Translate
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!
Suzan Gage Named One of Florida’s “50 Over 50” for Leadership in Early Childhood Advocacy
The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida (ELCNWF) is thrilled to announce that Executive Director Suzan Gage has been named to the News Service of Florida’s “50 Over 50” list—a celebration of Floridians who are making big impacts in their communities and across the state.
Each year, the “50 Over 50” list honors a diverse group of leaders over the age of 50 who are shaping policy, driving change, and making meaningful contributions in fields like education, healthcare, business, government, advocacy, and philanthropy. Suzan’s work in early childhood education and family support has made her a standout not only in Northwest Florida, but across the state.
Gage was honored during a special ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Tallahassee.
“Suzan Gage leads with purpose and heart,” said Chase Christianson, CEO of HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital and Chairman of the Board for ELCNWF. “Her commitment to building stronger families and communities through early learning is nothing short of inspiring. This recognition is well-deserved, and we are proud to have her leading this important work in Northwest Florida and beyond.”
For nearly 20 years, Suzan has been at the helm of ELCNWF, advocating for high-quality early learning experiences—especially in the more rural parts of our region—and championing critical issues like infant and early childhood mental health, developmental screening, and kindergarten readiness.
“At the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, I’ve seen firsthand how relationships and community connections can transform lives,” said Gage. “Time and time again, I have witnessed the power of relationships to change the impossible into reality.”
Suzan earned her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in Montgomery and holds advanced degrees in mental health and adult education counseling from Troy University. In addition to her role as Executive Director, she’s also a licensed mental health counselor who works with families to help nurture healthy relationships with their children.
“I’m most inspired by the power of possibility that lives inside each child,” she said. “I wanted to help create the future – and now I am lucky enough to have a vocation that allows me to do so.”
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!
Unlock a World of Learning with Marco Polo for Families
As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to explore new ways to support your child’s learning and growth from the comfort of your home. The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida (ELCNWF) is excited to introduce Marco Polo for Families, a free mobile app designed to engage children aged 3-7 in fun, educational activities.
This innovative program is here to provide essential learning resources that are as entertaining as they are educational, making early childhood development accessible and enjoyable. If you’re looking for an easy way to support your child’s learning journey, the Marco Polo app is the perfect solution. Whether you’re at home or on the go, Marco Polo offers a variety of engaging content that will help your child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
What Is Marco Polo for Families?
Marco Polo for Families is a user-friendly app that gives families the opportunity to access interactive lessons, games, and activities geared toward enhancing early childhood education. The program is designed to work seamlessly with busy family schedules, offering flexible learning experiences that can be done at home or on the go. Best of all, it’s free to use for families in our service area, thanks to ELCNWF. We serve Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties.
By registering for the program through the QR link pictured below and entering the class code 6959, you will unlock a world of learning resources directly on your phone or tablet. These tools are perfect for children ages 3-7, helping to nurture important skills in areas like literacy, math, problem-solving, and more.
Family Engagement: Learning Together
At the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, we know that family engagement is key to a child’s success. When families get involved in their child’s learning, it can have a lasting impact on their academic growth. Marco Polo for Families is more than just an app—it’s an opportunity to make learning a fun, interactive experience that parents and children can enjoy together.
The app’s activities are designed to encourage collaboration between you and your child. Whether it’s solving puzzles, exploring new concepts, or playing educational games, you’ll be right alongside your little one, making memories and reinforcing important lessons. And with the app’s simple, easy-to-navigate interface, you won’t need to be a tech expert to enjoy the experience.
Thanksgiving Break Challenge: A Fun Way to Connect
To help families make the most of the Thanksgiving break, we’re excited to introduce a Thanksgiving Break Challenge that incorporates the Marco Polo for Families app. This challenge is designed to encourage families to explore the app together while also enjoying the holiday season.
We’ve attached a Tic-Tac-Toe challenge board filled with fun, learning-based activities. As you and your child complete tasks throughout the break, mark off the squares and see how many you can complete together. It’s a great way to turn family time into valuable learning moments!
How Does the Thanksgiving Break Challenge Work?
- Download the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge Board: The challenge board is attached below for your convenience.
- Complete the Activities: Use the Marco Polo for Families app to explore different activities on the board. Each activity is designed to be quick and fun, with tasks like “Practice counting with your child,” or “Read a story together.”
- Check Off the Tasks: As you complete each task, mark it off on your Tic-Tac-Toe board.
- Track Your Progress: The more tasks you complete, the more learning your child will experience over the break!
Remember, in order to access the content via the QR codes or hyperlinks on the challenge board, you must have registered for the Marco Polo for Families app and entered the class code 6959. If you haven’t signed up yet, don’t worry—it’s easy! Just follow the registration steps and start enjoying the app today.
Get Started Today!
Unlock your child’s potential with Marco Polo for Families! To get started, simply register for the app, enter the class code 6959, and you’ll have access to a wealth of resources at your fingertips. The app’s interactive lessons and fun activities are designed to support early learning in a way that is both educational and enjoyable for children.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to help your child grow and learn during the Thanksgiving break and beyond. Ready to embark on your learning adventure? Download the app today and start exploring all that Marco Polo for Families has to offer!
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.
Families in Northwest Florida struggling to afford childcare
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Childcare is really expensive, and it is getting more expensive every year, and finding enough money in your pocketbook for childcare can be challenging. Some parents are choosing to leave work and stay home.
“From a business standpoint, it’s expensive to run a childcare center just like any other business,” said Tami Valdez, Community development and special programs director at Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida. “You’ve got rising minimum wages, you’ve got increasing insurance fees. So it’s just it’s inflation is hitting all businesses right now.”
However, there is a school readiness program that uses state and federal money.
“This funding provides childcare for families who qualify,” said Valdez.
School readiness funding allows families access to affordable childcare, easing financial burdens and making high-quality learning programs accessible.
“There is a need, and I think now the support families need it even more because living is very expensive right now,” said Valdez. “I feel like a lot of families are in the position where do I pay for childcare? Or do I work? So apply for our school readiness program and let us see if we can get you qualified and then we can help you pay for childcare.”
The Early Learning Coalition has seen more people using the funding.
“90% of a child’s brain is developed before they hit kindergarten. Giving the children an early learning opportunity is very important so that they’re when they when they are ready to enter formal schools, they’re ready to learn,” said Valdez. “Everything the cognitive, the social skills, everything that they will get within a childcare center is very important to get them going on that learning path.”
Helping families make the decision to work easier.
“They’re able to pay rent, pay mortgage, put food on the table,” said Valdez. “It’s just giving them some financial support on the children’s side. “We’re giving them a formal early education. so that’s very important.
The readiness learning program serves seven counties, Bay, Washington, Holmes, Jackson, Calhoun Gulf, and Franklin.
To apply and see if you are eligible for this funding, you can head here.