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About Us
Our Vision Statement
Children and families in our community will have access to quality early learning programs that nurture their learning potential and prepare them for their educational success.
Our Mission Statement
To provide leadership and foster partnerships to optimize a quality early learning environment for our children through child care, voluntary pre-kindergarten and parent education.
History
The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc. began operations as the Marion County School Readiness Coalition, Inc. in 1999 when Florida legislature created School Readiness Coalitions through F.S. 411.01. The purpose of the Coalitions state-wide is to ensure that children at risk of academic failure are provided the tools and resources to assist them in being prepared to enter school, and eligible low-income working parents can access quality child care. The Coalition serves as a community-based planning, funding, and service coordinating organization that designs and manages an integrated system of early learning services. The Office of Early Learning (OEL) is charged with administering the state's early learning programs and provides oversight of Florida's School Readiness programs, and is the lead entity for implementing the state's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program. The Agency's vision for Florida is "Children Ready to Learn, Families Ready to Earn".
Services the Coalition provides in Marion County:
- early education provider recruitment
- early education provider professional development
- development of community partnerships
- Child Care Resource and Referral - CCR&R
- school readiness program
- Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
- child development and health screenings
- child assessments
- Success By 6, in partnership with United Way of Marion County
The Coalition is a registered not-for-profit corporation serving Marion County, Florida. Governance is provided through a 24 member Board of Directors comprised of local business leaders from the public and private sector.
New and innovative approaches for improving the quality and availability of early education opportunities for every child in Marion County while mazimizing efficiency, accountability and effectiveness remains a a top priority for the ELCMC.
Coalition Plan
Early Learning Coalitions are required to operate based on their three-year plan approved by the Office of Early Learning (OEL). The detailed plan includes a community plan, Coalition governance, program administration, community coordination, processes with parents and providers, and quality activities and services.
The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County's current three year plan was approved by the Agency for Workforce Innovation and OEL on November 22, 2006. The timeframe of this plan covers July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009. In 2009, AWI extended the timeframe through June 30, 2010. The plan details the Coalition's focus and activities to accomplish set goals according to Florida statutes and will be amended periodically. Follow the link below to view the entire plan.
http://www.elc-marion.org/publications/2007031607560480.doc
