From faces to filed bills: Changes inBy Jessica Salmond, ELCHC

As expansive as the early childhood education was under consideration. community is in Hillsborough County, it really can be a HB 419 had a substantial focus on VPK program small world sometimes. and child assessments, as well as a more cohesive MaryAnn Goodrich, the Office of Early Learning VPK transition to kindergarten strategy. Regional Facilitator, retired at the end of March “West Central is ahead of the game on that one,” after 16 years in the position. But, the Jamie said. next person in this role is no stranger: Transition to K was an area Mary Ann Jamie Harmon, previously one of our dedicated much time to developing own ELCHC Quality Specialists, has her region. Hillsborough County stepped into the position. has already been meeting for Jamie is the new regional this initiative for years, and in facilitator, and will be responsible the past year developed the for supporting the VPK virtual Teacher Talk series, delivery in the early learning which brings together preschool stakeholders of Pinellas, Pasco/ Hernando and Hillsborough counties. “Basically, if it has to do with VPK, I’m here to help,” Jamie said. Jamie will be leading VPK trainings and communities of practice, and offering technical assistance. But expanding beyond and kindergarten teachers to talk about these settings with parents of children nearing those ages. But, with any changes or updates, there must be support for early childhood educators. “I’m preparing myself to be there for the J amie Harmon, new VPK Regional Facilitator that, she serves as the point coordinator for the ELCs and the providers, because it may be a lot for stakeholders involved in VPK. When new legislation them to take in at one time,” Jamie said. “I want them or policy is funneled down from state, she’s going to know, there are people in their corner and we’ll get to be there to lead trainings, assist with information through it together.” dissemination and connecting the dots between The past year’s global pandemic put a spotlight on different community partners. just how essential our provider community is — that “I love the VPK world. This is very exciting for me,” Jamie same energy needs to be maintained to be sure they said. are receiving the support they need for both their 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. but two bills seem to have gained momentum this “We’re asking educators to do more and more and year: House Bill 419 and Senate Bill 7011. At the time more,” she said. “Support and resources are critical to of this publication, HB 419 was passed, and SB 7011 this success and that of the children they serve.”

Happy Retirement, Mary Ann!

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 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.