Provider Financial Supports The ELCHC continues to incentivize and motivate School Readiness providers to successfully adhere to School Readiness state requirements for child care performance standards, implement developmentally- appropriate curricula and related classroom resources that support curricula, provide literacy supports and professional development opportunities which improve the overall consistency and quality of School Readiness programs throughout Hillsborough County. Fiscal year 2020-2021 presented a new opportunity for the ELCHC to support providers facing new challenges in early learning classrooms in our community. Early in the fiscal year, broken supply chains prevented many programs from obtaining the necessary supplies required to operate their programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the ELCHC Board of Directors, a supply drive to get medical grade infrared thermometers, hand sanitizer, cleaning spray, face masks and other essential items was conducted. More than $89,000 was raised and in early August 2020, 600 programs in Hillsborough County received necessary supplies in a drive through event designed to celebrate the work of early learning professionals and program owners. During the 2020-2021 fiscal year, the Hillsborough Infant & Toddler Initiative provided support to school readiness program providers to expand both the offering and quality of infant and toddler slots in their programs. This was accomplished by delivering developmentally appropriate classroom resource and materials to create and enhance classroom environments and provide professional development, stipends and reimbursements of training to early education teacher in classrooms for children birth to 36 months. The total investment in this program was $99,456. T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) provides scholarships for early childhood teachers and facility/family home directors to work toward earning an Associate, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in early childhood education, a Florida Staff Credential, a Director Credential, a National CDA Assessment, or credential renewals. The ELCHC supports T.E.A.C.H. scholar participants with technology to overcome barriers to pursuing advanced education. In FY 2020-2021, 133 participated in the program. The Child Care INCENTIVE$® FLORIDA Project is designed to increase stability and improve child care quality by reducing turnover and encouraging continued education of early childhood educators working in child care centers or family child care homes. This program provides education based salary supplements for low to moderate wage earners who work with young children, ages birth to 5, in School Readiness contracted sites. FY 2020-2021 marked the third year of participating in the program. During this fiscal year, 696 teachers participated, with $471,006 distributed. Early childhood educators working directly with children for at least 20 hours per week, earning less than $25 per hour, may be eligible for a salary supplement if they have some formal child care training and/or education beyond a high school diploma. The Children’s Forum is the licensee for Child Care INCENTIVE$ Florida and administers this program in participating counties in partnership with local funders. Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County
FY20-21 Annual Report 6
