24-25 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25

ELC BIG BEND HQ 2639 N MONROE STREET BLDG-C SUITE 300 TALLAHASSEE, FL 32303

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

05

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

06

CEO MESSAGE

07

FY 24-25 FINANCIAL REPORT

08

ELC CUSTOMER SERVICE FEATURE

11

SCHOOL READINESS

12

VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN

13

CCR&R AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

14

ELC FAMILY FEATURE

15

DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS

19

ECE TEAM FEATURE

20

CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

24

ELC PROVIDER FEATURE

25

CHILD CARE PROGRAM ASSESSMENTS

27

DISTANCE LEARNING FEATURE

28

GETTING INVOLVED WITH ELC

29

SEVEN COUNTIES. ONE MISSION. ENDLESS POSSIBILITY. Every child deserves the opportunity to begin life with strong roots: quality care, enriching learning environments, and families supported along the way.

Across the Big Bend region, the Early Learning Coalition works every day to ensure that opportunity is not defined by zip code or circumstance, but by consistent access to quality early learning and family-focused resources.

This year’s report tells the story of collaboration in action - where educators, caregivers, child care providers, families, and community partners come together to build brighter beginnings for more than 8,000 children across our sevencounty service area.

ANNUALREPORT INTRODUCTION

Seven Counties, One Mission

Headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) proudly serves families and early learning providers across Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties.

Our work is guided by: Our Vision: All children are prepared for success in school.

Our Mission: Provide leadership and advocacy that builds a community where all children are prepared for success in school.

As a contracted partner of the Florida Department of Education, Division of Early Learning (DEL), ELC administers School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs, helping ensure children enter school prepared to learn, grow, and succeed.

Our organization began in 2001 as the Leon School Readiness Coalition, created under the School Readiness Act (F.S. 411.01).

Throughout the 2024–25 program year, ELC continued to connect thousands of children and families to high quality early learning experiences through a network of more than 200 child care providers and dozens of community partners. In addition to stories from families and child care providers, we are highlighting the real experiences of ELC employees: the people behind the work making an impact every day.

Since that time, ELC has grown and evolved through legislative changes, partnerships, and expansions to become the regional coalition it is today, serving seven counties throughout the Big Bend. Now entering our 25th year of service, we remain committed to building a system that responds to the unique needs of families and communities while maintaining strong, efficient, and transparent operational practices.

Every day, our dedicated team collaborates with educators, caregivers, and community organizations to strengthen early childhood education, support families’ stability and success, and expand access to resources that create brighter futures for the region’s youngest learners. Together, we are shaping strong foundations for lifelong learning across the Big Bend.

ANNUALREPORT BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELC is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of community representatives. The Governor of Florida appoints the Chair and two other board members who must meet the same qualifications as private sector business members appointed by ELC of the Big Bend.

The organization is fortunate to have a dedicated and actively involved Board of Directors who are fully committed to the pursuit of quality early care and education for our children to ensure they are ready for school and ready for life.

BOARD CHAIR

VICE CHAIR AND SECRETARY

Alyssa Beaubien Tallahassee Young Life

Millie Tizol Early Education and Care, Inc.

TREASURER Paul Mitchell The Southern Group

BOARD MEMBERS Dr. Maureen O’Neil Tallahassee Community College

Stacey Duggar Trinity United Methodist Church Preschool

Dr. Adrian Cooksey Florida Department of Health, Gadsden

Terrence Watts Department of Children and Families

Krissie Inserra Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

David Colby Roberts Aucilla Christian Academy

Ryan Poole Smartbank

Kim Sims Leon County Schools

Diane Head CareerSource North Florida

Sarah Gosselin Ernst & Young, LLP

CEO MESSAGE As we reflect on the 2024–25 program year at ELC of the Big Bend, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all that we have accomplished together. This year has been defined by perseverance, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to our mission, ensuring that every child in our region is equipped with the foundation they need to succeed in school.

In an ever-changing landscape, our organization continued to evolve to meet the needs of children and families across our seven-county service area.

Through strong partnerships with educators, child care providers, caregivers, and community organizations, we embraced innovation and thoughtful growth to strengthen early learning opportunities. Each challenge we encountered reinforced our purpose and inspired meaningful progress in how we deliver resources and support.

The impact of our collective work is evident in the thousands of children and families served this year.

From enhancing access to quality early education and care to strengthening family engagement and professional development for educators, every initiative reflected our belief that early learning is the cornerstone of lifelong achievement. These efforts represent far more than numbers - they reflect brighter beginnings, confident learners, and families empowered to thrive.

None of this work would be possible without the dedication of our remarkable team, the commitment of our providers and partners, and the trust of the families we serve. Your passion and collaboration continue to drive our success, and I extend my sincere appreciation to each individual who contributed to another meaningful year of impact.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on advancing our mission and building upon the momentum we have created together.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to shape a future where every child in the Big Bend region has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Lizbeth Murphy Chief Executive Officer

ANNUALREPORT FINANCIAL REPORT FY 24-25 PROGRAM FUNDS School Readiness (SR)

$28,133,159

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)

$6,638,868

QPI Differentials

$913,987

Gold Seal Differential

$604,875

SR-Plus

$198,921

Special Needs Differential

$46,935

VPK Program Assessment

$80,349

Other Local Revenues (including in-kind)

TOTAL REVENUE

Average Monthly Child Care Tuition in Capital Region

$1,200

$304,343.46

$36,921,437.46

REAL FAMILIES. REAL IMPACT. Every day, Big Bend families navigate challenges, celebrate milestones, and build stability with the support of ELC of the Big Bend services that make daily life possible.

The stories shared here represent thousands like them: parents balancing work and caregiving, children growing in safe classrooms, and families finding strength in community connections.

Their journeys remind us why this work matters so deeply.

ANNUALREPORT A WELCOMING VOICE, A LASTING IMPACT For many families, the first interaction with ELC begins with a conversation with Barbara Howard. As a Customer Service Specialist in the Leon office, Barbara has spent nearly two decades serving as a steady, compassionate presence for families navigating some of the most challenging seasons of their lives.

"I wasn't sure early childhood education was my long-term calling, but I knew I wanted to help people," recalls Barbara.

That sense of purpose led her to ELC's front desk, where the mission immediately resonated. Having once been a parent searching for child care herself, Barbara understood firsthand the realities many families face: financial instability, housing insecurity, and the stress of living paycheck to paycheck.

"I've been where they are," she says. "I know how hard it can be to balance work, family, and the hope of providing your children with a better future."

That lived experience shapes the way Barbara approaches every interaction.

For families walking through ELC's doors - often feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure - she strives to create a space where they feel safe, respected, and heard.

"Many people come to us after being told 'no' so many times," Barbara explains. "I want them to feel welcome here. I want them to know that someone is finally listening."

Barbara believes that what families value most when they speak with her is trust.

"Sometimes, just having the space to talk things through helps them begin to see a path forward on their own,” she says. “My role is to encourage them, help them focus on solutions, and leave feeling empowered."

Over the years, Barbara has supported countless families through our School Readiness and other early learning programs.

"Parents will come back with their children, who were once little ones and are now grown," she shares. "They tell me that during some of the hardest times in their lives, I helped them hold on to hope.

Knowing that kindness stayed with them all these years means everything to me."

Through her empathy, patience, and unwavering commitment to families, Barbara Howard embodies the heart of ELC - proving that sometimes, the most powerful support begins with simply listening.

ANNUALREPORT SCHOOL READINESS Florida’s School Readiness (SR) Program helps families afford quality child care so parents and guardians can work, attend school, or participate in job training while knowing their children are safe and learning in nurturing environments. The program plays an important role in supporting both children’s early development and family stability by reducing one of the biggest barriers to employment and education: the cost of child care.

During the 2024–25 program year, eligibility for School Readiness followed the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines written into statute. Families could qualify if a parent or guardian was working or enrolled in a college or trade school and the household’s gross income was at or below 150% of the FPL for their family size. Families who received assistance contributed toward the cost of care through a copayment based on income and household size.

Exciting changes are coming for the 2025–26 program year. New legislation has expanded eligibility by shifting the income guidelines from the Federal Poverty Level to the State Median Income (SMI). This update will allow even more working families to qualify for child care assistance and support their children’s early learning journey. By making School Readiness available to more households, ELC continues to invest in strong families, thriving children, and a healthier community for all. ADD FS

Big Bend Children Served

6,138 Amount Spent in Direct Services

$24,636,890

ANNUALREPORT VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN The Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) helps give children a strong start to school by focusing on the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. In the Big Bend region, $6,638,868 was invested directly into VPK services - this funding helps ensure children can experience high-quality early learning in safe, supportive environments.

The results speak for themselves: about 64% of children who complete VPK are ready for kindergarten, compared to just 36% of children who did not participate in a VPK program.

In other words, children who attend VPK are nearly twice as likely to walk into their kindergarten classroom prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

Children are eligible for VPK if they live in Florida and are 4 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. Families can choose from private child care centers, public schools, or specialized instructional providers, giving parents flexibility to find the program that fits their child’s needs while ensuring every eligible child has access to this valuable early-learning opportunity.

2,660

Big Bend children enrolled in a VPK program during FY 2024-25

VPK CHILD COUNT BY COUNTY Gadsden Jefferson Leon Liberty Madison Taylor Wakulla 0

500

1000

1500

2000

ANNUALREPORT CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL ELC’s Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) program is a free service that connects Big Bend families to child care options, parenting resources, and community support. CCR&R creates customized child care searches based on each family’s unique needs, including location, schedule, curriculum, and any special considerations. Families also receive information on provider rates, hours, credentials, and available financial assistance, along with educational materials and tips for choosing quality care.

CCR&R Customer Intake Forms

1,001

Beyond child care, CCR&R helps families access a wide range of community resources that support healthy, stable lives, including food assistance, medical care, workforce support, housing resources, and other financial assistance options. ELC continually works alongside community partners to ensure families are connected to the services they need to thrive.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH The Community Relations team is dedicated to connecting children, caregivers, and educators to vital services and community resources throughout the Big Bend region. Through outreach initiatives, specialized programs, and more than 37 engaging events, ELC ensured that families had access to the tools and support they needed.

Additionally, we actively involved local volunteers who are passionate about early learning, contributing a total of 289.5 volunteer hours in support of our mission. By providing meaningful opportunities for community members to give back, we are empowering young learners and their families while building a stronger, more connected community focused on early childhood development.

Children Books Distributed

3,451

ANNUALREPORT MORE THAN CHILD CARE: A MOTHER’S STORY OF RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

When Danielle Holcer found herself navigating a divorce and the sudden reality of single motherhood, everything felt urgent at once paying bills, working full-time, and above all, securing safe, reliable care for her children.

At the time, Danielle had two young children who both needed full-time child care.

“Being a single mom is not easy. It was a blessing to have that support when I needed it most,” Danielle shares.

Living in Wakulla County, Danielle turned to ELC after learning about its services for families seeking help with child care costs. She connected with ELC’s rural service location in Crawfordville, where team member Patricia Candler sat down with her to walk her through the application process step by step.

“I don’t know what I would have done without ELC as a single mom - trying to pay bills and cover the full cost of child care on my own would have been overwhelming,”

Danielle says. “Patricia made it feel manageable, like someone was actually helping me.”

Through ELC’s School Readiness program, which serves children from birth through age 12, Danielle’s two children were able to receive the full-time care they needed while she stabilized their new normal. For Danielle, that support meant being able to focus on work, knowing her children were in safe, nurturing learning environments.

“...trying to pay bills and cover the full cost of child care on my own would have been overwhelming.”

As her family grew, Danielle continued her partnership with ELC. Each of her children eventually entered Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Florida’s free early education program

ANNUALREPORT available to every 4-year-old resident in the state. The program prepares children for kindergarten by strengthening their early literacy, math, and social skills, setting the foundation for long-term success.

“VPK gave my kids such a great start,” Danielle reflects. “And being able to have before and after care was a game-changer. It made my work schedule possible.”

Today, Danielle’s oldest child has recently aged out of School Readiness eligibility, marking a milestone in their family’s journey. Her two younger children continue to benefit from ELC services - support that remains just as vital as when Danielle first walked into the Crawfordville office years earlier.

For her, ELC has represented more than assistance: it’s been a steady presence throughout every stage of her children’s early lives.

“It feels like ELC grew up with my family,” she says.

“They were there when I needed help the most, and they’ve stayed as my kids have grown.”

Danielle’s story reflects the experiences of thousands of families across the Big Bend. Last year alone, ELC served more than 8,000 children, helping caregivers access affordable, high-quality early learning and care so they can work, attend school, and provide stability at home.

Behind every statistic is a family like Danielle’s: a parent finding their footing, children gaining confidence in classrooms, and futures being strengthened.

To learn how your family can access School Readiness, VPK, and other early learning resources, visit elcbigbend.org. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking for continued support, ELC is here to help every family build a strong foundation for success.

SUPPORTING THE EDUCATORS WHO SHAPE TOMORROW High-quality classrooms begin with empowered teachers. Every day, ELC’s Early Care and Education team partners with child care professionals to strengthen teaching practices, classrooms, and learning environments throughout the Big Bend.

From classroom assessments and coaching to professional development and technical support, our work is built on collaboration: because when educators succeed, children flourish.

WHERE QUALITY BEGINS: MEET ELC’S EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION TEAM

WITH MELANIE WORLEY For the last 13 years, Melanie Worley Sanders has been a steady, compassionate presence behind the scenes of early learning in Big Bend.

As the Early Care and Education (ECE) manager for ELC, Melanie leads a team whose daily work ensures that local child care programs not only meet quality standards but

support children emotionally, manage classrooms,

also continually grow stronger to best serve

and promote social, language, and cognitive

local children and families.

development - all foundational elements of quality early learning experiences.

“Our role is to support educators while advocating for children,” Melanie shares.

“CLASS helps us see what’s really happening in

“Quality early learning doesn’t happen by

the classroom,” Melanie explains. “It looks beyond

accident. It takes consistency, collaboration,

lesson plans to how teachers connect with

and a true commitment to helping teachers

children, respond to their needs, and create

succeed.”

engaging learning environments where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.”

At the heart of the ECE team’s work is assessing ELC’s 200-plus contracted child care programs

For families searching for child care, this process is

and educators across the service area. Using

critical. The consistent use of CLASS ensures

the nationally recognized CLASS (Classroom

quality standards are upheld throughout ELC’s

Assessment Scoring System) tool, ECE

seven-county service area, giving families

specialists observe the teacher-child

confidence that programs are not only licensed but

interactions to evaluate the quality of teaching

supported in providing meaningful early learning

practices. CLASS focuses on how educators

experiences for their children.

Assessment, however, is never the end of the story. Melanie’s team provides ongoing professional development, coaching, and handson support to educators who may need assistance strengthening their practices. Rather than acting as inspectors, ECE specialists function as partners, helping teachers build skills, boost classroom quality, and ultimately improve children’s developmental growth.

“We’re not here just to point out concerns,”

“We’re here to walk alongside educators, offer guidance, and make sure they have the tools and confidence they need to succeed.”

Melanie says. “We’re here to walk alongside

essential step in setting children up for long-

educators, offer guidance, and make sure they

term success.

have the tools and confidence they need to succeed.”

“It’s truly about early intervention,” Melanie says.

“When concerns are identified early, families and

One of the most meaningful parts of the ECE

educators can work together to get children the

team’s work happens during those classroom

help they need, right when it matters most.”

visits when assessors get a chance to see children in their learning environments. These

Over her thirteen years at ELC, Melanie has seen

moments provide valuable opportunities beyond

the connection between quality classrooms,

quality assessments: they allow the team to

supported educators, and thriving children

connect directly to ELC’s WarmLine services,

firsthand. What keeps her motivated is the ripple

which support children with potential hearing,

effect each classroom visit can create: an

vision, and developmental concerns.

educator gaining confidence, a child receiving early support, or a family finding reassurance in

“As we’re observing classrooms, we’re also

the care their child is receiving.

observing children,” Melanie explains. “If we notice someone who could benefit from

“Every visit reminds me why we do this,” Melanie

additional support, our team can support the

reflects. “Our team touches lives every day.

child care provider and talk with the family. With

When quality improves, children grow, and that’s

a caregiver’s permission, we can conduct

the biggest reward of all.”

screenings to ensure the child is meeting developmental milestones.”

Through Melanie’s leadership and the dedication of the ECE team, ELC continues to strengthen

WarmLine services are free for families,

early learning across the Big Bend - one

removing barriers and providing support - an

classroom, one educator, and one child at a time.

ANNUALREPORT CHILD CARE PROGRAM ASSESSMENTS For families, a high-quality early learning experience means children feel supported, engaged, and encouraged to learn. To help ensure these positive experiences are happening consistently, Florida requires early learning programs to be evaluated using a trusted, research-based tool that looks closely at how teachers interact with children. In 2018, the Florida Legislature passed HB 1091, requiring assessments for all contracted School Readiness providers, and in August 2022, this requirement expanded to include all Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) classrooms.

ELC Big Bend’s Early Care and Education (ECE) Team conducts Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) observations for School Readiness and VPK programs. CLASS focuses on the everyday interactions that support children’s learning, behavior, and emotional development. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, the ECE team assessed over 200 School Readiness and VPK programs across the Big Bend region.

PROGRAM ASSESSMENT (CLASS) SCORE RANGES SR

VPK

100 80 60 40 20 0

0-3.99

4-4.99

Research shows higher CLASS scores lead to greater student behavior engagement, increased math achievement, and more robust vocabulary and reading outcomes. CLASS assesses interactions in three main areas: emotional/behavioral support, classroom organization, and instructional support. To be contracted with ELC, child care providers must earn a minimum CLASS score of 4.0. When Big Bend providers score below a 5, ELC steps in with targeted support and coaching to help strengthen classroom interactions and improve outcomes for children.

5-5.99

6-7.00

74%

of ELC Big Bend child care providers scored at least 5.00 or higher

ANNUALREPORT DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS Big Bend Children Screened

3,254 Percentage of Screenings that Showed a Concern

30%

ELC offers free developmental, vision, and hearing screenings for children from birth to age six. Using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), parents, child care providers, and ELC staff complete online developmental screenings that assess social-emotional, communication, problem-solving, and fine and gross motor skills. Screenings are available to any Big Bend family seeking early detection and are completed for children entering the School Readiness program, with annual follow-ups as children grow.

We also provide vision and hearing screenings for all School Readiness children from birth to age five, sharing results with caregivers and providing referrals when needed. If additional support is recommended, the Early Care and Education (ECE) team creates an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) with targeted activities to help strengthen each child’s development.

ASQ SCREENINGS BY THE MONTH 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

PARTNERS IN POSSIBILITY Our child care providers are the backbone of early learning across the Big Bend.

In classrooms, centers, family homes, and community programs, educators offer far more than care: they provide consistency, guidance, and opportunity.

Their stories showcase how strong partnerships build thriving programs that create lasting generational impact for families and communities alike.

ANNUALREPORT GROWING STRONG FUTURES, ONE GENERATION AT A TIME For more than 35 years, Gallop’s Family Center has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in Tallahassee. What began as an after-school and summer program has grown into a trusted early learning center serving children and families from preschool through school age. At the heart of that journey is owner and administrator Kristal Franklin, whose partnership with ELC has helped shape both the growth of her program and the lives of the families she serves.

Gallop’s first began conversations with ELC in 2009. At that time, Kristal was focused solely on school-age programming. After purchasing their current building and completing the transition to a licensed child care center in 2014, Gallop’s officially joined the ELC 200-plus provider network. Since then, Kristal has used every available resource to strengthen her staff, expand services, and improve outcomes for children.

“We participate in everything that helps us grow,” she explains. “From School Readiness and VPK to WarmLine assistance, CLASS training, professional development, quality initiatives, and COVID stabilization grants, ELC has provided the support that allows us to stay strong for families and educators alike.”

Supporting Families When They Need It Most At Gallop’s, affordability has always been at the center of the mission. Kristal believes every family deserves access to high-quality care, regardless of income. The School Readiness program makes that possible for parents while also supporting access to safe and reliable early learning environments, so parents can work, attend school, and build financial security without worrying about losing child care. For Gallop’s, School Readiness offers predictable funding that helps keep tuition below the local average while maintaining strong programming standards year after year.

That stability has created life-changing opportunities for countless families, including one story Kristal holds particularly close.

A single mother first enrolled her son in Gallop’s after-school program using an ELC child care certificate. Over time, she worked full-time, earned her college degree, and balanced parenthood with determination and resilience.

When Gallop’s opened its preschool classrooms, she enrolled her younger child as well, relying once again on School Readiness support to maintain care while continuing her journey forward.

“When her certificate ended, she told us, ‘I made it. I was given the help I needed to make sure my children have something more than I did.’”

Today, that same family has come full circle. Her grandchild is now enrolled at Gallop’s Family Center.

“That is the generational impact School Readiness creates,” Kristal says. “Stronger families. Stronger futures. Lifelong connections built on opportunity.”

ANNUALREPORT Building the Bridge to Kindergarten Adding Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) expanded Gallop’s ability to serve even more families and provide foundational early learning experiences. Through VPK, children access free, high-quality early education, while families who combine VPK with School Readiness receive fullday care in a consistent educational environment.

Gallop’s proudly holds an Excellent VPK rating, and Kristal sees the impact firsthand as children transition into kindergarten. Children who complete VPK arrive at school comfortable with classroom routines and expectations, confident with early literacy and math skills, prepared to collaborate with peers, and emotionally ready to navigate transitions and challenges.

“VPK is the bridge between early childhood and formal education,” Kristal explains. “Children who cross that bridge with strong support enter kindergarten prepared not only academically, but socially and emotionally.”

Supporting Educators from the Inside Out Kristal is deeply committed to staff development.

She regularly completes the same ELC online courses as her educators so she can reinforce classroom strategies and provide meaningful leadership support.

The Trauma-Informed Care course has been especially impactful.

“Since COVID, we have seen more children struggling with regulation and behavior,” she says. “This training gave our team tools to respond with understanding and compassion while maintaining consistency.”

ELC’s professional development offerings keep Gallop’s classrooms grounded in current best practices and provide access to high-quality training that would not otherwise be financially feasible.

Investing in Early Learning Kristal hopes community leaders recognize both the urgency and the return of investing in early childhood education.

“Early learning supports the entire workforce,” she explains. “Parents cannot maintain employment or pursue education without reliable child care. When families succeed, our local economy benefits.”

Sustaining high-quality programs requires stable funding and workforce support. Rising operational costs combined with a statewide staffing shortage have created ongoing challenges for many providers. At Gallop’s, staffing shortages forced the closure of two classrooms to protect program quality and ensure appropriate ratios.

“We cannot stabilize the early learning workforce without competitive wages for educators,” Kristal emphasizes. “These professionals shape the most critical years of a child’s development.

Without adequate support, child care programs will struggle to survive, and the ripple effects will be felt across communities.”

“Early learning supports the entire workforce...”

A Legacy of Care Today, Gallop’s Family Center offers VPK, School Readiness, full-day preschool, afterschool programming, and summer camp. Many families remain with the center for years, often across multiple generations, creating longstanding relationships built on trust.

As Gallop’s continues to grow alongside its sister school, Capital Preparatory, Kristal and her team remain committed to their founding purpose of providing excellent care at a price families can manage while nurturing each child’s social, emotional, and academic development.

“Our partnership with ELC has supported every step forward,” Kristal says. “Together, we continue shaping strong beginnings and brighter futures for children and families across the Big Bend region.”

ANNUALREPORT BIG BEND REGION CHILD CARE PROVIDERS 29

20

151 7

8 3 8

At the heart of early learning in the Big Bend Region are our dedicated child care providers: professionals who open their doors every day to nurture, teach, and inspire young children.

ELC of the Big Bend proudly partners with providers across seven counties, ranging from family child care homes and private centers to public schools, faith-based programs, and specialized instructional service providers. Together, we work to ensure that families have access to safe, quality early learning experiences through the School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten programs.

ELC’s Provider Relations (PR) team works side-by-side with both prospective and contracted providers, offering guidance at every stage, from getting a new program off the ground to strengthening existing services. PR staff support providers through contract initiation, ongoing monitoring, and hands-on technical assistance to help meet all state licensing and quality requirements outlined by the Florida Department of Education, Division of Early Learning, and Department of Children and Families. To promote continuous improvement, ELC offers access to trainings, webinars, and individualized support focused on classroom quality, business practices, and regulatory compliance.

In the 2024–2025 program year, ELC supported 226 child care providers across seven counties, including 190 School Readiness programs and 136 Voluntary Prekindergarten programs - a network of committed partners making a lasting impact on children and families throughout the Big Bend.

ANNUALREPORT DISTANCE LEARNING: TEACHING THE TEACHERS For the past 15 years, Kathy Douglas has quietly shaped the classrooms of the Big Bend Region - not by teaching children directly, but by empowering the educators who guide them every day. As the Distance Learning and Research Director for ELC, Kathy has built an impressive library of professional development courses that thousands of early childhood educators have relied on to grow their skills, meet required training hours, and rediscover inspiration for their work.

If a local educator has ever taken a training through ELC’s online learning platform, chances are it was created, designed, and taught by Kathy herself.

From curriculum and classroom organization to leadership development and play-based learning, every course reflects her deep understanding of how children learn and how teachers live.

During the 2024–25 program year alone, ELC offered 77 professional development courses, with 726 local educators completing Distance Learning courses each one representing a teacher better equipped to support young learners.

Kathy’s courses blend creativity with practical application, each course designed not only to meet training requirements but also to rekindle educators’ passion for their work.

“I try to create courses that remind teachers why they chose this profession in the first place,” Kathy explains. “Early learning should be joyful - for children and for the adults guiding them. If we can give teachers new ideas that make their classrooms lighter, more effective, and more fun, that’s a win for everyone.”

“Educators are incredibly busy people,” Kathy says. “Many are working full days in the classroom and still caring for their own families in the evenings. My goal has always been to provide training that is high-quality, practical, and flexible enough to fit into real life.”

That commitment to flexibility is central to Kathy’s work. By offering courses online - some even available on-demand 24/7 - educators can complete professional development at their own pace. This accessibility has made meaningful professional growth possible for teachers across the seven-county Big Bend Region, regardless of location, schedule, or program size.

Number of Educators Who Completed an ELC Course

726

ANNUALREPORT GET INVOLVED WITH ELC OF THE BIG BEND At the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, your support can transform the lives of children, families, and child care providers in our community. Whether you have time to share, financial resources to contribute, or a passion for advocacy, there’s a way for you to make a difference.

Volunteer with Us Volunteers are one of ELC’s most precious community resources. If you want to make a direct impact on children, families, and child care providers in the Big Bend Region, we’re the perfect match for you. With flexible opportunities to fit your schedule, we can find the right way to contribute your time and talents.

Donate to Make a Difference Every dollar matters. As an ELC donor, your support helps bring our mission and vision to life, strengthening children and families across our seven-county service area. Together, we can build a brighter future.

Advocate for Change Be a voice for children and families! By learning about and addressing the issues that impact early care and education, you can inspire action at the local and legislative levels.

ELC can guide you in contacting community leaders and policymakers to ensure every child has the resources they need to thrive.

Next Steps No matter how you choose to support, your involvement makes a lasting difference. Together, we can create a community where every child is prepared for success. Please contact our Community Relations team to learn more about next steps.

outreach@elcbigbend.org 1-866-973-9030

ELC BIG BEND HQ 2639 N MONROE STREET BLDG-C SUITE 300 TALLAHASSEE, FL 32303

CONTACT US www.elcbigbend.org outreach@elcbigbend.org Toll Free: 1-866-973-9030

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