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TN Dept. of Human Services Offers COVID-19 Assistance to Families
To help Tennessee parents serving essential workforce roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Human Services (TDHS) has established payment assistance and network of temporary care locations to make child care services free during the state’s emergency order. Tennessee workers in essential jobs – including first responders, food service, law enforcement, health care military and more – can apply online through
TN Teachers Face the Challenge of COVID-19: Q&A with Jill Ramsey, Putnam County Schools
Teachers across the state have been transitioning to remote learning models as a result of school closures caused by COVID-19. To support students and families during this period, school districts across the state ramped up “distance learning” by expanding web-based education, mobilizing technology resources for needy students and creating a new relationship between teachers and students. Amid a historic time, we are
How the U.S. Stimulus Bill Could Help Your Family
The US government just created a $2 trillion stimulus package to help American families during the coronavirus pandemic. It includes direct payments to families, paid family leave, and expanded unemployment benefits, among other things. Stand for Children and Forbes are among organizations providing a good summary of benefits. Below is some info we pulled directly from those articles that we thought
Top Baby Gifts
Boost your baby's brain power through play! Your baby is amazing! Did you know that 80% of her brain growth will happen by about age 3? And you and your family hold the key! Your caring interaction with your infant – such as cuddling, playing, singing, counting, smiling – is the best tool for stimulating healthy brain development. How do you do it?
Funds Now Available through TN Dept. of Human Services for affected persons and child care businesses
The Tennessee Department of Human Services announced the availability of funding for COVID-19 affected persons and child care businesses. Cash Assistance for People: The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is making essential financial resources available to families that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. Beginning 10 A.M. CST Thursday, March 26, families can begin applying, online, for up
Lawmakers Respond to COVID-19 with Extraordinary Recess
On March 19th, the Legislature met its constitutional duty and passed an emergency state budget. Following the 14-hour session, lawmakers recessed until a time uncertain leaving much unfinished business. Among the early education legislation not considered are bills about pre-k expansion, child care, unspent TANF funds and most notably Governor Lee's $68 million early literacy proposal. These are critical issues leaving children,
Despite Recess, Early Learning Policies Make Progress
TQEE proposed our most robust policy agenda at the start of 2020. Legislation to expand pre-k, increase high quality child care seats and address unspent TANF funds progressed through the committee process. Those bills remain poised for action by the committees if the legislature reconvenes this year. If the legislature does not return for an extended period, the process starts all
Early Childhood Advocates Rock State Capitol
We came. We saw. We did a lot of good for Tennessee kids. On February 19th, TQEE advocates from across the state joined together to stand for policies to increase the number of high-quality, affordable childcare seats, expand Pre-K and improve early literacy proficiency, to name a few. As Mayor Julian McTizic of Bolivar put it: “The future of our community and the future
PreK Leaders Share Tips to Defeat COVID ‘Cool Down’
Parents and caregivers are usually a child’s most important teacher, but school closures associated with the COVID-19 spread adds even more meaning to the phrase “parents as teachers.” Parents and teachers are all too familiar with the term “summer slide” – when children forget or lose what they learned in the school year, while on summer break. The COVID “cool down” has
Mayor Jeff Griggs – Lexington, TN – On Early Education, PreK and Child Care
Jeff Griggs, Mayor of Lexington, TN was a welcome supporter at this year’s TQEE Day on the Hill. He joined dozens from across the state advocating for legislation that will provide our children with improved early education. Mayor Griggs echoes our passion for equipping Tennessee's youngest learners with the strong foundation they need for future academic success. Video: Mayor Griggs -Involvement in
