About Us

 

Vision Statement

Our 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 (currently F.F. Chapter 1002.51-1002.97).  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 Florida Office of Early Learning (FOEL) 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

The Early Learning Coalition Provides the following services 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

New and innovative approaches to improving the quality and availability of early education opportunities for every child in Marion County while maximizing efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness remain a top priority for the ELCMC.

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