A young child’s earliest experiences–at home, at school and in the community–set the stage for lifelong success. Through our School Readiness (SR), Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), and Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) programs, we work to ensure that Pinellas County families are supported and their children have access to the resources needed to be ready to enter kindergarten and thrive.
Child care providers work with young children every day to provide early learning opportunities. Our staff elevates and supports early care educators with resources, services, programs offered the Professional Development Institute, and contract support.
Professional Development Institute
ELC In The Community
- 11Using Sign Language in the ECE Environment10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This class will aim to introduce basic sign language that can be used with children in the early childcare environment. We will discuss the benefits of using sign language to enhance a child’s communication skills. This will be an interactive class between the trainer and the participants in order to practice, ...
- 12Planning to Observe10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Participants will have the opportunity to plan for developmentally appropriate observations. By looking closely at observations they will be able to recognize the importance of recording, documenting and assessing young children’s growth and development.
- 13Full STEAM Ahead!10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This course will provide practical examples and ideas to transform your classroom into a STEAM room!, ...
- 18Guidance and Play for Infants and Toddlers10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This training will explore different types of play infants and toddlers experience. We will also dig deep into the different temperament types and how to support them in the classroom.
- 19Exploring Science with Little Fingers10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Participants will learn the importance of developing science activities that provide meaningful science experiences.
- 20Recycle, Reuse and Repurpose10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Participants will explore different ways to recycle, reuse and repurpose some of those common household items. They will make crafts by reusing or recycling items that may have been sent to the recycle center, garbage dump or landfill. They will utilize a variety of techniques to transform these materials into useful, ...
- 25Building Bridges – Family Engagement10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This training will challenge the participants to understand the difference between family engagement and family involvement. We will discuss the challenges and barriers we face with our families. We will work together as a group to identify possible strategies to create options to build connections between home and, ...
- 26Babies N’ Books – Reading Aloud to Infants and Toddlers10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This training will provide information on the importance of reading to very young children. Through discussion and small group activities, we will explore different ways to promote early reading experiences with infants and toddlers.
- 27Food For Thought-Providing Language-Rich Mealtime10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This course will provide participants CLASS connections through Developmentally Appropriate mealtime conversations and activities.
ADMINISTRATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Main Line: 727-548-1439
Toll Free: 855-224-3527
Main Office: 2536 Countryside Blvd., Suite 500 | Clearwater, FL 33763
Hours of Operation: M-F, 8am – 5:00pm; kiosks open until 4:30pm
CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL (CCR&R)
SCREENING AND INTERVENTION
For ASQ Questions/Concerns: 727-400-4452
727-400-4486 or 727-400-4487
SR Provider Contracts: 727-400-4417
VPK Provider Contracts: 727-400-4417
Provider Contracts Fax: 727-400-4472
Certiﬁcate Voucher Fax: 727-545-7538
CCR&R Provider Updates: 727-400-4419
Provider Portal Helpdesk: 727-400-4474
Provider Services Department: 727-400-4461
Provider Services Fax: 727-400-4472
Professional Development: 727-400-4431
Inclusion Warm Line: 727-545-7536
Complaint Line: 727-400-4495
Report Suspected Fraud: 727-400-4458 or report suspected fraud online.
**Please note that all calls may be monitored or recorded.**