the grapevine · the grapevine, a publication of ffccha, inc. january 2017 ribbons, ribbons,...

President’s Message: Growing Leaders

Wow! 2017!Excitement is in the air!

FFCCHA continues to grow members and lead-ers. Webster defines a leader as someone who provides leadership and through leadership comes effectiveness and skills. I’m so excited as FFCCHA’s Voyage of New Leaders is on the rise. FFCCHA membership has grown and leaders are stepping up on the Voyage to move forward in the 2017 year. Members are asking what they can do to grow FFCCHA and my answer, of course, is to take a hand, step on board, and bring a member or a new Family Child Care Provider to join FFCCHA’s voyage of growing new leaders.

I want to encourage all members to become a part of the FFCCHA mission to represent a united voice on behalf of all children, and to promote and encourage quality, professional family child care through education, legislation, advocacy, mentor-ing, caring and love. To not just join, but come aboard and share the knowledge of new ideas. FFCCHA is searching for New Ambitious Leaders.

As we move into 2017, think about this famous quote, ”If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” (Dr. Martin Luther King)

Gwen Wilson, President

January 2017“Celebrating another year with love, happiness and cheer!”

January 2017“Celebrating another year with love, happiness and cheer!”

THE GRAPEVINEThe Quarterly Newsletter of the Florida Family Child Care Home Association

THE GRAPEVINE Published Quarterly: January, April, July, and October

Submit Ads/Articles/Questions to Newsletter EditorWendy Corso-Ruud email: [email protected]

Mensaje de Presidencia: Líderes en Crecimiento

¡2017 Wow!Hay emoción en el aire!

FFCCHA continúa con el crecimiento de líderes y miembros. Webster define a un líder como alguien que proporciona lid-erazgo y que por medio de ese liderazgo viene la eficacia y las habilidades.

Estoy tan emocionada con el crecimiento de nuevos líderes en este viaje de FFCCHA, el afilió de FFCCHA ha crecido y estos líderes se están intensificando para continuar avanzan-do el viaje en el 2017.

Los miembros están preguntando que pueden hacer para crecer en nuestra asociación y mi respuesta por supuesto es: tomar a alguien de la mano, subir a bordo y traer un nuevo miembro o una nueva proveedora de cuidado infantil para que se una a este viaje de FFCCHA de nuevos líderes en crecimiento.

Quiero alentar a todos los miembros a formar parte de la mis-ión de FFCCHA para representar en una voz unida en nom-bre de todos los niños y fomentar la calidad, y el cuido profe-sional del cuidado infantil a través de la educación, legis-lación, defensa, guía, cuidado y amor no sólo para que se unan sino que vengan abordó y compartan el conocimiento de nuevas ideas. FFCCHA está buscando nuevos líderes ambiciosos.

A medida que avanzamos al 2017 piensen en esta frase "si no puedo hacer grandes cosas, puedo hacer pequeñas cosas engran manera." (Dr. Martín Luther King)

Gwen Wilson, President

HappY NeW YeaR !

MyFLFamilies.comMyFLFamilies.com

Volume 25: Issue 1

Mary Morris – Palm Beach County Health Department Child Care Advisory Council

Tammy Tener – Seminole State College Early

Childhood Advisory Committee

Tasheba Berry – Broward County Professional Development Committee

Kathy Jones - Hillsborough County Board of

County Commissioners Family Child Care Home Advisory Board

Arleen Lambert - Miami Dade College Early

Childhood Education Advisory Committee

In this Issue… Page Contents 2 Credential News / Talk of the Town 3 Calendar/Membership News 4 Credential Application 5 Chapter News / Parent Partners 6 Feb 10th-12th Leadership Agenda 7/8 Leadership Summit/Hotel forms 9 Area Rep News / Mentor News 10 Essay Awards Application 11/12 Board List / Area Reps / Chapters 13 Fundraising News / Latino News 14 DCF Screening Updates 15 Parents Choice / Provider Awards 16 Talk of the Town / Children’s Week

Hands Artwork Instructions 17 Parent Sponsors / Photo Contest 18 Hostess/Volunteer Scholarships 19 Call for Exhibitors/Ads 20 Save the Date / Back Page

...quality care from providers with love to share

Other Boards/Councils

The Grapevine, A Publication of FFCCHA, Inc. January 2017

The meeting was held at the Rasmussen College on November 12, 2016. The board presented their reports.

The August meeting minutes were approved and the Treasur-er’s Report was filed. The appointment of Lois Kendrick for Vice President was approved.

Members were reminded to please remember to bring in Gift Cards or door prize valued at 25.00 each.

A new chapter, North Florida Family Child Care Association (Tallahassee), was formed with the inspired donations of the Chapter Reps.

Conference 2017 will be the 25th Anniversary celebration! Re-member it will be at the Embassy Suites Orlando, Kissimmee.

There was an open discussion of a reliable substitute pool.

There will be a lot of great Pre-Conference trainings lined up, look for them in the coming months!

November Full Board Meeting News Submitted by Karan Hiester, acting as Meeting Secretary

Congratulations to the following providers who have recently been awarded scholarships Oct-Dec 2016:

$300.00 NAFCC Re-Accreditation: Deidre Grant, Victoria Morgan, Tami-ka Rutledge and Dell Ann Jamison. $150.00 NAFCC Annual Update: Athalene Clay and Carmen Yesan $150.00 National CDA renewal: Shirley McCants, Vivene Smith and Barbaran Williams

Shurrea Daniels – ELC of Pinellas

Karan Heister – ELC of Flagler/Volusia County

Gwen Wilson – ELC of Marion County

Naomi Helligar – ELC of Osceola

Credential Scholarship News

FFCCHA Calendar of Events January 2017

12-13 OEL meeting and ELAC meeting, Tampa 13 Deadline for applications for Full Board Posi-tions: Executive Committee (President, Vice Presi-dent, Fundraising, Latino Liaison, Area Rep Coordina-tor, Legislative Liaison, Secretary) and Area Reps (all Odd numbers) Terms begin on July 1, 2017 17 Deadline for FFCCHA conference workshop proposals 21 Broward Early Childhood Educators Conference 22 Deadline for February Full Board Meeting Reports: Executive Committee & Chairs send to: [email protected] Area Reps send to: [email protected], Chapter Reps send to: [email protected] 28 ELC of Sarasota Conference, Pine View School,

Osprey, FL

February 2017 1 Deadline for Hotel Reservations for Summit 9 Executive Committee Meeting Conference Call 10 Conference Team Meeting, Best Western 11 FFCCHA Leadership Summit, 9am – 5pm, Ras-mussen College, Ocala, FL 12 Full Board Meeting 9am, Rasmussen College, Ocala, FL 17 Newsletter Deadline for April issue 24-25 Early Childhood Conference, Seminole State College, Sanford

March 2017 10 Deadline to send hands for Children’s Week 17 Deadline for Parent Choice letters 27 Deadline for Accredited Provider essays 25 CFC Early Childhood Conference, Ocala 26 Hanging of the Hands at Capitol, Tallahassee 27 Advocacy Dinner, Tallahassee 28 Children’s Day at the Capitol, Tallahassee 30-31 OEL and ELAC meeting, Tallahassee

April 2017 7 Deadline for Essays for Hall of Fame, AHAP, Chapter Nominations 8 Ready, Set, Grow Early Educators Conference,

Osceola County TBA FFCCHA Full Board Meeting/Training 30 Deadline for Conference Volunteer Scholarships

May 2017 1 Worthy Wage Day 5 Child Photo Contest Deadline 10 Newsletter Deadline for July issue 12 National Provider Appreciation Day 27 Deadline to reserve hotel - FFCCHA conference

June 2017 1 Early Bird Registration Deadline for FFCCHA conference 21-25 FFCCHA Conference, Kissimmee 25 FFCCHA General Meeting, Kissimmee 25 Deadline for hotel rooms for NAFCC conference

July 2017 19-21 One Goal Summer Conference, Tampa 19-22 NAFCC Conference, Mobile, AL

Membership Officer – Amanda Wallace Email: [email protected]

Congratulations to our Mem bership Drive Winners!!

Monthly Membership Drives: Pinellas Providers Home CC Association (September)

Natures Coast FFC Home Association (October) Pinellas Providers Home CC Association (November)

The Most Parent Members: Bernadette Heikkila

The winners for the current Membership Drive will be announced during at the next Full Board Meeting in Ocala. Remember, acknowledgements are given to the Chapter that submits the most new, renewals, or advocates members monthly. Providers that sub-mit the most new parent members are also acknowledged each month. Please renew your membership before it expires to avoid a lapse in your membership. Your expiration date is located on the back of the FFCCHA newsletter, The Grapevine, just above your name on the address label. All FFCCHA Members can join NAFCC at a $5 discounted rate through your local Chapter.

Membership breakdown as of 11/30/2016

Chapters: 20 Chapter Providers: 487

Co-Providers: 22 Individual Members: 45

Advocates: 36 Lifetime & Honorary Members: 9

Parent Members: 33 Agencies: 3 Total: 655

Thank you for your patience

and assistance!

Visit us on the web at www.familychildcare. org


RIBBONS, RIBBONS, RIBBONS!

ATTENTION: FFCCHA State Conference Attendees! If you want the correct ribbons for all your credentials on your name tag at con-ference, then please make sure you remember to check all the correct boxes on the conference registration form or on the hostess volunteer form. Here are choices: □ Registered □ Licensed □ Large Licensed □ VPK □ T.E.A.C.H. □ NAFCC Accredited □ NAFCC Observer □ CDA □ EHS (Early Head Start) □ FFCCHA MENTOR □ Director Credential □ College Degree Don’t forget to check them!! If you are being sponsored by an agency to attend, please make sure you contact them to submit your rib-bon information and/or email FFCCHA conference registration with your ribbon information.

Winter Membership News



FFCCHA Credential Scholarship Application

Requirements: Must be a Florida regulated Family Child Care Provider and a FFCCHA chapter provider member

for one year without a lapse in membership

Applying for: $______ $50 $150 $250 $300

Master Provider – New Cuatro Pasos NAFCC New Accreditation: Self Study Master Provider Renewal Second Helping NAFCC New Accreditation: Application Certified M.E.N.T.O.R. 1 Sec. Help. T-T-T NAFCC Accreditation Annual Up-date Certified M.E.N.T.O.R. 2 SH Renew T-T-T NAFCC Re-Accredit Application National CDA Renewal NAFCC Observer NAFCC Observer Refresher

Note: $300/person/year is the maximum awarded in time period July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017. Therefore, you must commit to pay the balance on credentials that exceed $300.

Name: _________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________ Name on Family Child Care License: _________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ Zip:______________ County: ____________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Fax: ________________________ Cell: _________________________ Check all that apply: Registered Licensed Large Licensed VPK CDA NAFCC Accredited since _____ Local FFCCHA Chapter: ___________________________________________________________ Area: # ______ Name of Chapter President: ____________________________________________________________________ How long have you been a member of your local chapter? ____________________________________________ List current leadership roles or participation in your chapter: _________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ List current leadership roles or participation in FFCCHA: _____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ How long have you been a full time family child care provider? ________________________________________ List other child care related experience: __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your future plans in family child care? ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Briefly explain how receiving this scholarship will benefit you, the children, your parent clients, and/or other providers: ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If the credential applied for exceeds $300, how do you plan to pay for the balance? _______________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you agree to sign a contract to return the awarded money, if you fail to meet the scholarship purpose within an agreed upon deadline? Yes No

Please submit this application along with 2 letters of recommendation from any of the following: Child Care Agency, Early Learning Coalition, local FFCCHA Chapter, current parent/client from your FCC home, Food Program sponsor, Training Instructor, Licensing, Community or State College

FFCCHA Scholarships 9207 Edgemont Lane Boca Raton, FL 33434

Questions? Please call Abbie Bill at 561-482-6038 or e-mail [email protected] Note: Abbie is serving temporarily until a new Chairperson is appointed - Application Revised 11-2016 Office verification:

Regulation _______ Chapter_________________ Member since_______ FFCCHA_______ NAFCC________

MyFLFamilies.com

MyFLFamilies.com

Visit us on the web at www.familychildcare.org


Maxine Danna is the Chapter Rep-resentative of the quarter! Congratula-tions, Maxine, for your efforts in Area 19 with Natures Coast FCCHA.

So much is happening lately that is exciting and new, including a New

Year. Hip hip hooray for 2017!

Let us give a big welcome to the newest formed chapter from Tallahassee in Area 5, North Florida FCC Association. Thank you for making the effort in becoming a part of a larger body of like-minded members, raising your professionalism and showing we are all here to help each other.

I hope everyone will have a great year with many ad-ventures including attending the June 2017 FFCCHA State Conference in Kissimmee. We are going to have a good time and we will learn valuable infor-mation to help us in our child care businesses and careers.

For all those Chapter Representative members who attended last quarter’s Full Board and Chapter Rep-resentative meeting, enjoy the free binder book you received to help in organizing your chapter paper-work. I hope it will serve you well and be helpful to you. Organization is just as important as any other part of our job so we can store and retrieve valuable information when we need it. Make sure you bring your information binder book to our next meeting, see you there! And have a wonderful New Year 2017!

Submitted by Carole CaffentzisSubmitted by Carole Caffentzis Submitted by Carole CaffentzisChapter Coordinator

Submitted by Carole CaffentzisSubmitted by Carole CaffentzisChapter CoordinatorChapter Coordinator

Amazon Smile - When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Florida

Family Child Care Home Association Inc. Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/65-0392120 and

support us every time you shop. Also Share this link with others to help us too!

Benevity.org - Florida Family Child Care Home Asso-ciation Inc. is registered with causes.benevity.org and is eligible to receive donations and matching corporate

donations.

Coin Rally – Keep a container near your entry way to collect loose change from your parent clients and bring

coins to quarterly meeting.

Green Table – continue to bring your child care items to Ocala to donate for resale.

Mabel's Labels–visit www.campaigns.mabelslabels.com,

select our organization before you shop and we earn a percentage of every purchase. Please share this link!

Parenting is a vital role in the lives of many people. It is loving and laboring, and sometimes we feel like we are operating in the dark. The old adage "kids don't come with instruction books" is so true but we can learn each day from those around us who have already been down that road. It is important that we reach out to knowledgeable individ-uals to help guide new parents as well as those parents in new situations. A key pointer may be to establish a family dinner time in case you have not been able to do so yet. Making and serving a meal together can bring family members to a common place so the members can talk about what is important in their day. This is a wonderful re-connecting event at the end of each day. So don't forget to ask "What did you do today,” or “What happened in your day?" and see where the con-versation leads!



Florida Family Child Care Home Association Leadership Summit & Quarterly Full Board Meeting

February 10-12, 2017 Ocala, Florida Weekend Agenda

Friday, February 10th

7:30pm – 10:00pm FFCCHA Conference Team Meeting

Best Western Hotel, Pool Room

Saturday, February 11th 9:00am – 5:00pm

Leadership Sum m it “Building Great Leadership in Family Child Care -

Construir un Buen Liderazgo en el Hogar Familiar” by Othondra Williams-Hicks, M.Ed, Early Childhood Expert

Rasmussen College

$75 ($60 scholarships available!) includes networking lunch (CEUs are available online only through FLAEYC.ORG for an additional fee)

Saturday 8:00pm Meet & Greet - Slum ber Party !

Refreshments hosted by Chapter: Palm Beach County FCC Association Come in your cutest PJ’s and slippers to relax and unwind!

Prizes for best attire! Best Western Hotel, Pool Room

Sunday, February 12th

9:00am – 1:00pm FFCCHA Full Board Quarterly Meeting

Rasmussen College TWO LOCATION ADDRESSES Best Western Hotel, I-75, Exit 350 West 3701 SW 38th Ave. Ocala, FL 34474 352-237-4848

Rasmussen College, Exit 350 West 4755 S.W. 46 Ct., Ocala, FL 34474 Near West Marion Community Hospital

Driving Directions to Rasmussen College Allow 5 minutes for driving time from Best Western Hotel From I-75, exit 350, SR 200 (same exit as hotel) and go West for 1 mile The college is on the right side of the road Turn right, then make the first right into the college parking lot Upon entering building, look for signs for directions on room location

MyFLFamilies.com



FFCCHA Professional Development Leadership Summit

Saturday, February 11, 2017 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Rasmussen College, 4755 SW 46th Ct., Ocala, FL 34474 (1 mile west of Exit 350 and I-75) Registration Fee: $75.00* ($60.00 scholarships available) *LUNCH INCLUDED

Registration forms & payment must be received by February 1, 2017. NO REFUNDS. Mail to: FFCCHA c/o Arleen Lambert, 19811 NW 7th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33169 Make check or money order payable to: FFCCHA, Inc. Please submit this completed form with payment (pay only $15 if you are a FL Registered OR Licensed family child care provider OR co-provider FFCCHA member & com-plete 30 words below). Note: Returned checks will be assessed $47 in additional fees.

Networking Lunch (included) – select one: Chef Salad Roasted Turkey Caesar Salad Ham Sandwich Roast Beef Sandwich Turkey Sandwich For sandwiches only choose one side: pasta salad mandarin pineapple dream tropical fruit chips

Any questions, please contact: FFCCHA (305) 793-4011 or [email protected] Deadline: Must be received by February 1, 2017

YOU MUST BE PRESENT THE ENTIRE TRAINING SESSION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE. Training starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.! CEU’s are available online through FLAEYC.org for an additional fee.

“Building Great Leadership in Family Child Care” (Construir un buen Liderazgo en el Hogar Familiar)

presented by Othondra Williams-Hicks, M.Ed, Early Childhood Expert

Learn how to build a community of professional family child care providers, while developing resources and strategies that can be used in mentoring current and new family child care home providers. Plus, overviews will be given on Professional Development Resources: T.E.A.C.H Scholarships, FFCCHA’s M.E.N.T.O.R. Program, The Second Helping training modules, “Getting Right the First Time” Association Development training and NAFCC Accreditation. Aprenda como construer una Comunidad professional familiar, del programa del Cuidado de providores para Nios. Mientras estes desarrollando en los recuros estrategicos que pueden ser utilizadoes en mentalizando a los provedores de familia en los hogares.

_____ Please check here if applying for a Leadership Scholarship and explain below in a minimum of 30 words why you want to take this training and how you plan on using it in your family child care business. Print neatly on lines below only: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you need an accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in the child care training process: contact FFCCHA at least two weeks prior to the first training date at (305)793-4011 between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m Monday through Friday.

Deadline – February 1, 2017- NO REFUNDS after this date. Training fees are non-transferable. Returned checks will be assessed a $47 fee in addition to the amount of the check.

Confirmation will be emailed to you by 2/5/2017

Please Print: Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of FCC home as listed on License/Registration________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ Zip: ____________________County:______________________________ Phone #: ___________________________________________ Cell #: ___________________________________________ E-mail Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Chapter that you are a member of ________________________________________________________________________

MyFLFamilies.com



FFCCHA Leadership Summit & Quarterly Meeting Hotel Application

February 10-12, 2017 - Best Western Hotel 3701 S W 38th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474 (off 1-75, exit 350, go west)

Hotel reservations are for one or two (2) nights (Friday evening, Feb. 10th & Saturday evening, Feb. 11th) while you are attending the Leadership Summit and FFCCHA Full Board meeting at Rasmussen College, 4755 SW 46 Ct., Ocala, FL (exit 350, go west 1 mile, college is on the right).

Limited number of hotel rooms available. Make your reservation early. First come, first served. To qualify for room reservations recipients must:

1. Be a FFCCHA member. 2. Pre-register for the Leadership Summit and be in attendance for the entire Leadership Summit

training provided on Saturday, February 11, 2017 (9:00am-5:00pm). 3. Attend the State Full Board Meeting on Sunday, February 12th, 2017 (9:00am-1pm). 4. Complete both forms which must be received no later than February 1, 2017. 5. Include full payment with this form or the application will not be accepted. Payments will be avail-

able online via Credit Card payments. Those making payments by Cash/Check will be given discounted prices.

Hotel reservations must be made by FFCCHA! Room reservations will NOT be made without the proper form(s) and money submitted. Leadership Summit Training scholarship applications must be sent in with this hotel form.

If you select option 1 or 3 below, please list your roommate preference. If you do not designate a roommate, one will be assigned, if available. All considerations will be taken in order to meet your request.

Hotel Reservations for February 10 and 11, 2017

Check one option: Option 1____ Two people to a room for two nights. Each person pays $76.00 (CC) or $73.00 (Cash /Check)

Option 2 ____ Single or Family Room for two nights. One payment of $152.00 (CC) or $146.00 (Cash/Check)

Option 3 ____ Two people to a room for ONE night only – check: ___Fri 2-10-17 or ___ Sat 2-11-17 Each person pays $38.00 (cc) or $36.50 (cash /check)

Option 4 ____ Single or Family Room for ONE night only - check: ___ Fri 2-10-17 or ___ Sat 2-11-17 One payment of $76.00 (cc) or $73.00 (Cash /Check) *Add’l charges (if applicable) 3rd & 4th person in room, add $7each per night. Rollaway beds $10 per night

Your Name: _____________________________ Roommate Name: ______________________________

Email: __________________________________ Email: ________________________________________

Please Read The Following Statement ------ Sign & Date! I, the undersigned, do hereby state: the above information is correct to the best of my understanding. I understand that these rooms are being paid for with FFCCHA, Inc. money. Friends and family members may NOT use this room, unless I have chosen option # 2 or # 4. I understand that I will be assigned a roommate, if available. I understand if I do not at-tend the Full Board meeting, I will be responsible for the full cost of my hotel room. I understand my reservations will be voided if I do not abide by the guidelines of this contract.

Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: _______________________

Please make money order or check payable to: FFCCHA, Inc. Returned checks will be assessed a $47fee in addition to the amount of the returned check. NO REFUNDS. Mail Checks to:

FFCCHA 19811 NW 7th Ave

Miami Gardens, FL 33169

Any questions, please contact: FFCCHA (305) 793-4011 or [email protected]

Only completed form(s) with payment will be accepted and deadline will be strictly adhered to! If you need an accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in the child care training process, contact FFCCHA at least two weeks prior to the first training date at (305) 793-4011 between the hours of 8:00a.m – 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday.

Completed forms will be dated as received, in case we exceed the allotted amount of FFCCHA room block. Your hotel reservation and scholarship confirmation will be e-mailed to you by February 5, 2017. Please print your e-mail address clearly.

Office Only: Rec'd Payment Type_____ Amount $______ Member Date_____ Scholarship: Approved/Denied ______

MyFLFamilies.com

Submitted by: Bernie Heikkila, Area Rep Coordinator



Congratulations to the Area Rep of the Quarter -- Tammie Leonard (Area 16 Brevard County)!

Area Representatives are diligently working on get-ting providers to join FFCCHA at the local chapters, as well as promoting provider attendance at quarter-ly Full Board meetings in Ocala. Area Rep Challenge for Each Quarter: Each Area Rep is responsible for bringing in new members to each of their local area associations and to each quarterly state association meeting, FFCCHA. The two Reps who bring in the most members will be honored and will each receive $25.00 cash at FFCCHA’s April 2017 meeting in Ocala.We are currently, looking for new Area Representa-tives in the following open areas:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 31.

If you like working as an advocate for children and families in your community, sharing information with your peers and child care partners, then this is the job for you!

Please contact Bernie Heikkila (941-371-0344) or email: [email protected]

Abbie Bill, Mentor Program Chair

Congratulations to the following mentors who are now Certified FFCCHA Mentor I: Annette Eberhart, Aleta Ford, Ethel Jones, Yorislay Matos, Linda Mitchell and Elizabeth Ward.

There will be scholarships for Mentor I training at the June 2017 State Conference in Kissimmee. Training will be 12 hours total and will be on Wednesday, June 21 from 8am – 5pm and Thursday, June 22 from 8am – noon.

If you are interested in taking this training, applications will be available in February. The deadline to apply is May 1st, 2017.

Questions? Contact Abbie at 561-482-6038 or E-mail [email protected]

If you live in Florida and work at least 20 hours per week with children from birth through prekinder-garten, you can apply for a Scholarship to help you advance your education. In addition, you must: hold a high school diploma (from an accredited high school) or a GED; work at least 520 hours per year.

You can earn a staff credential or renewal, an Associate Degree, and now you can even earn a Bachelor Degree. The T.E.A.C.H. scholarship will pay 80% of your tuition, 90% of books, provide a $125 stipend per semester, and will pay $10.05/hour release time, three hours per week, to offset the cost of a substitute.

For more details, contact the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program at:Toll Free (877)358-3224 / (877)FL TEACHwww.teach-fl.com

Toll free: (877) 358-3224 | [877-FL TEACH] | www.teach-fl.com

For more details, contact the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program at:

If you live in Florida and work at least 20 hours per week with children from birth through prekindergarten, you

can apply for a scholarship to help you advance your education. In addition, you must:

• hold a high school diploma (from an accredited high school) or a GED

• work at least 520 hours per year

You can earn a staff credential or renewal, an Associate Degree, and now you can even earn a Bachelor

Degree. The T.E.A.C.H. scholarship will pay 80% of your tuition, 80% of books, provide a $75.00 stipend per

semester, and will pay $8.00/hour release time, three hours per week, to offset the cost of a substitute.

Are you a family child care provider?Are you considering going back to school?

If so, have we got a deal for you!

Toll free: (877) 358-3224 | [877-FL TEACH] | www.teach-fl.com

For more details, contact the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program at:

If you live in Florida and work at least 20 hours per week with children from birth through prekindergarten, you

can apply for a scholarship to help you advance your education. In addition, you must:

• hold a high school diploma (from an accredited high school) or a GED

• work at least 520 hours per year

You can earn a staff credential or renewal, an Associate Degree, and now you can even earn a Bachelor

Degree. The T.E.A.C.H. scholarship will pay 80% of your tuition, 80% of books, provide a $75.00 stipend per

semester, and will pay $8.00/hour release time, three hours per week, to offset the cost of a substitute.

Are you a family child care provider?Are you considering going back to school?

If so, have we got a deal for you!



2017 Annual Essay AwardsProviders: Nominate a Person or Organization for an Award!!

AHAP - AGENCIES HELP ASSOCIATIONS PROSPERDo you know an organization such as an Agency, Coalition, Food Program, College, etc. that has given support and helped your local chapter association above and be-yond their regular services?

OUTSTANDING FFCCHA CHAPTERDo you know a local FFCCHA chapter that is doing extraordinary things? It could be a parent involvement event, an outstanding membership drive, or maybe your associ-ation made a big difference by being involved with your local coalition or another type of special activity.

Provider HALL OF FAMEDo you know a family child care provider who promotes the state association - FFCCHA, Inc. throughout the state of Florida and has outstanding leadership qualities such as being a professional role model, a pos-itive character, having integrity, and being a mentor to all providers?

Advocate HALL OF FAMEDo you know an Advocate who is a non-provider who is very supportive and promotes the state association - FFCCHA, Inc. and promotes family child care as a profession?

If so, then please submit a short essay (300 words or less) and please describe specific examples in the essays. Mail to: FFCCHA Awards, 2050 Ryan Road, St Augustine, FL 32092 postmarked by April 7, 2017 or email to [email protected] and type “ANNUAL ESSAY AWARD” in the subject line. Be sure to include the full name and complete contact information of the person or organization nominated and the full name/contact info of the person submitting the essay. A form is also available on the Confer-ence Page on our website www.familychildcare.org Winners will be recognized at the FFCCHA Conference in Kissimmee.

PROVIDERS: Win a Free Hotel Night for 2017 Conference!!And Get your Name/Family Child Care Home listed in the conference program!

Here’s how: Encourage your parent/clients to participate as a Parent Sponsor of the confer-ence. For every $25 collected, your name (Provider) will be entered in a drawing for a chance for the free night. Winner will be announced at the end of the Full Board Meeting in April in Ocala.

Copy PARENT sponsor forms in the January or April issues of The Grapevine newsletter or print forms from the conference page on the web site: www.familychildcare.orgGive the forms to parents and collect the payment. FFCCHA must receive the payments by April FB Meeting to be eligible for the drawing.For parents entering the photo contest, the deadline is MAY 5 to EMAIL photo to [email protected] and payment must be sent separately to be received by May 5, 2017, too.If you have questions or want ideas on how to get your chapter members and parents to participate, contact Lula Owens via email: [email protected] or call 904-779-9988.Here’s some ideas that providers can use to get parents to participate: the provider takes a photo of each child and displays it on a wall at the FCC home and asks par-ent to make a donation. If the parent makes a $15 dona-tion or more, then the provider emails the child’s photo into the photo contest for the parent. Mail form to all past parent clients and hand-write a note on it asking for a “generous” donation.

MyFLFamilies.com

MyFLFamilies.com



Executive Committee - Officers Name Address City Zip Phone/Fax EmailPresident Gwen Wilson P.O. Box 102 Sparr 32192 352-351-5370 [email protected] Vice President Lois Kendrick 3257 Canal Street Ft. Myers 33916 239-337-7188 [email protected] Secretary Open Apply now!Treasurer Gretchen Murphy 1508 McBerry Street Tampa 33610 813-340-0445 [email protected] Membership Amanda Wallace 3401 Ave. Villandry Delray Beach 33445 561-251-3365 [email protected] Area Rep Coordinator Bernadette Heikkila 3224 Linden Drive Sarasota 34232 941-371-0344 [email protected] Public Relations Tasheba Berry 5206 Flagler Street Hollywood 33021 954-464-3134 [email protected] Chapter Coordinator Carole Caffentzis 6222 Hopewell Dr. Holiday 34690 727-841-6818 [email protected] Latino Liaison Mayra Marquez 101 Gardenia Road Kissimmee 34743 407-350-4239 [email protected] Professional Development Arleen Lambert 19811 NW 7th Ave. Miami Gardens 33169 305-651-9617 [email protected] Fundraising Cynthia Chipp 1502 Heather Ave. Tampa 33612 813-632-3229 [email protected] Legislative Liaison Open Apply now!Executive DirectorConference & Contracts

NON-BOARD POSITIONS

Tammy Tener 280 Country Sun Cv Oviedo 32765 407-234-3473 [email protected] Finance Assistant Sande Harper 3601 63rd Street N St Petersburg 33710 727-345-0299 [email protected] Area# Counties Area Representatives – Full Board1 Escambia Marcella Copeland 2118 Antillies Drive Pensacola 32506 850-458-2486 [email protected] 2 Santa Rosa Open Temporary contact: Eva Anderson 850-936-0348 [email protected] 3 Okaloosa, Walton Open4 Holmes, Jackson, Franklin, Bay,

Washington, Calhoun, Gulf Open

5 Liberty, Gadsden, Leon, Taylor, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison

Matline Ford 1208 Woodland Dr. Tallahassee 32305 850-877-3885 [email protected]

6 Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Columbia, Union

Open

7 Duval Lucinda Hightower 2732 Henrietta St. Jacksonville 32209 904-475-0458 [email protected] 8,9 Nassau, Baker, Clay, Bradford,

Putman, St. Johns Renie Roach 2050 Ryan Road St .Augustine 32092 904-436-5799 [email protected]

10 Alachua Open11 Citrus, Dixie, Levy, Gilchrist,

Sumter Open

12 Marion Lula Owens 7216 Greenway Drive Jacksonville 32244 904-779-9988 [email protected] 13 Flagler, Volusia Open Temporary contact: Karan Hiester 386-957-4482 [email protected] 14 Lake Open15 Seminole Josie Peña 3451 Holliday Ave. Apopka 32703 407-420-7004 [email protected] 16 Brevard Tammie Leonard 1713 N. Eden Circle Titusville 32796 321-289-3887 [email protected] Orange Barbara Gardner 5815 Viking Road Orlando 32808 407-294-1224 [email protected] Osceola Open Temporary contact: Mayra Marquez 407-350-4239 [email protected] 19 Pasco, Hernando Open Temporary contact: Carole Caffentzis 727-841-6818 [email protected] 20 Polk Open21 Hillsborough Open Temporary contact: Gretchen Murphy 813-340-0445 [email protected] Pinellas Open23 Manatee Open24 Sarasota Open Temporary contact: Bernie Heikkila 941-371-0344 [email protected] 25 Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte Open26 Okeechobee, Indian River, Martin Open

27 St Lucie Open28 Lee, Hendry, Glades, Collier Open29 Palm Beach Diana B.-Rhodes 939 35th Street W. Palm Bch 33407 561-844-3079 [email protected] 30 Broward Sheree Alexander 3721 SW 32nd Court West Park 33023 954-894-0062 [email protected] Miami-Dade, Monroe Open

Florida Family Child Care Home Association, Inc. – December 2016

FLORIDA FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ASSOCIATION, INC. – SEPTEMBER 2016

Interested in serving as an Area Representative? Contact Bernie Heikkila at 941-371-0344 or e-mail: [email protected]

Executive Committee - Officers Name Address City Zip Phone/Fax Email President Gwen Wilson P.O. Box 102 Sparr 32192 352-351-5370 [email protected] Vice President Open Secretary Norma Collins 1587 West 19th St. Jacksonville 32209 904-535-5541 [email protected] Treasurer Gretchen Murphy 1508 McBerry Street Tampa 33610 813-238-5414 [email protected] Membership Amanda Wallace 3401 Ave. Villandry Delray Beach 33445 561-251-3365 [email protected]

Area Rep Coordinator Bernadette Heikkila 3224 Linden Drive Sarasota 34232 941-371-0344 [email protected] Public Relations Tasheba Berry 5206 Flagler Street Hollywood 33021 954-464-3134 [email protected] Chapter Coordinator Carole Caffentzis 5005 Lillilea Lane New Pt Richey 34613 727-841-6818 [email protected] Latino Liaison Mayra Marquez 101 Gardenia Road Kissimmee 34743 407-350-4239 [email protected] Professional Development Arleen Lambert 19811 NW 7th Ave. Miami Gardens 33169 305-651-9617 [email protected] Fundraising Cynthia Chipp 1502 Heather Ave. Tampa 33612 813-632-3229 [email protected] Legislative Liaison Open

Executive Director Conference & Contracts

NON-BOARD POSITIONS Tammy Tener 280 Country Sun Cv Oviedo 32765 407-234-3473 [email protected]

Finance Assistant Sande Harper 3601 63rd Street N St Petersburg 33710 727-345-0299 [email protected]

Area# Counties Area Representatives – Full Board 1 Escambia Marcella Copeland 2118 Antillies Drive Pensacola 32506 850-458-2486 [email protected] 2 Santa Rosa Open Temporary contact: Eva Anderson 850-936-0348 [email protected] 3 Okaloosa, Walton Open 4 Holmes, Jackson, Franklin, Bay,


5 Liberty, Gadsden, Leon, Taylor, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison Open

6 Hamilton, Suwannee,

Lafayette, Columbia, Union Open

7 Duval Lucinda Hightower 2732 Henrietta St. Jacksonville 32209 904-475-0458 [email protected] 8,9 Nassau, Baker, Clay,

Bradford, Putman, St. Johns Renie Roach 2050 Ryan Road St .Augustine 32092 904-436-5799 [email protected]

10 Alachua Open 11 Citrus, Dixie, Levy, Gilchrist,

Sumter Open

12 Marion Lula Owens 7216 Greenway Drive Jacksonville 32244 904-779-9988 [email protected] 13 Flagler, Volusia Open Temporary contact: Karan Hiester 386-957-4482 [email protected] 14 Lake Open 15 Seminole Josie Peña 3451 Holliday Ave. Apopka 32703 407-420-7004 [email protected] 16 Brevard Tammie Leonard 1713 N.Eden Circle Titusville 32796 321-289-3887 [email protected] 17 Orange Barbara Gardner 5815 Viking Road Orlando 32808 407-294-1224 [email protected] 18 Osceola Open Temporary contact: Mayra Marquez 407-350-4239 [email protected] 19 Pasco, Hernando Open Temporary contact: Carole Caffentzis 727-841-6818 [email protected] 20 Polk Open 21 Hillsborough Open Temporary contact: Gretchen Murphy 813-340-0445 [email protected] 22 Pinellas Open 23 Manatee Open 24 Sarasota Open Temporary contact: Bernie Heikkila 941-371-0344 [email protected] 25 Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte Open 26 Okeechobee, Indian River, Martin Open 27 St Lucie Open 28 Lee, Hendry, Glades, Collier Open 29 Palm Beach Diana B.-Rhodes 939 35th Street W.Palm Beach 33407 561-844-3079 [email protected] 30 Broward Sheree Alexander 3721 SW 32nd Court West Park 33023 954-894-0062 [email protected]

31 Miami-Dade, Monroe Open
















Sumter Open



December 2016

Liberty, Gadsden, Leon, Taylor,Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison

Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, CharlotteOkeechobee, Indian River, Martin



Florida Family Child Care Home Association, Inc. – December 2016

1 NW Florida FCC Home Association Catherine Jones 850-450-0954 [email protected] Pensacola2 Emerald Coast Professional CCA Daffraneeze Riley 850-623-5315 [email protected] Rotate cities5 North Florida FCC Association Mercedes Pridgen 850-363-5595 [email protected] Big Bend Area7 Family Child Care Assoc. of Jacksonville Elizabeth Ward 904-765-4633 [email protected] Jacksonville8,9 Putnam County FCC Provider Association Karla Carnes 904-781-4495 [email protected] Rotate cities12 Marion County FCCH Association Deserie Dickson 352-789-6836 [email protected] Ocala15,17,18 Central Florida Association for FCC Alethia Dittren 407-870-1569 [email protected] Orlando 16 Brevard Sunshine FCH Association Joyce Burks 321-292-2159 [email protected] Cocoa17 Multicultural FCCHA of Orange Co. Rendy Bethel-Avila 407-354-0840 [email protected] Orlando19 Natures Coast FCC Home Association Maxine Danna 352-442-3441 [email protected] Weeki Wachee20 Family Child Care Voices of Polk County Grenitha Wilson 863-299-1868 [email protected] Winter Haven21 HCCPA of NE Hillsborough County Temple Terrace21 Quality FHCC Provider Assoc. Kathy Jones 813-645-2708 [email protected] Riverview22 FLEXx Production Southside CCA Dorothy Jenkins 727-895-7101 [email protected] St. Petersburg22 Heart to Heart Child Care Assoc Michelle Pugh 727-896-2244 [email protected] Pinellas Park22 Pinellas Providers Home CC Association Pam Gebler 727-321-2807 [email protected] Pinellas Park23 HCC Providers Assoc. of Manatee County Victoria Morgan 941-745-2401 [email protected] Bradenton24 Hand ‘N Hand CCA of South County Angela Small 941-204-2022 [email protected] North Port29 Palm Beach County FCC Assoc. Mary Morris 561-832-0472 [email protected] Loxahatchee30 Broward County FCC Association Theresa Lewis 561-396-6257 [email protected] Hallandale Bch30,31 APCID of Hialeah Alma Diaz 305-467-2560 [email protected] Hialeah31 South Florida Home CC Association Danish Williams 305-495-5029 [email protected] Miami31 United Professional CC Prov. of South FL Sonya Williams 305-910-7382 [email protected] Homestead31 FCCPA of Miami–Dade County Cecilia Calderon 305-386-8024 [email protected] Kendall

Advisory Open Latino Development OpenAwards Renie Roach 904-436-5799 [email protected] Member Development Lois Kendrick 239-337-7188 [email protected] Open M.E.N.T.O.R. Abbie Bill 561-482-6038 [email protected] Abbie Bill 561-482-6038 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Wendy Corso-Ruud 561-715-1361 [email protected] Carole Caffentzis 727-841-6818 [email protected] Nomination Karan Hiester 386-957-4482 [email protected] Dev Open Parliamentarian Open

Finance Anne Brooks 727-797-2814 [email protected] Credential Scholarship OpenFundraiser Michelle Pugh 727-896-2244 [email protected] Social Media Karan Hiester 386-957-4482 [email protected] Open Translation OpenHospitality Arleen Lambert 305-793-4011 [email protected] Contact a chair if you would like to serve as a member of any of the above committees.

FFCCHA: 9207 Edgemont Lane, Boca Raton, FL 33434 Phone: 954-581-1192 E-mail: [email protected]

Apply NOW for Current Vacant Positions BY JANUARY 13, 2017: Executive Committee-Legislative Liaison, Secretary, Area Representatives for all Open areas: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10,

11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25-28, 31 and Committee Chairs (non-board positions): see list above

Apply by Jan 13 for terms to start July 1: President, Fundraising, Latino Liaison, Area Rep Coordinator, and all ODD numbered Area Reps

All applications are available at www.familychildcare.org on the “About Us” page or contact: Nomination Chair, Karan Hiester.

Applications can be submitted via e-mail, mail, fax, or hand delivery. Questions? E-mail: [email protected] or call 386-957-4482

Submit Area Rep Applications to: Bernie Heikkila: [email protected] Questions? Call 941-371-0344

COMMITTEE CHAIRS (NON-BOARD POSITIONS)

COMMITTEE CHAIRS (NON-BOARD POSITIONS) Advisory Open Latino Development Open

Awards Renie Roach 904-436-5799 [email protected] Member Development Lois Kendrick 239-337-7188 [email protected]

Bylaws Open M.E.N.T.O.R. Abbie Bill 561-482-6038 [email protected]

CEU Abbie Bill 561-482-6038 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Open

Chaplain Carole Caffentzis 727-841-6818 [email protected] Nomination Karan Hiester 386-957-4482 [email protected]

Chapter Dev Open Parliamentarian Open

Finance Anne Brooks 727-797-2814 [email protected] Credential Scholarship Victoria Morgan 941-745-2401 [email protected]

Fundraiser Michelle Pugh 727-896-2244 [email protected] Social Media Karan Hiester 386-957-4482 [email protected]

Historian Open Translation Open

Hospitality Arleen Lambert 305-793-4011 [email protected] Contact a chair if you would like to serve as a member of any of the above committees.

FFCCHA: 9207 Edgemont Lane, Boca Raton, FL 33434 Phone: 954-581-1192 E-mail: [email protected]

Apply NOW for Current Vacant Positions: Executive Committee-Legislative Liaison, Vice President, Area Representatives for all Open areas:

2,3,4,5,6,10,11,13,14,18,19,20,22,23,25-28,31 and Committee Chairs (non-board positions): Advisory, Bylaws, Chapter Development, Historian, Latino Development, Newsletter Editor, Parliamentarian, Translation

Apply by Jan 5 for terms to start July 1: President, Fundraising, Latino Liaison, Area Rep Coordinator and all ODD numbered Area Reps

All applications are available at www.familychildcare.org on the “About Us” page or contact: Nomination Chair, Karan Hiester. Applications can be submitted via e-mail, mail, fax or hand delivery.

Questions? e-mail: [email protected] or call 386-957-4482. Submit Area Rep applications to: Bernie Heikkila: [email protected] Questions? call 941-371-0344

FLORIDA FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ASSOCIATION, INC. – SEPTEMBER 2016 Area Chapter Name FULL BOARD

Chapter Rep. Phone E-Mail Meeting City 1 NW Florida FCC Home Association Catherine Jones 850-450-0954 [email protected] Pensacola 2 Emerald Coast Professional CCA Daffraneeze Riley 850-623-5315 [email protected] Rotate cities 7 Family Child Care Assoc. of Jacksonville Elizabeth Ward 904-765-4633 [email protected] Jacksonville 8,9 Putnam County FCC Provider Association Karla Carnes 904-781-4495 [email protected] Rotate cities 12 Marion County FCCH Association Deserie Dickson 352-789-6836 [email protected] Ocala

15,17,18 Central Florida Association for FCC Alethia Dittren 407-870-1569 [email protected] Orlando 16 Brevard Sunshine FCH Association Joyce Burks 321-292-2159 [email protected] Cocoa

17 Multicultural FCCHA of Orange Co. Rendy Bethel-Avila 407-354-0840 [email protected] Orlando 19 Natures Coast FCC Home Association Maxine Danna 352-442-3441 [email protected] Weeki Wachee 20 Family Child Care Voices of Polk County Grenitha Wilson 863-299-1868 [email protected] Winter Haven 21 HCCPA of NE Hillsborough County LaTonya Campbell 813-447-6196 [email protected] Temple Terrace 21 Quality FHCC Provider Assoc. Kathy Jones 813-645-2708 [email protected] Riverview 22 FLEXx Production Southside CCA Dorothy Jenkins 727-895-7101 [email protected] St. Petersburg 22 Heart to Heart Child Care Assoc Michelle Pugh 727-896-2244 [email protected] Pinellas Park 22 Pinellas Providers Home CC Association Pam Gebler 727-321-2807 [email protected] Pinellas Park 23 HCC Providers Assoc. of Manatee County Victoria Morgan 941-745-2401 [email protected] Bradenton 24 Hand ‘N Hand CCA of South County Angela Small 941-204-2022 [email protected] North Port 29 Palm Beach County FCC Assoc. Mary Morris 561-832-0472 [email protected] Loxahatchee 30 Broward County FCC Association Theresa Lewis 561-396-6257 [email protected] Hallandale Beach 30,31 Asociación Prof de Cuidado Infantil Domiciliario Alma Diaz 305-467-2560 [email protected] Hialeah 31 South Florida Home CC Association Danish Williams 305-495-5029 [email protected] Miami 31 United Professional CC Prov. of South FL Sonya Williams 305-910-7382 [email protected] Homestead 31 FCCPA of Miami–Dade County Cecilia Calderon 305-386-8024 [email protected] Kendall
















Sumter Open



December 2016Area Chapter Name Chapter Rep. Phone E-Mail Meeting City



I would like to thank everyone for your support this year with the various activi-ties that took place. Please keep it fresh in your mind to bring your items for the green table. It is now the end of the year we can all clean out the old and bring in some new. And re-member, everything that does not sell, you will be responsible for taking back home with you.Chapters from Areas 1-19 are asked to bring a gift in the amount of $25.00 for the door prize. Please, let us support all of the Associa-tion’s Fundraising Events, and please feel free to contact me with any other suggestions or ideas.Cynthia 813-632-3229 [email protected]

Fundraising NewsSubmitted by Cynthia Chipp

Muchas bendiciones para el 2017.Proveedoras asumo que ya todos tienen sus resoluciones para el 2017 y espero que también en esas resoluciones ahigan incluido el apren-der sobre los nuevos cambios que están surgien-do en esta profesión del cuidado infantil.

Así como empezamos nuevo año y nuevas metas también empezamos nuevos cambios así que los invito a que nos acompañen esta próxi-ma reunión trimestral para que conozcan de al-gunas de las cosas nuevas que vienen para FFCCHA y para nuestros negocios.

Los espero en el mes de febrero. No falten, que su presencia es necesaria para que nuestra voz cuente, este activa y no muera.

Mayra MárquezSu vocera latina

Latino NewsSubmitted by Mayra Marquez



DCF Updated Background Screening Process

“To comply with new federal and state requirements, the department has revised the background screening process for individuals who have resided outside of Florida at some point in the last five years. Below is a summary of the new process, which authorizes provisional hiring based on certain criteria.

As always, we greatly appreciate your continued patience and cooperation as we incorporate this additional layer of protection for the health and safety of our children. The department will continue to coordinate with our federal and local partners as we streamline the process for out of state checks.

Department staff are available to answer questions or assist with Clearinghouse access and account set up. For direct assistance, please contact Background Screening Help Desk at 1-888-352-2842 or send an email to background screening unit at http://www.myflfamilies.com/contact?program=Background%20Screening

Updated Background Screening ProcessInstructions for Child Care Owner/Operator/Employers are outlined below. More details and links to instructions for each step are available online at www.myflfamilies.com/backgroundscreening.Complete a search for the individual in the Background Screening Clearinghouse.

For individuals who are already in the Clearinghouse: If the individual’s status is “DCF Child Care Eligible” – add individual to roster and proceed to steps 2 - 5. If the Clearinghouse indicates an “Agency Review” is required – select “Initiate Agency Review” (no

cost) If the individual has had a break in service for more than 90 days or needs to be rescreened by May

2017 – select “Initiate Resubmission”

For individuals who are not in the Clearinghouse: Select “Initiate Screening.” Schedule a fingerprinting through a Clearinghouse-compatible Live Scan Vendor. Check criminal records for every state the individual has lived outside of Florida in the last five years.

Forward results to the DCF Background Screening Unit for review. Check child abuse and neglect registry for every state outside of Florida the individual has lived in for

the last five years. Check sexual offender/predator registry for every state outside of Florida the individual has lived in for

the last five years. Check employment history with each employer for whom the individual has worked in the last five

years. Try at least three times to contact the employer, and keep records of these contacts for your files.

Pending Results from Out-of-State Records – While you are waiting for the out of state results, if the individual meets the Florida Level 2 screening re-quirements, DCF may grant provisional hiring status for 45 days while the out-of-state check is pending. During provisional employment, the individual must be in the line of sight of an employee who has already met all screening/training requirements.

DCF’s Background Screening Unit will issue an eligible or non-eligible result for employment through the Clearinghouse upon completion of searches and results from other states, if applicable.

Note: Keep a copy, on-site at the child care program, of documentation of all elements in the pro-cess in the individual’s personnel file for review by the licensing authority.”

MyFLFamilies.com

FLORIDA DEPARTMENTOF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES



2017 Parent Choice AwardParents: Nominate your Provider for

Parent Choice Award!!Do you think your family child care provider is a very special

person who goes above and beyond your expectations? If so, please submit a short essay (300 words or less) titled “My Provider is Outstanding” to: FFCCHA Awards, 2050 Ryan Road, St Augustine, FL 32092 postmarked by March 17, 2017 or email to Renie Roach at [email protected] and type “PARENT CHOICE” in the subject line. Be sure to include the full name and complete contact information of the provider member and the full name of the parent submitting the essay. A form is also available on the Conference Page on our website www.familychildcare.org. Three winners will be selected and recognized at the FFCCHA Conference Luncheon on Friday, June 23 in Kissimmee. The provider-winners will each receive a complimentary one-night hotel accommodation at the Embassy Suites in Kissimmee during the FFCCHA 2017 conference!

Premio Elegido Por Los Padres de 2017 Padres - por favor someta su ensayo de 300 palabras o menos con el título de: Mi Proveedor es Excepcional… antes del 17 Marzo, 2017. Nota: El premio elegido por los padres será dado a las 3 mejores proveedoras y miembros de FFCCHA nominado por el padre de familia. La (el) ganador será reconocido en el almuerzo de la conferencia de FFCCHA en el Viernes, 23 de Junio en Kissimmee. Cada ganador de este premio recibirá UNA noche de alojamiento gratis en el hotel Embassy Suites en Kissimmee durante la conferencia de FFCCHA en Junio 2017. Preguntas? Llamar a Mayra Marquez 407-350-4239 o Correo Electronico: [email protected]. Por favor escriba “Premió Elegido” en la línea de asunto (correo electrónico).

2017 Outstanding Accredited Provider AwardPROVIDERS WITH NATIONAL ACCREDITATION!

The Outstanding Accredited Provider Award is given to one FFCCHA provider chapter member currently accredited by the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). Accredited Providers must submit a short essay (300 words or less) titled “My Accredit-ed Program is Outstanding…” to FFCCHA Awards, 2050 Ryan Road, St Augustine, FL 32092 postmarked by March 27, 2017 or email to Renie Roach at rrrroach@bellsouth and type OUTSTANDING ACCREDITED PROVIDER in the subject line. Please describe specific details of what makes your program unique and outstanding. Be sure to include your full name and complete contact information and the name of your local FFCCHA chapter. A form is also available on the Conference Page on our website www.familychildcare.org. The provider-winner will be featured on a table display and recognized at the FFCCHA Conference during the morning General Session on Saturday, June 24 in Kissimmee. The winner of this award will receive a complimentary one-night hotel accommodation at the Embassy Suites in Kissimmee the 2017 FFCCHA conference!

Premio Por Ser Una Proveedora Por Excelencia de 2017El premio de acreditación por excelencia es dado a un proveedor activo de FFCCHA y acreditado por la asociación Na-tional de Family Child Care (NAFCC). Por favor, someter su ensayo de 300 palabras o menos con el título: Mi Programa Acreditado es Excepcional… antes del 27 Marzo, 2017. El ganador será reconocido en la conferencia de FFCCHA en Junio 2017 en el hotel Embassy Suites en Kissimmee, y recibirá UNA noche de alojamiento gratis en el hotel Embassy Suites en Kissimmee, durante la conferencia de FFCCHA en Junio 2017. Preguntas? Llamar a Mayra Marquez al 407-350-4239 o Correo electronic: [email protected] y escriba ensayo de “Proveedora Acreditada” en la línea de asunto.

MyFLFamilies.com



Children’s Week - Hanging of the HandsAll artwork may be brought to FFCCHA's February 10-12 Summit in Ocala OR must

be postmarked by Friday, March 10, 2017 and mailed to:Tasheba Berry-McLaren, FFCCHA

5206 Flagler StreetHollywood, FL 33021

Please Note: Do not send individual hands• Do not send large signs (larger than 11x14)• Please ensure hands are secured firmly to string/ribbonMailing Instructions

We also invite you to ‘Give Us a Hand’ and submit your artwork online via social media. To learn more visit www.childrensweek.org/giveusahand. Questions, contact us at (850) 222-3868 or [email protected] of thousands of paper cut-outs of children’s hands are hung in the Capitol Rotunda during Children’s Week. Please follow the artwork instructions exactly to ensure your hand art is displayed.• Artwork is to be stapled onto string/ribbon vertically.• String or ribbon must be in lengths of 8-10 feet. If string or ribbon is longer it will be cut.• Hand art must be strung together and secured prior to mailing.• Please include your county on the box used for mailing.We encourage you to decorate the hands with colorful artwork, stories and attach small pictures and/or small posters (no larger than 11x14).

Linda Mitchell, retired United Stated Marine Corp, is our January 2017 Talk of the Town Provider!

Linda has one son and two grandsons, ages 7 and 9. After retiring from the Marines, she rode her Harley throughout the United States and in 2013, she turned the Harley in for a minivan.

Linda‘s Child Care journey started when she saw President Obama speaking on television and what caught her attention was him saying, "Early Head Start, targeting those areas that need it the most." Linda felt he was talking to her, began turning her home into a Family Child Care, and started taking classes to become a licensed provider.On May 1, 2013, Linda opened her FCC home to her very first five children and since then, she has continued to grow. She earned her CDA in 2014, became a Large Family Child Care Home, Na-tionally Accredited, Gold Seal Quality Provider, AND an Early Head Start Partner in 2015. She earned her Director’s Credential in 2016, and is now a Certified Mentor Level 1. In Jan 2016, Linda completed her A.S. Degree in Childcare Management. She says she finds joy in watching how much the children grow, and encouraging parents who needed more confidence and trust, and is walking in her purpose.

Linda Mitchell, Large FCCH Educator, DBA: A Place to Grow Early Learning ChildcarePlease submit a "Talk of the Town" article about someone special from Areas 10-17.

Submissions must be submitted by February 17, 2017 to the Newsletter Editor. Thank you!

TALK OF THE TOWNArea # 7 (Duval County )

speaking on television and what caught her attention was him saying, "Early Head Start, targeting those areas that need it the most." Linda felt he was talking to her, began turning her home into

Family Child Care, and started taking classes to become a licensed provider.On May 1, 2013, Linda opened her FCC home to her very first five children and since then, she has continued to grow. She earned her CDA in 2014, became a Large Family Child Care Home, Na-tionally Accredited, Gold Seal Quality Provider, AND an Early Head Start Partner in 2015. She earned her Director’s Credential in 2016, and is now a Certified Mentor Level 1.completed her A.S. Degree in Childcare Management. She says she finds joy in watching how much the children grow, and encouraging parents who needed more confidence and trust, and is walking in her purpose.

Linda Mitchell, Large FCCH Educator, DBA:Please submit a

Submissions must be submitted by February 17, 2017 to the Newsletter Editor. Thank you!



Parents! Sponsor the Florida Family Child Care Home Association 2017 Conference!

Provider Information First Name:__________________________ Last Name: ______________________________ Phone: (____________________________ E-Mail:__________________________________ Address:____________________________ City: __________________________ Zip:________ County: _____________________________ Chapter Name: ______________________________

Family Information Child’s First Name:_________________________ Last Name: ___________________________ Age: _______

Donation Amount $5 - Display photo at 2017 conference (must be submitted by June 1, 2017) $10 - Display photo at 2017 conference AND Capitol for Children’s Day (must submit two forms by March 18, 2017) $15 - Enter photo contest (See photo instructions on back of this form and submit photo separately by May 5). Also includes display

at both conference and Capitol (2 forms must be submitted by March 18, 2017) Other donation amount: $_______________

Assembly and Submittal instructions Print out hands from our website: www.familychildcare.org in color or print in black and white on bright green, orange or yellow paper. Cut out the white heart in the middle of the hands. Place a photo of your child be-hind the hands, tape in place and fold on the dotted center line OR have your child color or decorate the heart.

Photo Release By signing this form, you, the parent/guardian of the person(s) photographed, hereby give the Children’s Forum and the Florida Fam-ily Child Care Home Association permission to publish submitted photographs. You understand that photos will NOT be used in any other content with-out your written consent and the photos will NOT be released or sold to any third party. Your signature warrants that you are over the age of 18 and competent to contract in your name and/or sign on behalf of your minor child as listed above. Parent/Guardian Signature:____________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

Parents— S end your child to the Conf erence f or only $5! FFCCHA needs assistance from parents of young children to support our annual statewide conference, “Enhancing Our Minds in 2017” in Kissimmee. The total $ amount of donations from parents and what they are able to sponsor collectively will be listed in the confer-ence program book. If your child’s photo or artwork is submitted on forms along with donations, then it will be displayed at the confer-ence. Provider names from family child care homes who submit $25 or more in parent donations will be listed in the conference program book.

and let them “Hang in Tally” with the Governor for $10! For a $15 donation, your child can also enter a photo contest for the hand-shaped heart FFCCHA Conference Logo for “Enhancing Our Minds in 2018.” Note: Parent or child(ren) name will not be printed on conference marketing materials.

Photo Contest Rules in order to be able to use the photo in print publications.

1. E-mail entries must contain a hi-resolution color photograph uploaded in compliance with the Contest requirements, in JPEG format with picture dimensions at least 1800 x 1200 pixels and 300 dpi. Send to: [email protected] 2. Entries that contain photographs (digital) that do not comply with the specifications or any other requirements stated herein will be automatically disqualified. 3. All Entries become the property of Sponsor, and none will be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, or misdirected entries. 4. Entries that contain inappropriate images such as but not limited to nudity will be disqualified. 5. Entries that contain any type of advertising or logo images will be disqualified. This includes visible clothing brands. 6. Child(ren) must currently be in care at a family child care home of a provider member of FFCCHA. 7. Parent or legal guardian must sign and submit a photo release. 8. Deadline for photo submissions is May 5, 2017.

Tips for making sure your photo qualifies for the contest: 1. Make sure your camera is set on the highest pixel setting. The file size will be large, but big can be reduced by the graphic designer. Small pictures can’t be enlarged! 2. When emailing your digital photo, do NOT reduce the file size. Keep it at the original size. 3. If your computer or email system does not want to send it because the file size is too large, save the picture to a CD and mail the CD in a protective CD case. 4. Close up shots are best, zoom in on the child(rens) face. These are the priceless shots we need for the FFCCHA publi-cations. 5. Photography from professional photographers are not acceptable and will not be acknowledged or returned.

Mail your forms and donations to: FFCCHA, Inc.,

7216 Greenway Drive Jacksonville, FL 32244 Call 904-770-9988 if you have any questions. Spanish version available on our website: www.familychildcare.org

Parents— Send your child to the Conference for only $5!



Volunteer Application for Scholarships for 2017 Conference Registrations

“Enhancing Our Minds…In 2017” June 21-25, 2017

NEW Location: Embassy Suites, 4955 Kyngs Heath Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Approved applicants applying for a partial scholarship will be required to volunteer 3 hours. Volunteer Qualifications/Requirements: 1. Be a current provider member of FFCCHA (keep valid thru June 30) operating as a FL registered or licensed provider ----Or be acurrent Co-provider member of FFCCHA (keep valid thru June 30) verify membership: [email protected] 2. Complete and submit this scholarship form along with the $30.00 fee–NO Refunds. Returned checks assessed a $47 fee.3. Attend a volunteer orientation before going to conference: check only one___ Saturday (English and Spanish orientations) at the April (Date TBA) Full Board meeting in Ocala, select your own volunteer times – only at this on-site meeting (EVERYONE is encouraged to attend this face-to-face orientation!) ___ May 16 (Tue) or 18 (Thur) both in English at 7:00 PM via phone conference call (call details emailed to you in May) ___ May 19 (Fri) or 22 (Mon) in Spanish only at 7:00 PM via phone conference call (call details emailed to you in May) ___ May 23 (Tue) in English for NEW First-Time hostesses only at 7:00 PM via phone conference call (details in May) 4. Attend the entire conference day(s) that you applied for. Turn in a completed conference evaluation.5. Wear a white blouse with black skirt or pants when serving your 3 volunteer hours (no tank tops or shorts)6. Sign-in at conference and fulfill your 3 hour volunteer duties as assigned, return hostess paper, and sign–out.Only a completed form submitted with a $30.00 check or money order made payable to FFCCHA will be accepted, mail to FFCCHA Volunteers, c/o Connie Foster, 164 Poplar Drive, Interlachen, FL 32148, or pay with credit card on-line on FFCCHA website: www.familychildcare.org

Deadline: April 30, 2017 Qualifying applications will be dated as received and selected on a first come, first serve basis until all scholarships have been

awarded. All providers will be notified when received as to their acceptance status. All applications received by the April FB meeting will be entered in a drawing for a prize!

************************************************************************************ Select the Type of Registration you are applying for: Select the Type of Registration you are applying for:

Full conference (Thur pm/Friday/Saturday/Sun am) Friday conference (8am-5pm only) Friday conference Saturday conference (8am-5pm only) Saturday conference Saturday-Sunday conference (includes Sat night Provider Celebration)

Print Clearly: Name: ________________________________ Primary Language:______________ Secondary Language: _____________ Address: __________________________________________________City:___________________ Zip:__________ County: ________________________ Local Chapter: __________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________ Cell: _____________________ E-Mail: ___________________________________ Name of FCC Home________________________________________ Is this your first conference? ______ Check all that apply: □ Registered □ Licensed □ Large Licensed □ T.E.A.C.H. □ NAFCC Accredited □ NAFCC Observer □ EHS (Early Head Start) □ CDA □ VPK □ FFCCHA MENTOR □ Director Credential □ College Degree, Type___________Please rate your first 1st and 2nd preferences in volunteering (however, no guarantees) ___English workshop hostess ___Fundraising Table worker ___Set-up Thur 2-5p ___ Provider Celebration Sat night ___Spanish workshop hostess ___Registration Table worker ___Clean-up Sat 5pm ___other____________________________ You must write 50 words or less on how receiving a scholarship to this conference will benefit your child care. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ---- SIGN AND DATE! I, the undersigned, do hereby state: check one below: * I am a current Florida family child care member of FFCCHA, Inc. _____registered ______licensed ______co-provider* I understand that if I do not attend the conference or fulfill my three hours as a volunteer, my scholarship will be voidedand I will be responsible for the full cost of my registration. * All of the above information is correct.

Signature ____________________________________________________ Date: _____________________________ If you need an accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in the child care training process; contact, Tammy Tener, Executive Direc-tor at least two weeks prior to the first training date at 407-234-3473 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Calls can be received Monday - Friday.

Questions? Contact Connie Foster at (386)684-1235, e-mail: [email protected] or fax (386)684-2345 Conference scholarships go quickly. So don’t be left out! Send completed form today!

Office use only: Ck# _________ Received date: ______________ Verified membership/expiration date: ____________

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Call for Exhibitors, Ads, & Donations Florida Family Child Care Home Association, Inc.

25th Annual Conference, June 21-25, 2017 “Enhancing Our Minds…In 2017”

NEW location: Embassy Suites, 4955 Kyngs Heath RoadKissimmee, FL 34746

Business Name: ________________________________________ Website:_______________________________________

Contact Person Name:___________________________________ Title: _________________________________________

Business Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________

City:________________________________________ State:______________ Zip Code: ____________________________

Business Phone: ______________________________ Email: __________________________________________________

Note: Unless notified otherwise, all information listed above for Exhibitors will be in the Conference Program Book.

Service/Product:_______________________________________ Signature:_______________________________________

____ Yes! We would like to ENHANCE MINDS and be an EXHIBITOR on June 22-24: Each space includes: ONE 6 foot skirted table & one chair - Thurs Set-up 2-5pm & Opening 6-9pm, Fri 9am-5:30pm, Sat 9am–3:30pm (times may change)

____ # of tables X $______= $_______ plus 2 door prizes ($25 value each) Deadlines: Early Bird $175 if payment received by Dec 31, 2016; Jan 1 - April 30: $200; If space available, after May 1: $250; after June 1: $300 WiFi: May 1: $250; after June 1: $300

yes May 1: $250; after June 1: $300

no Electric order request: yes no ($80 extra if paid by 6/8/2017 to Edlen Electric)

____ Yes! We would like to ENHANCE MINDS and ADVERTISE in the conference program book: Email ads in color in jpg format. Deadline: April 17, 2017 ___Business Card $50 ___¼page $75 (3½”x5”) ___½page $125 (7½”x5”) ___¾ page $175 (7½”x7”) ___Full page $225 (7½”x10”)

____ Yes! We would like to ENHANCE MINDS and DONATE in-kind ITEMS: (describe) ____ Door Prizes ($25 minimum value) _____________________________________________________________ ____ Grand Prizes ($100 value or more) ____________________________________________________________ ____ Centerpieces (27) for Luncheon Tables for prizes ________________________________________________ ____ Gifts (65) to recognize Nationally Accredited (NAFCC) Providers ____________________________________

____ Yes! We would like to insert Promotional Items (350) into Conference Bag (no flyers/catalogs) ____ $200 Contact us by May 17, 2017 to send to address below. Describe: ________________________________

____ Yes! We would like to ENHANCE MINDS and RESERVE SPACE on the Resource Sharing Table: ____ $75 Contact us by May 17, 2017 and send to address below. Describe:_______________________________

____ Yes! We would like to ENHANCE MINDS and CONTRIBUTE a MONETARY LEVEL of SPONSORSHIP: ___ Curious Minds: $250 ___ Inquisitive Minds: $1,500 ___ Creative Minds: $500 ___ Innovative Minds: $2,500 ___ Caring Minds: $1,000 ___ The Ultimate Mind: $5,000 or more ___ MIND MATCH to match funds raised by parents up to a designated amount $_________

All MIND sponsorship levels include: Program book listing and On-site signage. $1,000 or more includes one exhibit table and program book advertising at various sizes according to Sponsor Level.

____ Yes! We would like to ENHANCE MINDS & SELECT A SPECIFIC REQUEST: Keynote Speakers Award Plaques Program Book 350 Bags Provider Celebration Night Leader Recognition Audio Visual Appreciation Luncheon Name Tags Parent Choice Awards

Need more information on HOW to ENHANCE Minds?Contact: Tammy Tener, Executive Director, 407-234-3473 [email protected]

Deadlines: Jan 7, 2017 for listing in Conference Brochure; Feb 17 for April listing in The Grapevine Newsletter; May 1 for listing in Conference Program Book; June 1 for listing at the conference.

Make check to: FFCCHA, Mail to: Exhibitor Chair, 13286 Palladium Rd. Brooksville, FL 34613 Questions: 727-639-5970, Email: [email protected] Fax: 352-556-3387 (call first)

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Apply for Credential Scholarships! Register for FFCCHA Leadership Summit & Hotel!Apply for Volunteer Scholarships to Conference!Award Information on Parent Choice, Accredited

Provider and more! Enter the Photo Contest! Info for Parents on page 5, 15 & 17!

9207 Edgemont Lane Boca Raton, FL 33434

FFCCHA 25th Annual Conference | June 21-25, 2017

Pre-ConferenceFFCCHA Certified M.E.N.T.O.R. Training • Off-site Training

• Early Learning Environments in FCC Homes

Saturday Keynote How Diet & Dietary Habits Impact Children’s Health with Julie L. Wei, MD

Pediatric Otolaryngologist, Professor and Author

Concilio Latino y Talleres en Español (Latino Council and Spanish Workshops)

Provider Celebration on Saturday Night!

Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista South, 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Visit www.familychildcare.org for more conference updates!Visit orlandolakebuenavistasouth.embassysuites.com Call 800-551-1841 to reserve your hotel room today!

Enhancing Our Minds . . .

Save the Date!

Enhancing Our Minds . . .

in 2017

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the grapevine · the grapevine, a publication of ffccha, inc. january 2017 ribbons, ribbons,...

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