ANNUAL
R E FY P2022-2023 ORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. OVERVIEW History of ELC Big Bend
3
Message from Our Leaders
4
Financial Report
5
II. THE ELC BIG BEND CHILD Developmental Screenings
7
Voluntary PreKindergarten
8
III. THE ELC BIG BEND FAMILY School Readiness
10
Child Care Resource & Referral
11
In the Community
12
Children Services Council Partnership
13
IV. THE ELC BIG BEND EDUCATOR Child Care Program Contract Summary
15
Building a World Class Workforce
16
Child Care Program Assessments
17
Distance Learning and Education
18
V. THE ELC BIG BEND IMPACT Customer Testimonial
20
Board of Dirertors
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ANNUAL REPORT
03
Ready for Success Headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc (ELC) proudly serves Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. A contracted partner with the State of Florida's Department of Education, Division of Early Learning, ELC is responsible for the administration of the School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) programs. ELC began operations as the Leon School Readiness Coalition in 2001 as required by the School Readiness Act- F.S. 411.01. In response to legislative requirements, the ELC has gone through several transitions, mergers, name changes, and, in 2005, expanded its service area to encompass the seven counties served today.
Throughout ELC’s 21 years of service, the Board and staff have strived to provide a holistic service delivery model that is responsive to the needs of families and their communities while maintaining effective and efficient business practices supporting the following primary goals: Children are ready for success when they enter school; and Families have access to the quality child care services and assistance they need. The ELC staff work every day at effectively connecting nearly 6,000 children and their families to the 253 early learning programs that best meet the needs of the child and family. Working with a network of over 50 community partners, ELC provides a comprehensive system of services.
As we approach the end of another remarkable year, we am thrilled to reflect on the incredible successes and milestones achieved by the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC). It is with immense pride and gratitude that we share this report with each of you, our dedicated stakeholders, who have played an integral role in making this year one of unparalleled success. Over the past year, we have faced unprecedented challenges, yet we have emerged stronger and more resilient than ever. We are delighted to report that our commitment to our mission – ensuring every child is prepared to succeed in school – has remained unwavering, thanks to the collective efforts of our passionate team, the support of our caregivers, and the collaboration with our esteemed educators throughout our sevencounty service area. One of our primary achievements this year has been our ability to adapt and overcome the obstacles presented by the ever-evolving landscape of early childhood education.
MESSAGE FROM ELC LEADERS Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and a relentless dedication to our cause, we have continued to provide invaluable support to the children under our care. It is heartening to see the positive impact we've had on the lives of these young learners, setting the foundation for a lifetime of success. Our success is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and creativity of our team. We extend our deepest appreciation to each member of the Early Learning Coalition for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our mission. Together, we have demonstrated that even in challenging times, our shared vision for a brighter future for every child prevails.
Dr. Tara Lynne Orlowski ELC Acting Board Chair
Lizbeth Murphy ELC CEO
04
FINANCIAL REPORT FY 22-23 FEDERAL IMPACT School Readiness (SR)
$22,195,237
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
$7,314,278
FY 22-23 LOCAL IMPACT* Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Act American Relief Plan Act
$1,833,139 $26,434,466
FY 22-23 COMMUNITY PARTNER IMPACT United Way of the Big Bend (2-year award)
$85,704
Community Human Service Partnership
$12,500
LOCAL IMPACT* The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act (CRRSA), was issued to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. This included stabilizing the child care industry, serving additional children and families, and supporting incoming kindergarteners in our seven-county Big Bend service area. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law on March 11, 2021, aimed at providing economic relief to the nations’ families, workers, and businesses. ARPA included two types of Child Care Stabilization Grants these provided relief for child care providers and supplemental discretionary funds to support families that need help affording child care. 05
THE ELC BIG BEND CHILD
ANNUAL REPORT
07
DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS The Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is an online developmental screening tool that pinpoints developmental progress in children from one month to five years old. The questionnaire - completed by the child's caregiver - includes assessments of the child's communication, gross and fine motor skills, problem solving abilities, and personal-social skills. Evidence has shown that the earlier development is assessed, the greater the chance a child has to reach his or her potential.
ASQ SCREENINGS BY THE MONTH* 400
300
200
100
0
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
*In FY 2022-23, the ECE team collected a total of 3,020 ASQ screenings.
ELC Big Bend’s Early Care and Education (ECE) team offers free hearing, vision, and developmental screenings to all School Readiness children between the ages of birth to five years old. Vision and hearing results are provided to caregivers and are referred to a specialist, if necessary. In cases where a child needs additional developmental help, the ECE team creates an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for the child. The ILP provides the child’s care provider with activities to promote development in the areas where the child scored low.
19%
of ASQ screenings resulted in an ILP
June
VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN Florida’s free Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational materials corresponding to various stages in a child's development. To be eligible, children must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 of the current school year. Caregivers can choose from the 149 contracted VPK programs with ELC. Options include private child care centers, public schools, and specialized instructional service providers.
2,656
Big Bend children enrolled in a VPK program during FY 2022-2023
“VPK has helped me and my son by reducing the cost of childcare. I also love that he is learning every day. It is more than just childcare! I can see how he is learning and growing.” - Emily D., Leon County VPK CHILD COUNT BY COUNTY Gadsden Jefferson Leon Liberty Madison Taylor Wakulla 0
500
1000
1500
2000 08
THE ELC BIG BEND FAMILY
SCHOOL READINESS Florida’s School Readiness Program (SR) offers financial assistance to help children from low-income families receive high-quality child care so caregivers can work, attend school, or participate in job training. To be eligible, caregivers must be working or attending a college or trade school. Additionally, the family's gross income must be at or below 150% of federal poverty level for family size. Families must pay a copayment for child care based on income and family size. A total of 6,048 children were served in the School Readiness program for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
SCHOOL READINESS CHILD COUNT BY COUNTY Gadsden Jefferson Leon Liberty Madison Taylor Wakulla 0
1000
2000
“With the help of ELC I am able to afford daycare to be able to hold down a fulltime job to provide for my family. If it wasn't for ELC, I would have to stay at home with three babies. Also, it helps the children be able to adjust to schedules when they do go to school. I appreciate ELC for making it more convenient for single parents to work. Thank you.” - Selena M., Liberty County
3000
4000
5000
+3,000
Big Bend families benefitted from child care assistance
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ANNUAL REPORT CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL (CCR&R) Child Care Resource & Referral is a free service that provides information to Big Bend families about local services and programs, serving as an all-inclusive source for child care and parenting needs. CCR&R services generates customized listings for child care based on families’ unique needs, such as location, schedule, curriculum, and special needs. Information on provider hours, fees, financial assistance, and credentials is also offered. The Big Bend Region boasts a variety of community resources to help empower families to lead healthy, stable lives. Not only can CCR&R services help families find quality child care, but also connect them with other community resources such as food, medical care, workforce support, housing assistance, financial assistance options, and more.
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1,480
customer
intake forms were received during the 2022-23 fiscal year.
937
customized
child care listings were provided to Big Bend families.
CUSTOMER TESTAMENT “I am 70 years old and I have custody of my six grandchildren. As you can imagine, I am spending a lot of money on food and clothes. With the help from ELC, I am able to use a lot more of my money to ensure my grandchildren have what they need.” Gloria B., Madison County
IN THE COMMUNITY The core mission of ELC Big Bend's Community Relations team is to foster awareness and understanding of the organization's services within the community. One remarkable achievement in the past fiscal year was its involvement in 53 outreach events. These events served as platforms for engaging with families, educators, and community stakeholders. Additionally, the Community Relations team utilized these occasions to distribute 4,262 children's books to attending families, contributing to the promotion of literacy and a love for learning among young children in the region. Volunteerism is at the heart of community engagement, and ELC Big Bend exemplified this spirit by recording an impressive 375.25 volunteer hours for the 2022-23 fiscal year. This commitment reflects the department's dedication to building strong connections with the community and supporting the well-being of children through active involvement. In addition to their outreach efforts, Community Relations takes on the responsibility of receiving funds from generous donors. These funds are crucial for addressing unforeseen challenges and ensuring the sustainability of ELC Big Bend's programs. Through strategic partnerships and the generosity of donors, ELC Big Bend successfully received $25,000 in contributions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and community support. 12
ANNUAL REPORT
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Serving More Families: ELC Partners with Children’s Services Council of Leon County In the heart of Tallahassee, where the pulse of a community beats in rhythm with the aspirations of its families, a transformative partnership has taken root. The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the Children's Services Council of Leon County (CSC) in May 2023, a move poised to address the critical need for accessible child care assistance in Leon County. In the intricate tapestry of childhood development, quality child care emerges as a vital thread, weaving the foundation for social, developmental, and cognitive skills. However, for many families in the area, navigating the financial landscape to afford such programs proves to be an uphill battle. The ELC and CSC partnership stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to broaden the reach of child care assistance services and make affordable child care a reality for a wider audience. A recent study paints a stark reality: forty-nine percent of Leon County finds itself within the ALICE population—those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. For families living paycheck to paycheck, the struggle to meet basic needs is compounded by the daunting challenge of securing reliable child care.
Lizbeth Murphy, Chief Executive
be working or attending school. A
Officer of ELC, articulates the essence of their mission, "Here at
sliding scale of co-payments based on income and family size
ELC, we are in the business of children. Our goal day in and day out is to ensure that we are serving
ensures fairness, allowing families to choose from private centers, public schools, and family child
as many children as possible to uphold our mission of ensuring
care homes.
that every child is prepared for success in school. This partnership
Cecka Green, Executive Director of CSC, expressed pride in the
with the Children's Services Council of Leon County will assist in getting closer to that goal by allowing us to
collaboration: "CSC Leon is very proud to partner with ELC to help more families access quality child
support even more families in the Big Bend Region."
care. This type of partnership is just what the citizens of Leon County had in mind when they approved the formation of CSC Leon in 2020, and we will continue the work of establishing more programming to help children, youth, and families that live and work in our community."
The impact of this partnership is tangible and immediate. Families living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can now apply for the School Readiness program, ELC's child care assistance initiative. This expansion, from the previous threshold of 150% FPL, opens the door for countless more families to access this crucial support. The School Readiness Program (SR) is a lifeline for children aged from birth to 12 years old. Beyond income eligibility, caregivers must
“This isn't merely a collaboration,” explains Murphy. “it's a promise to the next generation, etched in the fabric of a community that believes in the power of every child to shape a brighter tomorrow.”
THE ELC BIG BEND EDUCATOR
ANNUAL REPORT
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253
contracted child care programs in seven counties as of June 30, 2023
70%
of all contracted providers offer School Readiness
56%
of all contracted providers offer VPK
The Department of Education, Division of Early Learning (DEL) invested a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars in the Building a World Class Workforce Grants. Funds were offered through multiple stipends and grant opportunities to recruit, retain, and elevate an early learning workforce, details of which are on the following page. Over $2 million in initiatives aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of early learning educators (ELEs) was allocated by DEL and distributed by ELC Big Bend. This investment was dedicated to both newly hired and experienced ELEs and program directors, ensuring an inclusive approach to upskilling. ELC’s focus was both on training the current workforce and building capacity to ensure that efforts to upskill Florida’s early care and education workforce will be sustained long after these one-time investments have been expended.
BUILDING A WORLD CLASS WORKFORCE
The purpose of this funding was to systematically recruit, upskill, and retain Early Learning Educators (ELEs), particularly in underserved communities within the Big Bend Region.
RECRUIT ELC Big Bend offered financial supports to every child care provider in the seven-county service area to assist with recruiting new early learning educators (ELEs). ELEs included infant, toddler, Pre-K, and VPK teachers, and other early learning educations. Bonuses were available for ELEs hired on or after July 1, 2022, and meeting the requirements of each bonus by June 30, 2023. ELC Big Bend partnered with local colleges to extend recruitment efforts for students preparing to graduate with an Early Childhood and Development major. Additionally, eligible child care providers were approved for a stipend that could be used for promotional materials, recruitment, and onboarding costs. To better understand how to effectively use these funds and provide an opportunity to utilize purchases, ELC Big Bend hosted informational workshops and a community job fair for those interested in joining the child care industry. A total of $410,600 was distributed.
UPSKILL
ELC Big Bend offered grants to child care providers to promote high quality adult-child interactions by providing intensive trainings to them and their staff. Stipends were available for any ELEs completing the requirements from July 1, 2022, to the end of funding availability or application deadline, whichever came first. Additional funding was available to ELEs who completed a 45-hour health and safety training administered by DCF, approved CLASS Foundations for Teachers courses, approved MyTeachstone courses, and any course provided by ELC Big Bend’s Distance Learning program in the 2022-23 fiscal year. A total of $183,100 was distributed.
RETAIN
Mini-grants, reimbursements, and stipends were available to ELEs for professional development opportunities and other supports to reduce teacher burnout and prevent turnover. Retention stipends were paid to eligible ELEs who also completed any of the upskilling identified based on tenure. A total of $1,068,400 was distributed. 16
ANNUAL REPORT
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CHILD CARE PROGRAM ASSESSMENTS A high-quality education incorporates positive interactions between teachers and students. The Florida Legislature passed HB 1091 in 2018 that requires all contracted School Readiness providers to receive a program assessment. The intent of this bill is to increase quality and accountability in the School Readiness Program. In August 2022, the CLASS scoring system expanded beyond School Readiness programs and began requiring all VPK classrooms to also be assessed for high-quality interactions. ELC Big Bend's Early Care and Education (ECE) Team administers a program assessment observation to School Readiness and VPK programs, the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®). This assessment tool measures the quality of interactions between teachers and children. A total of 251 School Readiness and VPK programs were assessed by the ECE team during FY2022-23. No program scored below the staterequired score. 100 80 60 40 20 0
4.0-4.49
4.5-4.99
5-5.49
5.5-5.99
6.0-6.49
6.5-6.99
Research shows higher CLASS scores lead to greater student behavior engagement, increased math achievement, and more robust vocabulary and reading outcomes. School Readiness providers may receive additional funds (differential payment) per child enrolled in School Readiness based on their CLASS scores (assessment range 0.00 - 7.00). CLASS assesses interactions in three main areas: emotional/behavioral support, classroom organization, and instructional support.
65%
of ELC Big Bend child care providers scored at least 5.00 or higher
DISTANCE LEARNING AND EDUCATION In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, professional development for educators is crucial to staying informed of the latest teaching strategies. ELC Big Bend has taken a pioneering step in this regard, with its Distance Learning and Education team successfully developing and administering 24 online courses during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This initiative not only met the professional development needs of 999 Big Bend educators but also played a pivotal role in enhancing literacy skills among VPK teachers in Gadsden and Jefferson Counties. Flexible Learning for Educators ELC recognizes the demanding schedules of educators and, in response, implemented a forward-thinking approach to professional development. The online courses provided by ELC' Big Bend are available 24/7, allowing educators the flexibility to complete their training at their own pace and during their free time. Meeting State Credentials: The 24 online courses offered by ELC were specifically designed to address the State of Florida's required credentials for early learning educators. By facilitating access to these courses, ELC ensured that nearly a
thousand Big Bend educators were equipped with the necessary qualifications to excel in their roles. Focus on Emergent Literacy In addition to the general professional development courses, the Distance Learning Team at ELC took a targeted approach to literacy by creating a specialized course in emergent literacy. This initiative aimed to enhance the skills of 35 VPK educators in Gadsden and Jefferson Counties. The program included materials and stipends to support educators in their quest to boost literacy skills among young learners. Impact on Kindergarten Readiness Rates: The success of ELC's emergent literacy course is reflected in the positive impact on kindergarten readiness rates in Gadsden and Jefferson Counties. Before the initiative, Gadsden's 2021 kindergarten readiness rate was 40.9%, while Jefferson's was 19.2% both below Florida's average of 50.0%. By empowering VPK teachers with specialized training and resources, ELC played a vital role in improving these rates (Gadsden 43.4% and Jefferson 36.8%, respectively).
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THE ELC BIG BEND IMPACT
“Y’ALL REALLY BLESSED ME”: A MOM’S ELC STORY When Cameron M. heard from a friend about the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend, she wasn’t sure just how much the organization would be able to help her family. A single mother to a two-year-old girl, Cameron was paying for child care in Gadsden County while working full-time. “Once I brought in the required paperwork, it got the ball rolling,” explained Cameron. “ELC guided me through the application and gave me a list of options of child care based on what I needed.” Once enrolled in the School Readiness program, Cameron had the opportunity to pursue her career. “ELC helped me move my daughter to a Leon County daycare while I attended TCC for my A.A. degree,” said Cameron. “Then I went to the Academy for Dental Assistants in St. Pete, where I drove down every Saturday for fifteen weeks.”
But saving money wasn’t the only benefit for her daughter, Cameron added. “She is an only child, so going to daycare helped her make friends and meet other kids her age. She learned how to share and take turns. That was huge!” Want to change the lives of caregivers like Cameron? When you donate to ELC, you are supporting the children, caregivers, and educators in your community. Your investment - no matter the amount - makes a difference. Contribution options are located on the back cover.
Cameron recognized that she wouldn’t have been able to afford classes or travel expenses had it not been for the School Readiness program. “Before the help, I was paying $500 a month, and then, y’all blessed me. Y’all really blessed me.” Cameron also mentioned how it improved the quality of life for her daughter. “It was hard for me to do anything with my baby on the weekends,” she admitted. “With the money I saved, I was able to take her to Chuck E. Cheese, get ice cream, and buy more food. And I still had some change in my pocket.”
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ANNUAL REPORT
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELC Big Bend is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of community representatives. The Governor of Florida appoints the Chair and two other board members who must meet the same qualifications as private sector business members appointed by ELC Big Bend. The organization is fortunate to have a dedicated and actively involved Board of Directors who are fully committed to the pursuit of quality early care and education for our children to ensure they are ready for school and ready for life.
ACTING CHAIR Dr. Tara Lynne Orlowski, Ed.D. Florida Center for Interactive Media, FSU
VICE CHAIR AND SECRETARY Miatta Jalaber Department of Children and Families
TREASURER Paul Mitchell The Southern Group
BOARD MEMBERS Darrel James Capital Area Community Action Agency Tasha Weinstein WFSU, FSU John Selover Panhandle Area Educational Consortium Kelley Dettmer Centennial Bank Kim Sims Leon County Schools Sarah Gosselin Ernst & Young, LLP Dr. Maureen O'Neil Tallahassee Community College Alicia Beshears Taylor County Public Schools
Diane Head CareerSource North Florida Tomica King-Jackson (Provider Representative) Our Blessings Early Learning Center Stacey Duggar Trinity United Methodist Church Preschool Dr. Adrian Cooksey Florida Department of Health, Gadsden Millie Tizol Early Education and Care, Inc. Terrance Watts Department of Children and Families Ryan Poole TC Federal Zana Raybon Florida Board of Professional Engineers
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ELCBigBend
ELCBigBend
www.elcbigbend.org outreach@elcbigbend.org Toll Free: 1-866-973-9030
earlylearningcoalition
SPONSORED BY EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF THE BIG BEND REGION AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA, DIVISION OF EARLY LEARNING
ELC BIG BEND HQ 2639 N MONROE STREET BLDG-C SUITE 300 TALLAHASSEE, FL 32303