Early Learning Coalition of North Florida
Federal Government Shutdown Update
Dear Early Care and Education Partners,
We want to provide an update regarding the ongoing federal government shutdown and its potential impact on our early learning programs. At this time, based on the guidance we are receiving, operations and payments for key programs are expected to continue as usual until further notice.
Programs Continuing to Operate (as of now)
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
- Funded entirely through Florida state general revenue, VPK operations and payments will continue without interruption.
School Readiness
- Unless and until we receive different direction from the Florida Department of Education, School Readiness operations and payments will proceed as usual.
Early Head Start / Head Start
- We are monitoring federal developments closely.
- These programs are federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). At this time, we expect operations and payments to continue. However, the situation is fluid. If HHS or other agencies issue new directives, we will communicate them immediately.
- Early Care and Education Partners should let families know that services currently remain unaffected and that we will promptly notify them of any changes.
We will continue to track announcements from state and federal agencies and will keep you informed of any updates that affect program operations or payments.
Thank you for your flexibility, partnership, and commitment to supporting children and families during this uncertain time.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bell
Chief Executive Officer
Early Learning Coalition of North Florida