Dear Early Childhood Providers,
With hurricane season officially beginning on June 1, now is the time to take proactive steps to safeguard your program, staff, families, and facilities. Should a storm be forecasted to impact Pasco or Hernando Counties, the Early Learning Coalition will activate our emergency communication protocols to keep you informed and supported.
Preparedness is Key
We encourage all providers to take the following steps now, before any storm approaches:
Assemble a Hurricane Kit
Ensure you have at least three days’ worth of essentials, including:
- Water and non-perishable food
- Weather radio (battery-powered or hand-crank)
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Manual can opener
- Cash and ID cards
- Phone charger and power bank
- One-week supply of prescription medications
Review Your Emergency Response Plans
Be sure your emergency protocols are current, and that staff are familiar with them.
- Ensure you have updated contact records for all families and staff so you can quickly notify them in the event of an emergency closure or relocation.
- Back up digital records and secure critical documents.
- Clearly communicate your emergency procedures with families and staff.
Bookmark or download these essential resources:
-
- Emergency Management System for your County:
- National Hurricane Center
- Florida Division of Emergency Management
- NOAA Weather Radio for real-time updates
- Mobile apps: My Hurricane Tracker, AccuWeather, or Red Cross Emergency App
Closure & Reopening Notifications
To ensure accurate attendance tracking and funding continuity, please follow these guidelines for closures:
All Providers
- Notify us in writing no later than close of business on the first day of a temporary closure.
- Notify us within two business days of reopening.
School Readiness (SR) Providers
- Temporary Closures are reimbursable as long as proper notification is provided.
- Submit closures through the DEL Portal and provide written notice.
- Wait to submit SR attendance until closures are processed.
- Notify us when operations resume.
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Providers
- VPK programs may be reimbursed for up to five instructional days during a Declared State of Emergency.
- Submit closures in the DEL Portal and provide written notice.
- Notify us within two business days of reopening to be eligible for reimbursement.
- If closures exceed five days, update your VPK Class Schedule (OEL-VPK 11B) in the portal to make up for lost hours.
- Do not submit VPK attendance until closures and make-up hours are approved.
Supporting Our Community
We are in this together. Taking time now to prepare protects not just yur business but the families and children who depend on you. Your diligence ensures continuity of care and safety when it matters most.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to your Contract Compliance Specialist.
Stay safe and be prepared,
Your team at the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties
Emailed Copy: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Hurricane-Season-is-Here—Let-s-Prepare-Together—.html?soid=1106939803125&aid=4eOImkdM2J4
