Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc.

MONTHLY PROVIDER MEETING - VIRTUAL
2025-03-26 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-02-19 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-22 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | FL
The agenda and meeting link will be emailed to our providers prior to all monthly meetings.
Questions? Need to update your provider email Interested in becoming a provider? Please contact Quality@elc-marion.org or call 352-369-2315 Ext. 101 for the Quality Department.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Play Group
2025-03-26 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-19 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-12 10:00 - 23:30 | Residences at Adams Bay Community Room, 621 NW 2nd St, Ocala, FL, 34475, United States
Come to the free weekly playgroup for children birth to five and their parent or caregiver. Play, sing, create art, and tell stories. Snacks are provided.

COME SEE US: Marion County World's Greatest Baby Shower
2025-03-14 14:00 - 16:00 | FL

School Readiness Provider Orientation
2025-03-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-11 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-03-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-04 09:30 - 11:30 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
A director, owner, or contract designee from each School Readiness contracted provider must attend an annual School Readiness Orientation. The Orientation provides a review of the Florida School Readiness contract requirements. Child care providers wishing to contract with the Coalition will learn the basic functions of attendance tracking and submission, working within numerous online systems, and general requirements.

Executive Committee
2025-03-13 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-02-13 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
2025-03-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-26 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-19 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Adams Bay Apartments, 621 NW 2nd Street, Ocala, FL, 34475, United States

COME SEE US! 11th Anniversary Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival
2025-03-01 09:00 - 17:00 | McPherson Complex, 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL, 34471, United States
Get Ready for a “Berry” Good Time! The 11th Annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival is coming to the McPherson Complex on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The festival begins at 9:00 AM with free admission and runs until 5:00 PM.

Volunteers from the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) will assist with traffic control and parking. Parking is $5 per vehicle, and proceeds will benefit both MTRA and Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.

This year’s festival will feature over 230 unique and exciting vendors, a kid’s zone with a petting zoo, fresh strawberries from Plant City farmers, strawberry-inspired treats, a bigger-than-ever car show with cars, trucks, and motorcycles, a BMX stunt show, and a pie-eating contest.

Many nonprofit organizations will have vendor booths, and there will be several photo booths available throughout the festival. The event offers food for all tastes, fun activities for all ages, and a day of entertainment for festival-goers of all generations.

Habitat for Humanity could not host this event without the help of over 700 dedicated volunteers who generously donate their time, effort, and knowledge. We also want to extend a special thank-you to our wonderful sponsors for helping make this event possible.

All proceeds from the Strawberry Festival will support Habitat for Humanity of Marion County’s mission to build a new home, named the Strawberry House, for a low-income family in need of an affordable mortgage and a safe, secure place to raise their children.

For more information, visit: https://habitatocala.org/strawberry/

Board Meeting
2025-02-27 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.

CPR/First Aid
2025-02-22 09:00 - 13:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
In-Person
American Heart Savers 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 two-year certificate approved for use in childcare facilities.
Core Knowledge Area (CKA) 1: Health, Safety & Nutrition
4 hours, No CEUs

COME SEE US! Inaugural Children's Charity Classic
2025-02-21 18:00 - 22:00 | HITS Post Time Farm, 13710 US-27, Ocala, FL, 32668, United States
The Children’s Charity Classic is an initiative that focuses on empowering children in our community.
Excitement is building as amazing organizations recently attended a training session to prepare for the Children’s Charity Classic! This inspiring event, set for February 21, 2025, will feature teams of riders paired with local organizations, all working together to make a difference in the lives of children in the community.
The United Way of Marion County is proud to host this incredible event, which will unite the community for a cause that matters. Let’s come together to support these non-profits and create a lasting impact.
Join us in making a difference—together, we can ride toward a brighter future!
This one-of-a-kind event aims to make a significant impact on the lives of local children by supporting organizations that provide assistance in education, financial stability, and health. The proceeds from the charity classic will be distributed among the selected agencies, enabling them to further their invaluable programs and initiatives.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Event starts at 6 p.m. There is no assigned seating, so please bring your own blanket or chairs.
**Please NOTE: There will be a $10 FEE (Cash ONLY) for parking on the day of the event, that fee will also be donated to the Children’s Charity Classic**
Get your FREE tickets HERE.

Governance Committee
2025-02-18 13:30 - 14:30 | 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.

OFFICE CLOSURE - PRESIDENTS' DAY
2025-02-17 | FL
Our office will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day

CLASS® Group Coaching Infant & Toddler (Formally MMCI); Session 1A & 1B
2025-02-08 09:00 - 12:30 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
Description: Together we will learn how to make the most of classroom interactions. We will discuss teacher’s ability to “know” what effective interactions are; why they matter; “see” effective interactions needed to build self-awareness, and “do” by practicing effective strategies.
This is a Hybrid course please see below schedule for those additional sessions virtual/in-person.
2.4 CEUs available.
Follow-up Session Dates: (all times are 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. with the exception of Session 6A & 6B which takes place from 9 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.)

The first of 12 sessions is Saturday February 8, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In-Person
Participants should plan to arrive by 6:20 p.m. to sign-in and get settled in so the class can begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Dates are subject to change. If changes occur, participants will be notified as soon as possible.
Expectations:
Please bring your CGC manual to each session. Feel free to also bring a snack or a drink. Vending machines are available. Come ready to learn and have fun doing it.
Make-up Policy
If a participant misses a session, there will only be one chance to make it up. That date will be announced during the 10th session. If the opportunity for make-up is missed, then the participant may have to attend a session that is offered by other Coalitions. The contact information for the other Coalitions will be provided, and it will be up to the participant to contact that Coalition to make arrangements to attend. It is up to the other Coalition to determine if there is space available.

Inaugural Truckin' It To Preschool Event
2025-02-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road, Ocala, FL, 34472, United States
The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County will be hosting their inaugural Truckin’ It To Preschool event at the Silver Springs Shores Community Center on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Truckin’ It To Preschool event will be an opportunity for families to learn about the many preschool options available in Marion County and to apply for VPK. Attendees will also be able to get up close and personal to their favorite trucks and emergency vehicles.
Preschool providers are invited to participate in this event, highlighting their preschool options for families. Vendor space is free to School Readiness and/or VPK contracted providers, and only $25 for non-contracted providers. If you are interested in becoming a vendor at this event or if you have any questions regarding this event, please email Quality@ELC-Marion.org.

Introduction to the PRE-K CLASS TOOL
2025-02-01 09:00 - 14:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
Explore the interactions that increase learning Learn the basics of the CLASS instrument, domains and dimensions.
This presentation is designed to help participants learn about effective teacher-child interactions, as defined by the PRE-K CLASS tool, and the ways these interactions help children learn.
Participants will:

See how teacher-child interactions impact children’s learning.
Understand how the CLASS tool organizes these interactions.

.4 CEUs; 4 training hours
What to Expect:

Feel free to bring snacks and beverage.
Water fountain available for refilling water bottles.
ONE HOUR LUNCH BREAK BE AVAILABLE (PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE YOUR OWN LUNCH)
Training materials including a CLASS Dimensions Guide
Introduction to CLASS Tool Participant Guide, for each participant.
Teach Stone subscription
2-month CLASS Video Library access for each participant

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT: Nurturing Self-Regulation & Critical Thinking
2025-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL, United States
By reviewing how to present and use books, scripted stories, and ideas for hands-on activities, families will provide children with opportunities to learn and practice milestone skills. This training session will present the Family Engagement Book and Tucker Turtle at Home, elements that will help families engage children in hands-on self regulation, literacy, math, and science activities. Tucker the Turtle is a wonderful resource designed to help children and families navigate and manage their emotions, particularly when dealing with intense feelings, like anger. The Family Engagement book will present activities that use common house materials, including instructions, open, ended questions and vocabulary words to promote school readiness skills related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM approach). The training session presents resources that provide interactive tools and activities that make it easier for families to guide children through emotional regulation, higher-order thinking skills and advanced language with simple and engaging activities.
THIS IS AN IN-PERSON SESSION

Special Executive Committee Meeting
2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00 | 2300 SW 17th Rd Ocala Fl 34471, 2300 SW 17th Rd, Ocala, FL, 34471, United States
