MISSION
The Early Learning Coalition prepares children for lifelong success through quality early learning.
VISION
Every child develops a strong foundation of learning in a community dedicated to ensure all families have the necessary support to thrive and all children reach their full potential.
DESCRIPTION
The Early Learning Coalition provides administration and oversight of the local, integrated system of early education for preschool age children in Sarasota County, ensuring quality childcare and early learning programs, family access to services, and positive outcomes for young children, ages 0-5. The ELC serves over 4000 children and assists 170 providers annually.
The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County is the community’s one-stop resource for information about early learning experiences in Sarasota County. Through its leadership and a focus on its mission to prepare children for lifelong success through quality early learning, the ELC of Sarasota County works collaboratively to ensure that:
• All children receive high-quality care and learning
• All families have the support they need for their children to succeed
• All children are ready for their academic and lifelong success
SERVICES/PROGRAMS
Our services are provided within what is called a Two-Generation framework where we provide resources and support for both the child and the parents to succeed. Our work helps to ensure that young children are ready for Kindergarten and thus supports our community’s Grade Level reading campaign. We also work with local community child care/early education programs to ensure that they are offering high quality early learning environments. We administer our local Look for the Stars program, a 5-star rating system now in its 13th year. Early learning experiences are critical for lifelong success because the majority of brain development occurs in early childhood and those early learning experiences impact children for a lifetime.
• Child Care Connection: Services for families are offered through the Early Learning Coalition’s Child Care Connection program. Child Care Connection helps children get ready to succeed in school and in life. We do that by promoting high quality early education programs and providing education and assistance to families. We also advocate for children, families and child care providers by providing a strong voice on behalf of children.
• Child Care Financial Assistance: The program provides financial assistance to income eligible families to access early childhood education and helps families to become financially self-sufficient and for their young children to be successful in school and in the future. Parents can apply for child care financial assistance by submitting a School Readiness application on the Family Portal website. Please refer to the School Readiness application for current eligibility requirements.
• VPK: Florida’s FREE Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program offers high quality early learning opportunities for all eligible 4-year-olds. Learn more.
• Look For The Stars: The 5-star rating system of local child care providers. Accurate and reliable information to help parents identify sites that offer high-quality care. Learn more.
• Early Literacy: Providing parents with resources, tools and activities to build their children’s early literacy skills and foster a love of reading. Learn more.
• ELC Sponsored Training Courses for Providers: The ELC offers a variety of training opportunities throughout the year to enhance the quality of childcare in our community. Whether you are new to the field, or a seasoned specialist, all can benefit from bringing new and updated knowledge to the programs you service. You can see these professional development opportunities calendar here.
