Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc.

Ocala Housing Authority Community Outreach Day
2026-03-19 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Deer Run, 2804 NE 4th Ct, Ocala, FL, 34470, United States
Join us for Community Outreach Day, a fun celebration for Deer Run, Pine Gardens, Shady Hollow, and Pavilion Oaks. With special guest speaker Mayor Ben Marciano. Free food truck, music, games, contests, cool prizes, face painting, fire truck, arts and crafts, and more. Parking at Vanguard with shuttle to event.

Diaper Assistance
2026-03-19 07:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-12 07:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-05 07:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-26 07:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-19 07:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-12 07:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-09 08:00 - 17:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
Diapers and wipes are available to eligible families, while supplies are available. No appointment is required. Walk-ins are welcome.
Bring the following documents to confirm eligibility:

Marion County residency: Provide valid driver’s license/ID, current lease, or utility bill from within the past 60 days
Child from birth to age five: Provide Medicaid card or birth certificate
Financial need (provide any one of the following): Referral from certified homeless shelter, Medicaid card, Foster placement letter, School Readiness child care subsidy eligibility (verified by Coalition staff), or SNAP letter

CPR/First Aid
2026-03-14 09:00 - 13:30 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
Class Description – Furtherance Safety Associates CPR & First Aid/AED is a course that teaches students critical skills needed to respond to and manage a first aid, choking or sudden cardiac arrest emergency in the first few minutes until emergency medical services (EMS) arrives. This course provides a 2-year certificate approved for use in childcare facilities. Registration starts at 8:45 a.m. & class starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. No refunds for any cancellations. Credit available with notice – see confirmation details.
Instructor – Nelson Green
Cost – $20.00
CEU’s – .4 CEU’s

CLOSED for Staff Professional Development
2026-03-13 07:00 - 15:30 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
Our office will be closed on Friday, March 13 for Staff Professional Development. We look forward to serving you next week.

Provider Meeting
2026-03-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-12 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-19 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
All meetings are in person and are recorded for those who are unable to attend.
Recorded meetings are saved to the ELCMC YouTube Channel here: Early Learning Coalition of Marion County – YouTube
2 Hours of In-Service Training will be awarded to in-person attendees only.
Attendance is counted for those who arrive within 15 minutes of the start time and who remain until the end of the meeting. Certificates are given as attendees exit.
Both meetings contain the same information and are repeated to allow providers to attend at their convenience.

Executive Committee Meeting - CANCELLED
2026-03-12 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-02-12 08:30 - 09:30 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
PURPOSE: Coalition Business
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in these meetings should contact us at (352) 369-2315 ext. 211 or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice) Florida Relay Service at least 48 hours proper to the meeting.
If a person decides to appeal any decision made by any of the Committees or Board noticed above with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
Notice has been made of these meetings to cover the Government in the Sunshine Law through publication and distributions of same.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Play Group
2026-03-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Forest Public Library, 905 S. Hwy 314 A, Ocklawaha, 32179, United States
Kaleidoscope is a free weekly playgroup for children birth to age five and their parent or caregiver. Play, sing, create art, tell stories, while enjoying a snack.

School Readiness Orientation
2026-03-10 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-03-05 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-03 09:30 - 11:30 | FL
2026.Provider Orientation – School Readiness Program-for directors, owners and contract designees only with Provider Professional Development

School Readiness Orientation will offer an overview of the functions required to perform within the contract requirements of the School Readiness program. Childcare providers wishing to contract with ELCMC will learn the basic functions of attendance tracking and submission, working within numerous online systems, and general requirements outlined in the SR contract.

Alternative Dates & Times:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=12950533&appointmentType=88183360

Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival 2026
2026-03-07 09:00 - 17:00 | McPherson Complex, 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL, 34471, United States
Come see us on March 7th for the Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival at the McPhearson Complex. We’ll be there from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. near the Kid Zone. This year’s event features 235+ vendors, car show, BMX stunt show, pie eating contest, live music & entertainment, Kid Zone, and a petting zoo.
For more information, visit habitatocala.org/strawberry.

Flip It: Educators Learn They Can Transform Challenging Behavior
2026-02-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
In uncertain times, children often express stress through challenging behavior, leaving educators unsure how to respond.
FLIP IT Instead of Flipping Out: Educators Can Transform Challenging Behavior by using four simple, effective steps that turn difficult moments into learning opportunities.
We can help children understand their feelings and build self-control using the mnemonic: F-Feelings, L-Limits, I-Inquiries, P-Prompts. This kind, practical approach strengthens relationships with children ages 3–8.

Please email Training@elc-marion.org for any questions.

Board Meeting
2026-02-26 08:30 - 09:30 | FL
ATTENTION: At this time no meetings will be conducted in person until further notice. If you would like to attend please reach out to Beatriz Montalvo at hr@elc-marion.org for info.
PURPOSE: Coalition Business
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in these meetings should contact us at (352) 369-2315 ext 211 or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice) Florida Relay Service at least 48 hours proper to the meeting.
If a person decides to appeal any decision made by any of the Committees or Board noticed above with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
Notice has been made of these meetings to cover the Government in the Sunshine Law through publication and distributions of same.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Play Group
2026-02-25 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States

COME VISIT US @ the Disability Round-Up
2026-02-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
Held at the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Disability Round-Up is a resource event for families living with disabilities from infancy through adulthood.

OFFICE CLOSURE
2026-02-16 07:00 - 17:00 | FL
The Coalition is closed for the observance of President’s Day.

Governance Committee Meeting
2026-02-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
