EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF SARASOTA COUNTY

Spirit of Giving | December 2024

THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION (ELC) OF SARASOTA COUNTY prepares young children for lifelong success through quality early learning programs. Our tiny but mighty team serves more than 4,000 children and supports 150 childcare providers every year as we administer and oversee the local integrated system of early education. Professional development trainings and individual coaching for directors and teachers are just a slice of the services provided by our early childhood specialists. Distributing a variety of resources to parents, we also connect them with partner agencies based on their needs. Since a strong start to kindergarten is deeply rooted in early literacy, the ELC manages large-scale, comprehensive literacy programs both in the classroom and community. While we are a state-funded agency, most of our funds are pass-through dollars to pay children’s tuition. Therefore, volunteers and donors propel our mission forward, enabling us to expand the scale and scope of our work!

A CHILD’S FIRST FIVE YEARS MATTER THE MOST— a precious window of opportunity, a time when 90 percent of a child’s brain development occurs, and at a lightning-fast pace. Every sight, sound, smell, and sensation packs a powerful punch as foundations are being laid for a lifetime of learning. The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Sarasota County works to ensure those critical years are lled with positive interactions and engaging experiences, no matter a child’s zip code.

EDUCATE CHILDREN For 20 years, we’ve connected tens of thousands of income-eligible families with childcare financial assistance through our School Readiness Program. Managing the state’s local Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program, we also offer free preschool to all Florida 4-year-olds, regardless of family income.

EMPOWERING FAMILIES To simplify a stressful search, the ELC provides parents with customized lists of childcare sites, touring tips for evaluating sites, and tools to identify “high-quality” care like our exclusive Look For The Stars rating system.

ELEVATE TEACHERS High-quality care comes from well-trained teachers. The ELC is the premier hub for professional development of local early educators. In fact, we recently clinched the prestigious designation of a Florida Registered Apprenticeship Program. Of all the ELC’s in the state, we are the first to run our own program in-house, no collegiate umbrella needed. We offer a Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship program for new and rising teachers at no cost to them.

CHAMPION EARLY LITERACY What good is pushing parents to read with their children if there are no books at home? Building home libraries is at the heart of our literacy programming. And we do it in an intentional, meaningful and magical way thanks to our enthusiastic volunteers and compassionate donors. From our Pen-Pal-esque program, Literacy Buddy Project, to our arts-infused Storybook Street event, we distribute 18,000 free books every year.