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Blog Post #5: Power Up for Kindergarten: What If My Child Has Never Been in VPK or Childcare?
For many families, sending a child to Kindergarten is the first big step into the school world—and it can feel even bigger when your child hasn’t been to VPK, daycare, or any structured early learning setting.
But here’s the good news: you’ve already been your child’s first and most important teacher. You’ve been building their brain through everyday moments—talking, reading, playing, exploring. And there’s still plenty you can do to help them feel ready and confident when that first school bell rings.
Here are 5 ways to Power Up for Kindergarten—starting right at home:
1. Practice Routines Together
Kindergarten runs on routines—lining up, snack time, bathroom breaks, cleanup. Help your child get used to a simple routine at home: set regular mealtimes, try getting dressed in the morning, or have a “circle time” with a song and a story. Predictable routines build confidence and reduce anxiety.
2. Read (and Talk!) Every Day
Reading together builds vocabulary, attention span, and a love of learning. But don’t stop at books—talk about everything! Describe what you’re doing, ask open-ended questions, and encourage your child to express their thoughts. Every conversation grows their language skills.
3. Encourage Independence
Give your child chances to do things on their own—put on shoes, open containers, tidy up toys. These small steps grow their problem-solving skills and self-confidence, which are just as important as knowing their letters.
4. Build Social Skills Through Play
If your child hasn’t had many chances to play with other kids, try arranging playdates, attending library story times, or visiting playgrounds. Practice taking turns, sharing, and using words to solve problems. Social-emotional readiness is key for a successful start.
5. Explore Pre-K Learning at Home
Introduce early learning through playful activities:
- Count snacks as you serve them
- Sort laundry by color
- Use sidewalk chalk to draw letters and shapes
- Sing songs with rhymes and patterns
You don’t need worksheets—you just need curiosity, conversation, and time together.
Remember: Children learn best in safe, loving relationships. Whether your child has been in formal care or not, what matters most is that they feel safe, curious, and loved. You’ve got what it takes—and we’re here to help.
Visit elcnwf.org/powerup for more tools, ideas, and support to get your child ready for Kindergarten success!
Blog Post #4: Power Up for Kindergarten, Calhoun County!
Power Up for Kindergarten in Calhoun County
Three FREE Events for Families of Rising Kindergartners
The countdown to kindergarten is on—and we’re bringing fun, hands-on learning to your local library. Families in Calhoun County are invited to three special Power Up for Kindergarten events this May to help prepare rising kindergarteners for a strong start in school.
Each event features interactive skill-building stations, early learning tips for families, and free Kindergarten Readiness Kits for participating children. Complimentary developmental screenings will be available, along with snacks and drinks for everyone.
Event Details:
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Calhoun County Public Library – Blountstown Branch
17731 NE Pear St, Blountstown, FL 32424
Saturday, May 17, 2025
9:30–11:30 a.m.
Kinard Public Library
5416 SW SR 73, Kinard, FL 32449
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
12:30–2:30 p.m.
Mossy Pond Public Library
22216 NW Lake McKenzie Blvd., Altha, FL 32421
These events are designed to spark confidence, curiosity, and excitement for school success.
Don’t miss this opportunity to power up for kindergarten—Calhoun County style.
Learn more at https://elcnwf.org/power-up-for-kindergarten
#PowerUpForKindergarten #ELCNWF #CalhounCountyFL #KindergartenReady #EarlyLearning #FamilyFun #KinardFL #MossyPond #Blountstown
Power Up! Blog Post #3
Welcome back to our Power Up for Kindergarten blog series—where each week we bring you easy, meaningful ways to help your child feel confident and excited about their kindergarten adventure!
10 Simple Things You Can Do at Home to Get Ready for Kindergarten
1. Practice a Morning Routine
Start a consistent routine: brushing teeth, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing a bag.
This helps build independence and prepares your child for the flow of a school day.
2. Learn Their Name
Write your child’s name in big letters. Let them trace it, use playdough to shape the letters, or write it in salt or sand.
This supports early writing and name recognition.
3. Talk About Stories
After reading a book together, ask questions like “What happened first?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
This builds comprehension and language skills.
4. Count Together
Count everyday objects like steps, snack items, or blocks.
This supports early math development and number sense.
5. Explore Colors and Shapes
Go on a color or shape hunt around your home or neighborhood.
This strengthens observation and sorting skills.
6. Play Follow the Leader
Take turns doing actions like jumping, clapping, or spinning.
This encourages listening, coordination, and following directions.
7. Sort Snacks or Toys
Sort by color, size, or type—like sorting fruit, cereal, or building blocks.
This supports early math and categorization.
8. Practice Asking for Help
Role-play common school situations like needing help opening a snack or asking to go to the bathroom.
This builds confidence and communication.
9. Make Cleaning Up Fun
Sing a song while cleaning up toys or books.
This encourages responsibility and makes transitions smoother.
10. Talk About Feelings
Use toys or drawings to talk about emotions. Ask what might help someone feel better or how they’re feeling today.
This builds emotional awareness and problem-solving.
Power Up for Kindergarten! Blog #2
Welcome back to our Power Up for Kindergarten blog series—where each week we bring you easy, meaningful ways to help your child feel confident and excited about their kindergarten adventure!
This week, we’re focusing on something just as important as ABCs and 123s: emotional readiness.
Teach Big Feelings, Little Words
Children entering kindergarten face a whole new world of routines, friendships, and challenges. Helping them name and manage their emotions is a big step toward school success.
Here’s how you can help your child build emotional muscles:
Name It to Tame It
Start labeling emotions when they happen. “You look frustrated—was that puzzle tricky?” This gives kids the vocabulary to express themselves without melting down.
Practice Calming Tools
Teach simple strategies like taking deep breaths, counting to five, or squeezing a stuffed animal. Try a “calm down corner” at home so they get used to having safe spaces for big feelings.
Talk About Friendship
Help your child practice how to say hello, ask to play, and take turns. These small social steps help build confidence for classroom connections.
Read Books About Emotions
Stories are powerful tools! Some of our favorites include The Color Monster by Anna Llenas and When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang. Reading together can spark great conversations.
Don’t Forget Your Kindergarten Kit!
We’re still distributing FREE “Get Ready for Kindergarten” kits packed with fun learning tools, stickers, books, and more. These are perfect for building both school skills and confidence.
To request a kit, email PowerUp@elcnwf!
Kindergarten Readiness Tip of the Week: Establish a Consistent Routine
As your child prepares for the exciting transition to kindergarten, one of the most effective strategies you can implement is establishing a consistent daily routine. Predictable schedules provide children with a sense of security and help them understand expectations, which is crucial for adapting to the structured environment of school.
Morning Routine:
- Set a Regular Wake-Up Time: Ensure your child wakes up at the same time each day to regulate their internal clock.
- Personal Hygiene: Encourage habits like brushing teeth and washing face to promote self-care skills.
- Healthy Breakfast: Provide a nutritious meal to fuel their day and enhance concentration.
Evening Routine:
- Consistent Bedtime: Aim for 10–12 hours of sleep each night to support growth and cognitive development.
- Wind-Down Activities: Engage in calming activities like reading a book together to signal bedtime.
- Prepare for the Next Day: Lay out clothes and pack the backpack to reduce morning stress.
Implementing these routines a few weeks before school starts can ease the transition and build your child’s confidence. Remember, consistency is key, but flexibility is also important to accommodate your child’s individual needs.
Stay tuned for next week’s tip on fostering independence in your soon-to-be kindergartener!
UPDATE: Systems Restored
Some of ELCNWF Systems are down due to disruptions with Florida Division of Early Learning networks. FDEL network issues are currently affecting EFS Mod, QPS, VPK Readiness Rates, VPN and their internal network.
We regret any inconvenience to providers and families.
We’ll keep you updated on restoration of services!
Celebrating JACOLA’s Accreditation
JACOLA, a childcare center in Jackson County, has recently earned both Gold Seal and Apple accreditation, a significant achievement that sets them apart as a leader in early childhood education. This accomplishment is the result of nearly two years of meticulous planning and preparation, beginning with the center’s goal of attaining Gold Seal status even before they opened their doors.
From the outset, JACOLA focused on meeting and exceeding both the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Gold Seal requirements. By aiming for Gold Seal, which mandates more rigorous standards, JACOLA ensured they were providing an exceptional level of care and education.
The process of accreditation was a time-consuming one, with one of the biggest challenges being the development and continual updating of policies and procedures. JACOLA took extra steps to document their practices in detail, such as noting each classroom’s schedule, staff-to-child ratios, and other critical variables. The effort was worth it. The on-site visit from their accreditation firm, Florida Association of Child Care Management (FACCM), helped to solidify their standing as a top-tier center.
For families, these accreditations highlight the exceptional level of care and education JACOLA provides. Not only does it demonstrate their high standards, but it also reassures parents that their children are receiving a high-quality early education from a dedicated, well-trained staff. JACOLA is currently the only childcare center in Jackson County with these prestigious certifications, making them a standout in the community.
The heart of JACOLA’s success lies in its people. The center places a high priority on staff retention, offering competitive benefits, training, and support to ensure a low turnover rate. Both co-founders, Georgeann Adkison and Amanda Mullins-Eagle (pictured above), believe that keeping staff happy and well-trained is essential for providing quality care. Their motto, “We invest in you, you invest in us,” underscores their commitment to professional development, with many staff members receiving their CDA certifications through JACOLA’s support, strengthening the overall local early education community.
In addition to internal development, JACOLA fosters strong ties with the community. Georgeann and Amanda are active in local organizations, and the center hosts events to encourage parental involvement. They also use technology, including cameras and a parent communication app, to build trust and provide transparency. Through this approach, parents can rest assured knowing their children are in safe hands.
Looking ahead, JACOLA plans to expand into Bay County and continue their commitment to improving early childhood education. They advise other childcare providers to research accreditation options thoroughly and to take the process one step at a time. As Amanda says, “It’s like eating an elephant—just one bite at a time.”
JACOLA’s success is a testament to their dedication to excellence, community involvement, and a passion for providing the best possible care for children.
Marco Polo’s Winter Break Challenge
This winter break, learn and grow together with your family using Marco Polo’s Winter Break Challenge! Designed for families who are registered in the MarcoPolo For Families app, this challenge is a great way to keep your children engaged in educational activities while having fun at home. Activities include learning about weather, practicing letters in the alphabet, and so much more!
To participate, make sure you are registered for MarcoPolo For Families. This app is free for Northwest Florida families (Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Gulf, Franklin, Jackson, and Washington Counties) thanks to funding from the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida. Simply register using the code 6959.
Once registered, simply scan the QR code or click on the hyperlink to access the challenge video. Each activity in the video is linked directly to its corresponding title in the challenge, so you can easily navigate through the exciting tasks.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to bond with your family and help your child continue their learning journey during the break.
Ready for the challenge? Click the link below to get started:
Happy learning and happy holidays!
Family Engagement Month 2024
November is Family Engagement Month which is a special time to recognize the vital role that parents and families play in their child’s education. After all, families are their child’s first teacher. This month is an opportunity for families to partner with the Early Learning Coalition and early learning programs to support their children’s learning and development.
What is Family Engagement?
Families are engaged when they partner with early learning programs to promote their children’s development, learning, and wellness. Positive relationships between families and staff in early learning programs are the foundation for family engagement.
Partnering with Families for Children’s Success
Family engagement supports school readiness for early grade success and prepares children for life. Family engagement is a shared responsibility of the Division of Early Learning, early learning coalitions, community partners, and childcare providers to engage families in meaningful ways to actively support their children’s learning, development, and wellness.
Family Engagement Checklist for Families
This checklist is a tool for your family to use to consider the level of partnership with your child’s early learning program. Ask yourself the following questions and check a box for your answer. For any items answered “no”, write a note on how you can begin doing that item.
Consider sharing your responses with your child’s teacher and discuss ways you can be even more engaged in your child’s learning.
Family Engagement Calendar
Download the Family Engagement Calendar below for ways you can increase engagement with your children daily:
Family Engagement Pledge
Take the following pledge and let your child know you are committed to their success.
As a parent, guardian, or caring adult, I pledge to support my child’s education and healthy development to the best of my ability because I am my child’s first teacher. I have high expectations for my child and want them to succeed in school and in life. I pledge to stay involved, serve as a positive role model, and maintain open communication with my child’s teachers to ensure education remains a top priority in my household. I understand that it is my responsibility to stay informed and involved in all parts of my child’s education and health. Education is the key to success, and I will do everything I can to promote my child’s ability to learn.
At the Early Learning Coalition, we also have a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) program that can connect you with resources to help support your role as your child’s first teacher. You may contact them at 850-747-5400 ext. 108.
The Importance of Imaginative Play in Early Childhood
Picture this…
A toddler is standing in the kitchen, hard at work, emptying the cabinets. They are pulling pots, pans, spatulas, and wooden spoons from their respective places. All the while, they are smiling up at you with a strainer on their head ready to bang away at the bottom of the overturned cookware!
Or
Opening a cabinet in your newly stocked classroom to find a toddler-sized police officer uniform, a little doctor’s white coat, a miniature chef’s hat, or maybe even a tiny shopping cart filled to the brim with cardboard and plastic grocery goodies!
Can you imagine? Well, these scenarios are ideal for fostering imaginative play. Imaginative play – also called symbolic play – happens to have several benefits at each stage of early childhood. From what seems like random banging of rattles during the infant stage of development, through the parallel play in the classroom kitchen stage of preschool, early childhood is the perfect time for caregivers to facilitate the benefits that symbolic play offers. The truth is that children learn to solve problems, coordinate, cooperate, and think flexibly during imaginative play.
As childcare providers, you can help to grow these emergent skills by prioritizing pretend and imaginative play opportunities in your classrooms.
Here are a few activities that can help you get started:
- Storytime– Allowing children to participate in storytelling can help build their imaginations, too. Have students start, or finish, the stories you tell in class. Asking questions such as “What do you think will happen next?” can also boost engagement.
- Dolls & Puppets– Make sure you encourage your students – both girls and boys – to explore their imaginations using dolls, action figures, and puppets. These can be stuffed, or even made from paper.
- Themed Dramatic Play Boxes– Create a variety of themed dramatic play boxes (or bins or baskets) that feature materials that can let children be creative. The Childcare Lounge has some great idea on themed boxes here.
In the meantime, take some time to read the Healthline article about the importance of Symbolic Play in early childhood.
