Headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc (ELC) proudly serves Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties A contracted partner with the State of Florida's Division of Early Learning, ELC is responsible for the administration of the School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) programs
ELC began operations as the Leon School Readiness Coalition in 2001 as required by the School Readiness Act- F S 411 01 In response to legislative requirements, the ELC has gone through several transitions, mergers, name changes, and, in 2005, expanded its service area to encompass the seven counties served today
Throughout ELC’s 20 years of service, the Board and staff have strived to provide a holistic service delivery model that is responsive to the needs of families and their communities while maintaining effective and efficient business practices supporting the following primary goals:
Children are ready for success when they enter school; and Families have access to the quality child care services and assistance they need
The ELC staff work every day at effectively connecting over 8,000 children and their families to 200+ early learning programs that best meets the needs of the child and family. Working with a network of 50+ community partners, ELC provides a comprehensive system of services
The last few years have tested our community in ways we could have never imagined;thiswasespecially true for those that our organization serves: children, caregivers,andeducators.
Nonetheless, the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bendhasa20-yearlegacyof meeting the needs of families, and nothing could stop us in our tireless pursuit toensurethesuccess,health, andhappinessofthem.
The heart of our mission continues to thrive in our community as we witnessed increased awareness and growth across our programs thisyear Todate,wehave
248 quality child care providers across seven counties thatarecontractedwiththeorganization,impactingthe livesofapproximately8,893children.
Every success we achieved in the past year is a direct reflection of the hard work, generosity, and sheer dedication from our supporters, community partners, volunteers, and staff who make our mission possible. ThankyouforyourcommitmenttoELC.
Dr.TaraOrlowski ELCBoardChair
"
...nothing could stop us in our tireless pursuit to ensure the success, health, and happiness of [our families]."
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 We are fortunate to have a dedicated and actively involved Board of Directors who are fully committed to the pursuit of quality early education and care for our children to ensure they are ready for school and ready for life.
Dr. Tara Orlowski
Florida Center for Interactive Media, FSU
SECRETARY
Tasha Weinstein WFSU, FSU
Darrel James Capital Area Community Action Agency
Kelley Dettmer Centennial Bank
John Selover Panhandle Area Educational Consortium
Dr Danny Glover, Jr Taylor County School District
Kim Sims Leon County Schools
Chris Wade Ernst & Young, LLP
Dr. Maureen O'Neil Tallahassee Community College
Miatta Jalaber
Department of Children and Families
TREASURER
VICE CHAIR Zana Raybon Florida Board of Professional Engineers
Daniel Wagnon Structure, A Real Estate IQ Firm
Tomica King-Jackson (Provider Representative) Our Blessings Early Learning Center
Kristin Olson Talcott (Provider Representative) Advent Day School
Dr Adrian Cooksey Florida Department of Health, Gadsden
Millie Tizol
Early Education and Care, Inc
Paul Mitchell The Southern Group
Ryan Poole SmartBank
Florida’s School Readiness Program (SR) offers financial assistance to help children from low-income families receive high-quality child care so parents can work or participate in job training.
The program takes into account a child’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development and provides resources and assistance to families.
Parents can choose from private centers, public schools, and family child care homes. The program is available to eligible children ages birth - 12 years old.
states in the country to offer 4-year-olds regardless of ry Prekindergarten repares early learners for beyond VPK helps build a l using educational arious stages in a child's t live in Florida and be 4 1 of the current school year. ferent educational settings s including private child , and specialized ers
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act (CRRSA), was issued to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. This included stabilizing the child care industry, serving additional children and families, and supporting incoming kindergarteners.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law on March 11, 2021, aimed at providing economic relief to the nations’ families, workers, and businesses. ARPA included two types of Child Care Stabilization Grantsthese provided relief for child care providers and supplemental discretionary funds to support families that need help affording child care
Gadsden County, Florida is comprised of six towns in which the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region (ELC) serves: Quincy, Chattahoochee, Gretna, Greensboro, Havana, and Midway. Of the 15,876 households in the county, 32% have children under the age of 18 living with them.
Jefferson County, Florida is comprised of four towns in which the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region (ELC) serves: Monticello, Lamont, LLoyd, and Wacissa Of the 5,394 households, 17% have children under 18.
Leon County, Florida is comprised of two towns in which ELC serves: Tallahassee and Woodville
ELC serves one in three Leon County children through School Readiness or VPK, including zip code 32304, Florida's poorest zip code.
Liberty County, Florida is comprised of four towns in which ELC serves: Bristol, Hosford, Lake Mystic, and Sumatra. Liberty County has a population of 8,000.
*The children served in this county receive child care in neighboring counties where the caregiver works.
System
Madison County, Florida is comprised of three towns in which ELC serves: Madison, Greenville, and Lee Madison County has a population over 19,000. Of the 6,441 households in the county, 19% include children under 18.
Taylor County, Florida is comprised of four towns in which ELC serves: Perry, Salem, Shady Grove, and Steinhatchee. Taylor County has a population over 22,000 with 7,000 households, of which 20% include children under 18.
Wakulla County, Florida is comprised of four towns in which ELC serves: Saint Marks, Crawfordville, Panacea, and Sopchoppy. It has a population over 30,000 and 8,450 households, of which 21% include children under 18.
"The ELC staff has been so helpful in assisting me with the application process and more. Thanks to them and the programs, my child and I have been able to get the help we need with child care and VPK. Without this program, we would not be able to afford the help with care and learning preparing for kindergarten." - Lisa L., Wakulla County
"ELC has been assisting me for the last six years with a grandchild I have been caring for since birth. I'm a single grandmother that had already adopted three other grandchildren and had received prior assistance from ELC for them. ELC has been a blessing to me and my family. " - Cindy Q., Gadsden County
"Having ELC is such a blessing to my son and I. Being a single mother, it is very difficult to make ends meet, much less worry about child care expenses so that I may work. This assistance has offered me piece of mind, that I may go to work and provide for my child." - Julie J., Taylor County
"Lord knows ELC has helped me out a whole lot being a single parent and everything going up. I really appreciate everything that y'all are doing for my child and I. Thank you!" - Kimberly F., Madison County
ELC strives every day to create, support, and sustain early learning environments and family service programs that benefit families of all shapes and sizes When you donate to ELC, you are supporting the children, caregivers, and educators in your community. Your investment - no matter the amount - makes a difference. Contribution options are located on the next page.
ELC works with early learning advocates throughout our seven-county service area, providing volunteer opportunities that highlight different professions and skillsets. Our Celebrity Reader Campaign allows for members in the community to connect with classrooms through a shared story time. ELC knows that when a child interacts with business owners, civil servants, and healthcare workers it allows them to feel connected to their community while inspiring them to dream about their own future careers.
Become a Celebrity Reader by contacting our Community Relations Team: outreach@elcbigbend.org
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