Translate
Arts and crafts at ArtKidDoo
ArtKidDoo came back to Shivers Park in Chipley this past Saturday giving the youth of our community an opportunity to express themselves in a child-friendly environment.
This free, community-wide festival featured a range of hands-on arts and crafts activities, games, and entertainment by local artists. It was an opportunity for children of all ages to engage in creative activities while parents explored resources offered by community partners. More than 25 local non-profit agencies, civic groups, and businesses have volunteered to host booths and help provide an enriching experience for everyone.
Children attending ArtKidDoo had the chance to express their creativity in a variety of ways, including painting a police car, coloring, and meeting animals at the petting zoo. Activities such as inflatable axe throwing, games, and a photo booth also added to the fun, along with various arts and crafts stations where children created “make and take” crafts.
According to the Early Learning Coalition art is not just fun—it is essential to child development. Research shows that art activities support early brain development, helping children build cognitive, social-emotional, and multisensory skills. Engaging in art fosters creativity, boosts self-esteem, and aids in mastery of skills that are important for lifelong learning and success.
Discover Essential Community Resources in Northwest Florida through ELCNWF
We are excited to announce that the Coalition has updated our County Community Resources Directories, making it easier than ever for residents of Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties to access vital services and support.
What’s New?
The updated directories include a comprehensive range of resources tailored to meet the diverse needs of our communities. Whether someone is seeking assistance with food, employment, housing, family wellness, healthcare, or education, the directories have something for everyone.
Why It Matters
Accessing the right resources can make a world of difference for individuals and families facing challenges. The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida is dedicated to empowering our communities by providing these essential resources in easy-to-navigate directories.
How to Use the Directory
The Community Resources are available on our website and are user-friendly. Simply select your county at the bottom of the page to find a tailored list of resources available in your area. You can also share your county’s directory with friends and family who might benefit
We encourage the community to explore these resources and share their experiences. If you know of additional resources that could be added to the directories, please reach out to our Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) team at [email protected]. Together, we can ensure that every family in our region has access to the support that they need.
5 Hurricane Preparation Tips for Families
As Hurricane Michael taught us, it is crucial for families to have an emergency plan in place to ensure the safety and well-being of every family member, including children. Being prepared for emergencies is not just about having supplies on hand – it is about having a plan and the knowledge to execute it when the need arises. By taking steps now to prepare your family for emergencies, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones.
Below are five tips caregivers can use while preparing for a storm. Let’s take action today to safeguard our families and communities for whatever the future may hold.
1. Educating Children
Start by educating children about hurricanes and the importance of being prepared. Use age-appropriate language and activities to teach them about the potential risks and what to do in case of an emergency. Encourage questions and open discussions to alleviate fears and empower children to take an active role in their safety.
2. Creating a Family Emergency Plan
Involve children in the creation of a family emergency plan. Discuss evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and communication strategies. Assign age-appropriate tasks to children, such as packing their own emergency kits or memorizing important phone numbers. By involving children in the planning process, they will feel more prepared and empowered to act in an emergency.
3. Assembling Emergency Kits
Gather supplies for emergency kits together as a family. Include essential items such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and comfort items such as stuffed animals or favorite toys for children.
4. Addressing Children’s Concerns
Be attentive to children’s concerns and emotions regarding hurricanes and emergency preparedness. Reassure them that their safety is a top priority and encourage open communication about any fears or anxieties they may have. Provide age-appropriate explanations and comfort, and remind children that they are not alone in facing challenges during a storm.
5. Incorporating Learning Opportunities
Use hurricane preparedness as an opportunity for children to learn valuable life skills. Teach them about teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience as you navigate the planning process together. Encourage creativity by allowing children to create their own emergency plans or design emergency kits, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Notice of Public Meeting: ELCNWF Board of Directors, September 11, 2024
The Board of Directors of ELCNWF will meet on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. CT
Conference Call
Link to Join Meeting: JOIN MEETING NOW
Meeting ID: 281 596 132 75
Passcode: 2QXxwC
Purpose: TO REVIEW AND MAKE DECISIONS REGARDING COALITION BUSINESS
For meeting information, please contact Suzan Gage (850) 693-0808
Bay County Chamber of Commerce launches Childcare Task Force Survey
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – In an effort to assess the current childcare needs in our community, The Bay County Chamber of Commerce launched a new Childcare Task Force Business Survey.
Open now till July 15, the survey questions will address the concerns of both employees struggling with childcare options and local businesses finding absenteeism issues and low productivity levels.
In coordination with the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, Chamber Officials said the data from the survey will lead to identifying potential solutions and strategies to improve access to affordable, high-quality childcare for working families.
Chamber President and CEO, Patrick Chapin, said, “We’ve heard stories after stories after stories about single parents not being able to find quality care which is limiting their work viability. The Florida Chamber actually did a survey and its 5.4 billion dollars of lost economic impact to the state of Florida. So, we really want to drill down to Bay County and find out what is happening here specifically and then start working on solutions.”
The Early Learning Coalition also encourages anyone that is interested in getting assistance in childcare or developmental screenings to go to Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida.
Tami Valdez, Early Learning Coalition Community Development and Special Projects Director, said, “Ninety percent of the brain is development between birth to five, so our future is our children right now. If they are not getting a strong early learning foundation, they are not going to be the best employees once they get there. Our workforce in the future is our children today.”
The online survey link can be found here or on the Bay County Chamber’s Facebook page.
Early Learning Coalition of NWFL offers developmental screenings for children
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Friday morning Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida held a Books, Balls & Blocks event at The Drip Coffee Co in Panama City.
This comes as the nonprofit continues its mission to set children and families up for success through learning.
Books, Balls, & Blocks was for children two months to eight years old and offered parents the opportunity to get free developmental and behavioral screenings for their children.
Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida Special Projects Manager Alyssa Gray said assessing needs and improving development as early as possible is very important.
“90 percent of your brain is actually developed by age five,” Gray said. “So those early interventions to make sure you have the foundation for learning later in life directly correlate with the outcomes later in life as an adult.”
The screening assessed five different areas of development including communication, problem-solving, fine motor, gross motor and personal social.
Questions asked include whether a young child can sit up on their own or whether toddlers can use a pair of scissors.
Results were provided to parents during the event as well as resources.
Children also got to indulge in several play stations aimed at improving development.
Megan Sweeten brought her four children to the event and said she has been to plenty Early Learning Coalition of NWFL events and finds them to be useful.
“You learn their [children’s] strengths and their weaknesses and where you can help them out,” Sweeten said. “Even help educate your friends and other people around you.
The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida team said their goal is not to diagnose a child but to help support development.
The next Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida event is set to take place on July 13 at Goshen Evangelist Ministries located at 2904 E Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.
For the latest information on the nonprofit’s events or resources visit their website.
Early Learning Coalition of NW Florida offering free development screenings
Early Learning Coalition of NWFL to donate nearly 10,000 books
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida has received a massive shipment of books, totaling approximately 9,900. The books were delivered to the organization on Wednesday, purchased using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Tami Valdez, Community Development of Special Programs Director for the Early Learning Coalition of NWFL, said they expect the books to last at least two years.
“Reading is so important, and we’ve made a promise and a commitment to providing families with early learning resources, and this is just part of that commitment,” Valdez said.
The books, specifically selected for children ages zero to eight, will be distributed at several Early Learning Coalition of NWFL book events throughout the seven counties served. Children will have the opportunity to choose a book they like, helping them build their personal libraries.
“Reading, especially from birth to five, is crucial because they are learning all about reading and developing a love for it,” Valdez said. “It’s the foundation for learning. Babies will engage in sensory activities, looking in mirrors, feeling fabrics. As they get to be two, three, four years old, they’re learning numbers, colors, empathy, and understanding the world around them—all of which can come from a book.”
Education leaders emphasize that instilling a love for reading in children is important for lifelong success.
The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida will distribute 100 books at the Books, Balls, and Blocks event on Friday at the Drip Coffee Co., located at 2440 St. Andrews Blvd, Panama City, FL 32405. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 21.
Notice of Public Meeting: Education Committee, June 12, 2024
The Education Committee of ELCNWF will meet on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Conference Call
Call-in Number: 1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 880 2502 3726
Passcode: 70332401
Purpose: TO REVIEW AND MAKE DECISIONS REGARDING COALITION BUSINESS
For meeting information, please contact Suzan Gage (850) 693-0808
Early Learning Coalition of NWFL offers summer learning
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Reading is important and is often associated with being taught at school.
However, educators with the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida said reading success starts at home.
This comes after reports from Florida Gap Map posted by the Chamber Florida of Commerce showed that about 47 percent of Bay County third graders were reading below grade level last year.
Early Learning Coalition Northwest Florida Service Specialist Jahn Jones Education said that if children have a good reading learning foundation by kindergarten, they are more likely to have an increased literacy rate and do well by the time they have to take 3rd-grade reading exams.
“Establish routines so that way the child has a schedule every day,” Jones said. “You could do baking activities so that they’re learning their math and literacy in fun ways, teach them self-sufficiency so they know how to carry their backpacks. get themselves dressed, put their shoes on, and read. Reading is very important.”
The Early Learning Coalition will offer at least two summer events to allow families to learn about a child’s development and build relationships.
Kaleidoscope Play and Learn will take place at the following locations weekly:
Every Tuesday at the Glenwood Community Center from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Every Thursday at the Oakland Terrace Club House from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Every Monday at the Washington County Library from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Kaleidoscope Play and Learn is open to children 0-5 years.
Books, Ball, & Blocks:
June 21 at the Drip Coffee Co. from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Free screenings will be available for children two months to 8 years of age.
Areas screened include communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and behavior.