ELCHC PROVIDER’S FOCUS MAGAZINE elchc.org Spring 2021
From faces to filed bills:
Changes in
By Jessica Salmond, ELCHC
Ha
PAGE
8
Mary Ann said her dad often teased her about being unable to keep a job because she was always switching it up, working in education as a kindergarten teacher, an owner/operator of a local child care facility, an adjunct at St. Pete College, a trainer at the Juvenile Welfare Board and serving as a consultant for several early learning coalitions. But that changed when she became OEL’s West Central Region VPK Facilitator in 2005 and stuck wtih it for 16 years. “This job allows you to grow, you get to create
or
ta t
ili
ie
Happy Retirement, Mary Ann!
ac
Ja m
was under consideration. As expansive as the early childhood education HB 419 had a substantial focus on VPK program community is in Hillsborough County, it really can be a and child assessments, as well as a more cohesive small world sometimes. transition to kindergarten strategy. MaryAnn Goodrich, the Office of Early Learning VPK “West Central is ahead of the game on that one,” Regional Facilitator, retired at the end of March Jamie said. after 16 years in the position. But, the Transition to K was an area Mary Ann next person in this role is no stranger: dedicated much time to developing Jamie Harmon, previously one of our her region. Hillsborough County own ELCHC Quality Specialists, has has already been meeting for stepped into the position. this initiative for years, and in Jamie is the new regional the past year developed the facilitator, and will be responsible virtual Teacher Talk series, for supporting the VPK which brings together preschool delivery in the early learning and kindergarten teachers to stakeholders of Pinellas, Pasco/ talk about these settings with Hernando and Hillsborough parents of children nearing those counties. ages. “Basically, if it has to do with VPK, But, with any changes or updates, I’m here to help,” Jamie said. rm F there must be support for early l Jamie will be leading VPK trainings and on a , ne on childhood educators. communities of practice, and offering i g w V P K R e “I’m preparing myself to be there for the technical assistance. But expanding beyond ELCs and the providers, because it may be a lot for that, she serves as the point coordinator for the them to take in at one time,” Jamie said. “I want them stakeholders involved in VPK. When new legislation to know, there are people in their corner and we’ll get or policy is funneled down from state, she’s going through it together.” to be there to lead trainings, assist with information The past year’s global pandemic put a spotlight on dissemination and connecting the dots between just how essential our provider community is — that different community partners. “I love the VPK world. This is very exciting for me,” Jamie same energy needs to be maintained to be sure they are receiving the support they need for both their said. Updates to the VPK program have been proposed and programs and their personal lives to succeed, Mary rejected for several years during the legislative session, Ann said. “We’re asking educators to do more and more and but two bills seem to have gained momentum this more,” she said. “Support and resources are critical to year: House Bill 419 and Senate Bill 7011. At the time this success and that of the children they serve.” of this publication, HB 419 was passed, and SB 7011 new things,” she said. During her years with OEL, she’s developed lasting relationships with educators, ELC’s, school districts, Head Start and various other stakeholders. While she’s retiring from this position, she said she’ll be “cheering on the sidelines and celebrating the victories, even the small ones!” She’s trying not to plan her retirement and “let the universe bring what it wants to me,” Mary Ann said. Despite her efforts, though, she has a list of things she wants to try, adventures she wants to travel, and time she wants to volunteer.
