge.
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Need More Information About Selecting the Childcare That Fits Your Family?

Childcare Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is a FREE community service offering information and
referral services to all families who are seeking:

  • Quality childcare information
  • Summer and holiday childcare solutions
  • Childcare services for a special needs child
  • Financial assistance options

CCR&R also assists in the recruitment, startup and support of providers, while promoting quality, availability and affordability of existing services in the community.
CCR&R makes referrals only, not recommendations. We do not warrant the information provided. We do not license, endorse or recommend any particular provider, nor can we assure a program gives quality childcare. 


To Find Out More, Contact a CCR&R Specialist at the Early Learning Coalition of St Lucie County at (772) 595-6363
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Here's A Tip
Do you struggle with getting your kids to eat their veggies?!?!

June 17th is National Eat Your Vegetables Day!
For Creative Ways On How To Hide Vegetables in Your Family's Meals-

Check Out These Helpful Sites:
June Parent Pages from the Office of Early Learning
Stay Connected!
Follow The Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County
On Our Social Networks!
Events, Resources, Parenting Tips and More!
Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County www.elcslc.org 772-595-6424