Florida VPK Unveils NEW

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Did you attend the

7th Annual Early

Learning Conference?

Check out some of our

photos on page 12!

From the Executive Director

The Preschool Teacher: The Most Important Job of All by Jane Franco

Family-Centered Care by Jayne Goldstein Provider Honor Roll

Frequently Asked Questions: QRIS From Your Provider Representative 7th Annual Early Learning Conference Save the Date - Storybook Forest

Cover Photo: Brooklyn Schumacher, age 6, daughter of

Reimbursement Specialist, Robbin Schumacher

Publisher The Early Learning Coalition of

Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. 15506 County Line Road

Spring Hill, FL 34610 Phone: (727) 233-8291

Fax: (727) 857-0151 www.phelc.org

Executive Editor Kimberly Borrego

Managing Editor Sherri Sabadishin

Contributing Writers James Farrelly Jane Franco

Jayne Goldstein Josh Kelly

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Happy 2015 to our Respected Early Educators, This past September, a long watched congenital heart defect temporarily derailed my life. On October 1, I endured life saving open heart surgery in New York City. Thanks to my surgical team and my daughter Jennifer, I survived. Thanks to them, friends and my Coalition family, I'm now fully recovered and quite happily, have been back with our Coalition since Thanksgiving. The photo seen to the right was taken only this week. As you can see, my life is GOOD, once again!

In my extended absence, Assistant Executive Director Betsy Kier occupied my chair. Supported by our highly competent Management Team and dedicated staff, Betsy saw to it that I returned to a fully functioning Coalition. Thank you Betsy; thank you Coalition staff. And THANK YOU to providers, teachers and staff - many of whom took the time to send cards, flowers, gifts, emails or made calls. Your kind words of support will never be forgotten. 2015 is a year of RENEWAL - not only for me personally, but especially for our Early Learning Coalition. We'll embark on the development of a "Strategic Plan" - a mission driven thinking and planning activity which will consume many hours over many months and will involve board members, staff, Providers, and other community partners. Strategic Planning will plot a course for our Coalition for the foreseeable future. "Sunshine Stars," our Coalition's Quality Rating Improvement System," will commence operations this year. The expected result for high quality providers? Significant enrollment increases, to include both School Readiness eligible families and private pay families.

I hope that you'll make a commitment to join our year of RENEWAL by actively participating in these and so many other initiatives sponsored by your Coalition. Once again, Happy New Year to all!

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by Jane Franco, Assistant Director, Dayspring’s Little Scholars, Pasco County

I have decided that preschool teachers and staff have

the most important job of all; introducing a young

child to the awe and wonder of learning. Children

learn from experience; in hands-on, creative ways.

Knowing these little ones since age 3 and seeing

their development through elementary age has given

me sensitivity to the fact that as the children are

exposed to less and less hands-on learning, they tend

to lose a little of their excitement for learning. It has

also cemented my opinion that preschool staff has

the greatest responsibility of all; to instill a love for

learning in the children they teach in hopes that that

passion continues for a life time.

A typical preschool day usually starts with a table

activity that reinforces a math or literacy skill. A

preschool student may arrive to play-dough at their

table or perhaps shaving cream. They are then

challenged to create the letter of the week or

possibly create an entire word with that play-dough,

or roll out their play-dough to delicately create a

number or even a number sentence. They may be

asked to use their linking cubes to construct an A/B

pattern and then a pattern of their own choosing.

Soon children are at the carpet for circle time where

they continue to learn and review concepts through

critical thinking, music and movement and visuals

displayed on the smart board and story time.

Children are not required to sit at the table to do

worksheets, or to sit at the table and solely listen

while the teacher explains how to work a math

problem, or how to sound out a word. Children are

actively engaged in learning by utilizing their senses

and keeping their minds active.

A bathroom break where ABC’s are sung while

washing hands or transitioning to snack where math

problems are spontaneously made. During snack

children may spread jelly on bread and then

construct the letter of the week out of Cheerios. An

extended challenge could be making an upper and

lower case letter. During snack, a game of Man on

the Hill may be played where the children guess a

letter to form a word. Literacy is being developed

through this activity, as well as the social skills that

go along with turn taking, manners, and respect.

During Center and Small Group time, children will

be given a challenge in 1-2 centers before they can

go on to free play. They may be asked to use 12

blocks to construct a structure in a community;

challenging their minds, allowing creativity, and

again utilizing math skills in more than one way.

They may be asked to weigh leaves and stones

found on a nature walk they did on a previous day in

the Science Center, and record or dictate their

conclusions. During Small Group, the teacher will

elaborate and expand on the skills to be taught by

doing math lessons and working on letter

recognition and sounds. While this may be a more

traditional teaching approach, she or he is giving the

child a short 10 minute peek into what will be

expected in Kindergarten, while being able to assess

where that child is with their comprehension of the

skills that are being introduced and taught. All

Centers are purposeful and teachers will actively

challenge a child’s thinking by asking open ended

questions about the activity that is going on at that

time.

This is just a glimpse into the first part of a child’s

day, but as you can see, standards and skills are

being introduced, taught and reinforced throughout

the child’s day. So, to those that think they are

sending their child to “play” all day, or to those that

think our teachers are babysitters; I challenge you to

find a more important job that will have as much

impact on a child and their zest for learning and love

of education.

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So, what exactly does family-centered care mean? It means the intentional inclusion of all families

who interact with the children we care for as well as the center as a whole.

There are huge benefits to acknowledging the diversity of families and staff involved in the center and

its programs. Embrace those diversities by recognizing and respecting them. How many of us

experience a child being dropped off by an adult who barely speaks to center staff? How often does a

parent voice a concern that has been festering for

weeks, only to explode with frustration when they

finally decide to bring the concern to someone’s

attention? Do you find that many of your families

disregard center policies and procedures? Do you have

some families enrolled whom you don’t even know

their names? Do you feel uncomfortable discussing

tuition payments or attendance policies with some of

your families? Do you have that one parent or guardian

whom you just can’t seem to break the ice with?

These are just some of the challenges we face if we do

not provide family-centered care. Some ways to create

a more family-centered program are parent

conferences, family fun activities, newsletters, Open

Houses, having an open door policy where families can

stop by and have lunch with their child, Parent

Advisory Committees, Parent Information Boards,

volunteer opportunities for families to come into the

child’s classroom and read or participate in an activity

and finally, having an orientation to meet new families

as they enroll their child.

The goal is to let families know they are welcome and

part of your preschool family. If you can find the time

and the activities to get to know your families, then you will find they are more receptive to center

policies and procedures. You will also find that relationships will become stronger thus creating a

more inviting and positive environment.

Keep in mind, also, that having strong relationships with your families will help the children as they

progress through their preschool years. By maintaining good relationships with families, you will find

it much easier to discuss behavioral challenges the child might be dealing with as well as any other

issues. When both the family and the center staff feel comfortable with one another, then you have a

good foundation for any type of conversation.

Whether you are an administrator or a classroom teacher, make it your New Year’s resolution to get to

know each of the families you come in contact with everyday. Not only will you feel more connected

but your families will as well!

by Jayne Goldstein, Director, TodayCare Children’s Center at PHSC, Pasco County

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SPOTLIGHT recognizes School Readiness Providers who surpass expectations on the Provider Assessment. From October-December,

here are the high achieving Centers & Homes.

All Kids Academy

Anderson FCCH

Bright Beginnings Too - Hernando

Briley FCCH

Bumble Bee Preschool

Cedarview Learning Center, Too

Children of Light Academy

Discovery Point 30

Dragonflies and Rainbow Skies FCCH

Ellie’s Day Care Center

Footprints Preschool - NPR

Giggles to Grads Learning Academy

Hernandez FCCH

Kids Stop ‘N Play

Kids World

Lil Bits & Buddies ELC

Little People’s Preschool and Youth LC

Phillips K. Martial Arts

PLACE Anclote

PLACE Chester Taylor

PLACE Connerton

PLACE Deer Park

PLACE Double Branch

PLACE Hudson

PLACE Mary Giella

PLACE New River

PLACE Northwest

PLACE Pine View

PLACE Trinity

PLACE Trinity Oaks

PLACE Woodland

Small Blessings Christian Daycare

St. Thomas Aquinas ELC

Sugar & Spice Learning Center - LOL

Sugar N Spice Lexington Oaks

World of Knowledge Montessori School

YMCA Pinegrove

YMCA Spring Hill

YMCA Springstead

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* QUALITY RATING IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM *

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Dear Respected Providers,

Many of you have heard discussions surrounding the concept of a Quality Rating Improvement System.

Most recently, this was a topic at our Meet and Greet opportunities with new Board Chair, Dr. Steve

Kanakis.

The goals of QRIS are continuous quality improvement and consumer awareness of early childhood

programs. This type of system is similar to other consumer rating systems such as Hotels.com where hotels

are given a star rating. Goods or services are "rated" to provide consumers with a better understanding

about the quality of that item. The implementation of QRIS will include the use of valid and reliable

assessment instruments, a standardized assessment process, and trained professionals.

According to Executive Director, Jim Farrelly, “we need to move from a financially-based quality initiative

to a market-based quality approach meaning the parents of our children need to drive the quality of our

early childhood programs.” Governor Scott goes on to state, “Families want their children to have high-

quality educational opportunities” (www.flgov.com).

At the May 2014 meeting of the Board of Directors of the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and

Hernando Counties, the development of a Quality Rating Improvement System was approved to begin.

As a Coalition, we feel that with QRIS we will be better able to identify strengths and weaknesses within

early childhood programs thus allowing for coaching, professional development and technical assistance to

take place. A well developed QRIS will not only offer guidance to professionals in early education on a

path towards quality but will also increase family engagement and community knowledge about quality

programs.

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties began developing our QRIS during the

summer of 2014 with an anticipated PILOT date of September 2015. One in three Early Learning

Coalitions around the state have already implemented QRIS.

QRIS updates will be shared with the provider community along the way but if you have specific questions

you want answered, please send them to Program Manager, Kim Borrego at k.borrego@phelc.org.

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Pasco Hernando’s Quality Rating Improvement System

1. What is a Quality Rating Improvement System?

A Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is a tool for system reform that has the

potential to reach programs serving a wide range of children.

2. What is the purpose of developing a QRIS?

One major purpose is to recognize quality and promote a culture of continuous

improvement among providers.

3. Are other states developing QRIS?

Yes, there are 37 states fully implementing statewide QRIS; all but 1 remaining states are

at some stage of QRIS development.

4. What is happening in Florida with regard to QRIS?

The state of Florida is currently under Regional QRIS development which means each

Early Learning Coalition may choose to develop their own tool. There are currently 9

Coalitions implementing some form of QRIS.

5. What does this mean for Pasco and Hernando?

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. is in the process of

developing a QRIS with a pilot date of mid-2015.

6. What will QRIS do for the provider community in Pasco and Hernando Counties?

A local QRIS will strengthen program planning, build consensus, foster collaboration

among providers, strengthen program evaluation, and facilitate communication.

7. Who will be able to participate in Pasco and Hernando’s QRIS?

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties will begin with School

Readiness center-based and family child care home providers but may include VPK

providers after completion of the pilot phase.

8. Will it be mandatory for all School Readiness providers to participate?

No, QRIS in Pasco and Hernando Counties will be voluntary and any School Readiness

provider wishing to receive a Star Rating will be eligible.

9. What will Pasco and Hernando’s QRIS be called?

The working title is Sunshine Stars: Pasco Hernando’s Quality Rating Improvement System.

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Greetings Providers,

The New Year is here. This provides an opportunity to look at our successes of last year and set

new goals for the future. Let us continue to move forward with the greatest success.

Let me take a moment to welcome Jim back. We are so happy to have you back at the Early

Learning Coalition. I would also like to thank Betsy Kier and the staff that did an amazing job of

continuing the mission in Jim’s absence. I am pleased to be part of such an awesome

organization filled with great and hardworking employees. I look forward to all the new

achievements of the 2015 year.

Lastly, I would like to reaffirm my emphasis of continued education for all of our preschool

staff. As directors and staff we must continue to challenge ourselves and to learn new techniques

that will give the children we serve the very best education. As the Executive Director of the

Boys & Girls Club of Hernando County, I have seen so many of my staff excel and progress

forward in their careers. It is a rewarding feeling to watch the people you mentor move on to

reach their fullest potential.

Respectfully,

Josh

Joshua R. Kelly

Executive Director

Boys & Girls Club of Hernando County

352-666-0068

jkelly@bgchernando.org

Professionalism in the Early Childhood Setting

Saturday, February 28, 2015

9:00 am-12:00 pm

ELC - Spring Hill

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Assessment data for each child who was adminis-

tered the assessment MUST be entered and sub-

mitted by the specified date for each Assessment

Period (AP). These dates are outlined below:

For school-year programs, assessment data for AP1

must be entered and submitted by October 31.

For school-year programs, assessment data for AP2

should be entered and submitted by February 15

(this is REQUIRED for POPs).

For school-year programs, assessment data for AP3

must be entered and submitted by June 15.

VPK Providers who fail to submit their

VPK Assessment data by ANY of the

above deadlines will IMMEDIATELY

become ineligible to offer the VPK

Program for a period of 5 years.

ASSESSMENT REPORTING

Florida VPK Unveils NEW Logo

FLKRS UPDATE -

OEL continues to explore all options relating

to the calculation of the Readiness Rates and

expects to communicate this widely once a

final decision has been made.

If you have questions, please forward them to:

vpkquestions@oel.myflorida.com

Christine Dyal

Spring Hill Office

727-233-8291 Office

727-361-9977 Fax

Melissa Hayes

New Port Richey Office

727-569-1004 Office

727-361-9976 Fax

Loriann Hernandez

Spring Hill Office

727-233-8291 Office

727-361-9978 Fax

Katie Leslie

Spring Hill Office

727-233-8291 Office

727-361-9980 Fax

PROVIDER SPECIALIST CONTACT INFORMATION

Upcoming

VPK Training —————————————-

Time Management

Strategies for Busy

VPK Directors

February 26th

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

ELC - Spring Hill

Using the VPK Assessment

Data to Create

Appropriate Lesson Plans

February 26th

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

ELC - Spring Hill

RSVP for either to your Provider Specialist

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There will be no onsite parking at Crews Lake Park (except for vendors and participating child care providers;

special parking passes will be provided to participants in advance)

Shuttle pick up will be at Crews Lake Middle School on Shady Hills Road beginning at 10:45 am

(for all attendees)

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January 24, 2015 Four Year Old Early Learning and

Developmental Standards

Spring Hill Office

January 24, 2015 Integrating the Standards:

Phonological Awareness

Spring Hill Office

January 31, 2015 Kumquat Festival

Downtown Dade City

February 24, 2015 WEDU Edconnect Workshop

Spring Hill Office

February 28, 2015 Professionalism in the

Early Childhood Setting

Spring Hill Office

SPOTLIGHT on Providers is published quarterly by the Early

Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. for the

provider community. It is distributed electronically to all providers

and is also available on the website at www.phelc.org.

If you would like to submit an article to be included, please refer to

the chart below regarding submission deadlines:

Submission

Deadline

For Issue Delivery Date

December 2015 Winter 2016 January 2016

March 2015 Spring 2015 April 2015

June 2015 Summer 2015 July 2015

September 2015 Fall 2015 October 2015

Articles should be typed, double spaced, in 12 point Times New

Roman font and no more than 500 words. Any accompanying

photos or artwork should be in high resolution format and sent as a

separate attachment along with the article (not inserted in the

article). Photo releases should accompany any photo submission.

It is preferable that articles and photos be submitted electronically

to k.borrego@phelc.org with the subject title Spotlight on

Providers. They may be submitted on CD if necessary. All

submissions are subject to editing for content and space availability.

Beginning January 1, 2015, new child car seat requirements will go into effect for children age 5

and under. Parents and child care providers need to be aware of the changes that will be required.

Parents or anyone who regularly drops off or picks up a child from a child care center or school

will need to have a car seat or booster seat for each child age 5 and under. Florida law

requires children 5 years of age and under to be secured by properly using a crash-tested,

federally approved child restraint device. Current law allows children ages 4 and 5 to be secured

in a separate carrier, an integrated child seat or a safety belt.

If you transport children from their home to your facility or transport children on fieldtrips in a

school bus, the bus must meet federally approved construction standards for you to be exempt

from the new child car seat requirements. Children age 5 and under who are transported in

vans, cars, or trucks must be secured in a federally approved child restraint device.

Follow your seat belt manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle owner’s manual on how to

install and properly use the car seat. Make sure the car seat is the right fit for the child and the

vehicle and that it is installed correctly and used correctly each time.