History

In 1999 the State of Florida passed legislation creating local school readiness coalitions to enhance children’s chances of achieving future educational success and becoming productive members of society.

Marion County has established a 25-member Board of Directors, which has the responsibility of coordinating a local system of programs that work together in providing school readiness services for children 0-5 yeas of age, and before and aftercare for school-age children.

The Marion County School Readiness Coalition has oversight of all school readiness programs in Marion County and will distribute funding accordingly.

New and innovative approaches for improving the quality and availability of child care and school readiness in Marion County are a significant focus of the Coalition.