ANNUAL REPORT FY2023-24
Strengthening the Big Bend community by empowering families, enriching children’s development, and supporting early learning educators.
ABOUTELCOFTHEBIGBEND
Headquartered in the heart of Tallahassee, Florida, the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) is dedicated to uplifting and empowering the youngest learners and their families across Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. As a trusted partner of the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning, we proudly administer the School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to begin their educational journey with a strong foundation.
Since our inception in 2001 as the Leon School Readiness Coalition, the ELC has evolved through legislative changes, mergers, and expansions to serve a broader region. Over 22 years, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to a holistic approach, addressing the unique needs of families and communities while upholding best practices in both service and operational excellence.
Our mission is rooted in two guiding goals:
To prepare every child for a successful start in school and beyond.
To ensure families have access to high-quality child care and the support they need to thrive.
Every year, our dedicated ELC team connects more than 7,000 children and their families with over 250 early learning programs tailored to meet each family’s unique needs. Alongside a network of 50+ community partners, we weave a comprehensive system of support that reaches every corner of our communities. Together, we are shaping a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Annual Report FY 23-24
BOARDOFDIRECTORS
ELC of the Big Bend 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.
ACTING CHAIR
Dr. Tara Lynne Orlowski, Ed.D. Florida Center for Interactive Media, FSU
BOARD MEMBERS
Dr. Adrian Cooksey Florida Department of Health, Gadsden
Alicia Beshears Taylor County Public Schools
Darrel James Capital Area Community Action Agency
Diane Head CareerSource North Florida
John Selover Panhandle Area Educational Consortium
Kelley Dettmer Centennial Bank
Kim Sims Leon County Schools
Dr. Maureen O'Neil Tallahassee Community College
VICE CHAIR AND SECRETARY
Miatta Jalaber Department of Children and Families
TREASURER
Paul Mitchell The Southern Group
Millie Tizol Early Education and Care, Inc.
Ryan Poole TC Federal
Sarah Gosselin Ernst & Young, LLP
Stacey Duggar Trinity United Methodist Church Preschool
Tasha Weinstein WFSU, FSU
Terrance Watts Department of Children and Families
Tomica King-Jackson (Provider Representative) Our Blessings Early Learning Center
Zana Raybon Florida Board of Professional Engineers
CEOMESSAGE
As we close another impactful year at the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC), I am honored to reflect on our progress and the unwavering dedication that has propelled us forward. This year has been a testament to our resilience, our adaptability, and our commitment to ensuring that every child in our region has the opportunity to thrive from the very start.
In a world where change is constant, ELC has leaned into innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our partnerships with educators, caregivers, and community allies across our sevencounty region have strengthened, allowing us to bring new resources and support to our youngest learners and their families. The challenges we faced have only deepened our commitment to nurturing early learning environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child.
This year, we have seen firsthand the power of community and collaboration. Together, we have developed new programs, expanded access to resources, and enhanced our services to meet the needs of over 7,000 children and their families. These achievements are not simply milestones—they are building blocks for brighter futures and a reflection of our shared dedication to nurturing the potential of every child.
My deepest gratitude goes to our incredible team, our community partners, and all of you—our valued stakeholders. Your passion, perseverance, and shared vision have made this year possible, and together, we are laying the groundwork for even greater impact in the years to come. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to create a future where every child in the Big Bend region has the foundation they need to succeed.
With appreciation and optimism,
Lizbeth Murphy, Chief Executive Officer
FINANCIALREPORT
FY23-24FEDERALIMPACT
School Readiness (SR)
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
FY23-24LOCALIMPACT*
Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Act
American Relief Plan Act
FY23-24COMMUNITYPARTNERIMPACT
United Way of the Big Bend
Children’s Services Council
$21,757,528 $6,333,827
$11,866 $7,280,147
$21,317.34 $226,898.99
LOCAL IMPACT*
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 in our seven-county Big Bend service area.
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 Grants - these provided relief for child care providers and supplemental discretionary funds to support families that needed help affording child care.
$7 MILLION INVESTED IN THE BIG BEND REGION
TheAmericanRescuePlanAct(ARPA)of2021createda$350billionstateandlocalfundtohelp fight the pandemic and support an economic recovery. By 2023, state and local governments prioritized spending remaining relief funds on increasing access to quality child care, and supporting the educators who perform that work. TheEarlyLearningCoalitionoftheBigBend Region,Inc.(ELC)wasawarded$7,280,147.00toinvestinBigBendchildren,theirfamilies,and revivethelocalearlylearningindustry.
$3.3MILLION $3.3MILLION
DISTRIBUTED TO RECRUIT, RETAIN, AND SUPPORT BIG BEND CHILD CARE PROVIDERS AND THEIR
STAFF
$387,342
ChildcareeducatorsreceivedAppreciation Stipendsbasedontheiryearsofserviceand educationlevel.
ProviderswereawardedPerformance BonusesbasedontheirmostrecentCLASS assessmenttodistributeasone-time paymentstostaffforimplementationof qualityservice.
Educatorsreceivedstipendsforcompleting coursesofferedthroughELC,TCC,andNFC.
FOR TECHNOLOGY
184CHILDCAREPROVIDERSIMPROVEDTHEIRPROGRAMSBY PURCHASINGELECTRONICS,EDUCATIONALSUPPORTS,ANDSOFTWARE THATPROMOTEDEARLYLEARNING.
$50,000
FOR SUMMER LEARNING
Accordingtoa2022Gallupsurvey,45%ofUSparentssaidthattheirchild didnotparticipateinastructuredprogramoverthesummer-85%of whichcitedcostasthemajorcontributingfactor.
Kidpreneur,ELC’sSummerLearningBusinessProgram,invited28 childrenfromacrossourserviceareatobuildtheirownbusinessfrom scratch.Theseven-weekprogramprovidedastart-upkitofsupplies,a programguidefilledwithbusiness-specificideasandtips,andweekly workshopstocreatetheirproducts.Additionally,ELChostedaKidpreneur Market,allowingKidpreneurstoselltheirproductstothecommunity,and anAwardsDinnertocelebratetheirachievements.Theprogramsupported math,science,andartlearningstandardsforchildrenages8-12.
$219,913
FOR TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN
Every Big Bend VPK graduate in the 23-24 school year received a year-long subscription to MarcoPolo’s World School educational app to assist in supporting summer learning that would extend throughout their kindergarten year - and beyond.
$60,000 FOR NEW CHILD CARE PROGRAMS
$80,000
SPENTINPROVIDER APPRECIATION
ELCpurchasedover5,000itemsfora ProviderPop-UpShopinhonorof NationalProviderAppreciationDay. There,educatorsfromacrossthe seven-countyserviceareawereable tochoosefromartsupplies,classroom furniture,manipulatives,puzzles,books, andmoretoenhancetheirprogram andclassrooms.
$198,594
TOSUPPORT LITERACY EFFORTS
Almost200BigBendchildcareprogramsreceivedfunding whichallowed themtocreateorupdatetheirreadingcenters. AccordingtotheUSDepartmentofEducation,upto61percentof low-incomefamiliesdonothaveanybooksfortheirchildrenat home,andforty-fivepercentofUSchildrenliveinneighborhoods thatlackpubliclibraries.Studieshaveshownthataccessto books Isinstrumentalinhelpingthemlearnthebasicsof readingandimprovesachild’sacademicperformance.
Throughachildcareproviderstart-upinitiative,threenew FamilyChildCareHomes(FCCH)wereabletobecome establishedwithintheircommunity.$20,000wasprovided toeachtohelpoffsetstart-upandlicensingcosts.This initiativewasdesignedtocombatchildcaredeserts, wherefamiliesoftentimesdonothaveaccessto affordable,qualitychildcareneartheirhomes.
$2.5MILLION $2.5MILLION
$176,000
ALLOCATEDTOPROVIDE BUSINESSMANAGEMENTSKILLS
FiftyproviderswereinvitedtoELC’s MasterSeries:ABusinessManagement Seminar,whichhostedbusiness professionalswhoprovidedinsightand ideasonhowtostrengthenbusiness practices,retainstaff,andattractnew families.Customized,additionaltraining wasofferedtoeachattendeepostseminartocontinuetheirprofessional developmentandapplythestrategies discussed,ensuringlong-termsuccess andgrowthfortheirprograms.
ContractedChildCareProviderscouldapplyfora grantofupto$19,800tomaintainandimprove teacher-childinteractions.
Grantrecipientswererequiredtoprovideaminimum of24hoursoftrainingtimeforthemandtheirstaffwith thecurriculumoftheirchoice.
Approvedtrainingtopicsincludedbusinessand leadershippractices,childassessments,and curriculumsupport.
CHILDCARE PROGRAMS
VOLUNTARY PRE KINDERGARTEN
SCHOOL READINESS
Annual Report FY 23-24
VOLUNTARYPREKINDERGARTEN
Florida’s free Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. To be eligible, children must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year.
Caregivers can choose from the 149 contracted VPK programs with ELC. Options include private child care centers, public schools, and specialized instructional service providers.
BigBendVPK ChildrenEnrolled
2,204
The 23-24 program year includes the School Year and Summer Session. A total of 78% of approved VPK applications were utilized by caregivers.
BigBendVPKStudentReadinessRatebyCounty
AverageBigBendReadiness RateforVPKStudents
67%
Big Bend children who participated in a VPK program were almost two times more likely to be ready for kindergarten than children who did not attend VPK.
State law requires screening for all public school kindergarten students within the first 30 days of the school year. Kindergarten teachers use the results to help understand each child's readiness for school and plan lessons to meet individual needs. The kindergarten readiness average for Florida is 51%, as indicated by the red line.
Annual Report FY 23-24
SCHOOLREADINESS
EmpoweringFutures
The School Readiness Program (SR) opens doors to success for young children and their families by providing essential financial assistance for high-quality child care.
Tailored to support low-income families, SR enables parents and caregivers to pursue work, education, or job training, confident that their children are in safe, enriching environments. This critical program ensures that eligible families, who meet income requirements and contribute a modest copayment, can access the quality early learning opportunities that set a foundation for lifelong achievement. Through SR, the Early Learning Coalition helps build resilient communities and brighter futures for all.
76%ofSchool Readiness familiesare singlemothers.
$11,589 istheaverageannualcostof full-timeinfantcareinFlorida withoutchildcareassistance. Floridachildcarecostsrank amongthehighestinthenation.
7,174 7,174
BigBendchildren weresupported acrossseven counties-18%more thanlastfiscalyear.
3,586 3,586
BigBendfamilies receivedchildcare assistance.
CHILD
COMMUNITY SERVICES
DEVELOPMENT SCREENINGS
CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Annual Report FY 23-24
DEVELOPMENTALSCREENINGS
ELC’s Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ) offers reliable, online developmental screenings for children from birth to age six, assessing key areas like social emotional, communication, problem-solving, fine motor, and gross motor skills. Parents, child care providers, and ELC staff can easily screen children entering the School Readiness (SR) program and continue yearly thereafter. These screenings are free and available to any Big Bend family seeking early detection.
ASQ SCREENINGS BY THE MONTH
3,707 3,707
Total Number of Screenings in the 23-24 program year - a 32% increase from the 22-23 program year.
30% 30% of children screened were identified as needing additional developmental support. This important discovery allows ELC to coordinate Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)—customized tools that provide caregivers with specific activities to strengthen areas where children scored low. Early detection ensures that children receive the support they need to reach their full potential, setting them up for long-term success!
Annual Report FY 23-24
CHILDCARERESOURCE&REFERRAL
ELC’s Child Care Resource & Referral program (CCR&R) is a free service that provides information to Big Bend families about local services and programs, serving as an all-inclusive source for child care and parenting needs.
CCR&R services generates customized listings for child care based on families’ unique needs, such as location, schedule, curriculum, and special needs. Information on provider hours, fees, financial assistance, and credentials is also offered.
The Big Bend Region boasts a variety of community resources to help empower families to lead healthy, stable lives. Not only can CCR&R services help families find quality child care, but also connect them with other community resources such as food, medical care, workforce support, housing assistance, financial assistance options, and more.
1,062 customized child care listings were provided to Big Bend caregivers throughout the 23-24 fiscal year.
46% of children are in the wrong size car seat, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Through a partnership with Lutheran Services, ELC was able to provide 55 car seats to Leon and Gadsden County families in need.
Annual Report FY 23-24
COMMUNITYOUTREACH
The Community Relations team is dedicated to connecting children, caregivers, and educators to vital ELC services and community resources throughout the Big Bend region. Through outreach initiatives, specialized programs, and over 45 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, by providing meaningful opportunities for community members to contribute to our mission of empowering young learners and their families. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community focused on early childhood development.
3,705 3,705
ChildrenBooksDistributed
Did you know 61% of low-income families do not have books in their homes for their children? ELC distributes free children's books at outreach events throughout the seven-county service area in addition to providing a book to every child that visits one of our service centers.
InvestinginTomorrow’sLeaders
Community Relations is responsible for securing funds from generous donors, ensuring the sustainability and resilience of ELC Big Bend's programs. Through literacy awareness campaigns and other advocacy awareness events, ELC Big Bend received over $50,000 this year in donations. These contributions highlight the strength of community partnerships and the dedication of our supporters in driving positive change.
315 315 Volunteerhoursloggedfrom dedicatedlocalchild advocatestosupportELC’s initiativesandprograms.
CHILDCARE PROVIDERS
CONTRACTED CHILD CARE PROGRAMS PROGRAM ASSESSMENTS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Annual Report FY 23-24
ChildCareProgramAssessments
The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) is a tool that defines and measures teaching quality based on impactful teacher-child interactions to support children’s outcomes. Each program year, ELC staff conduct a two-hour observation in every Big Bend VPK classroom and in selected School Readiness classrooms to enhance program quality and accountability. After each observation, the program receives an overall composite score, which is also shared with families seeking preschool options. School Readiness classrooms are assessed year-round, while VPK classrooms are assessed during both the program year and summer session.
*Though only a portion of SR programs are required to be monitored, 97% of all contracted ELC programs were assessed in 23-24.
The CLASS Program Assessment provides a composite score ranging from one to seven, categorized as "low" (0.1-2.99), "medium" (3.05.99), and "high" (6.0-7). To qualify for a contract with ELC, School Readiness and VPK programs must score at least 4.00. For FY 2324, programs scoring below 3.99 could request a second assessment in the same classrooms. The results of this reassessment determine the provider’s contract status with ELC.
94% of contracted ELC programs received a score of 4.0 or higher
ProviderProfessionalDevelopment
Annual Report FY 23-24 62 62
ELC offers a range of training courses for early childhood educators, provided by ELC staff, partner organizations, and approved vendors. Additionally, ELC has certified instructors who conduct in-person CPR and First Aid classes each month for teachers working in School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs.
The Department of Children and Families requires teachers to complete 10 hours of annual training and to keep their CPR and First Aid certification current. Through these courses, ELC helps teachers meet these essential requirements.
ELC’sEarlyLearning Conference2024: FrontierofPlay
“The New Frontier of Play,” the 2024 theme for ELC’s early learning conference, brought together over 200 early childhood educators, directors, and advocates for a day of professional growth and collaboration.
The conference featured specialized workshops tailored to Infant/Toddler teachers, Pre-K/VPK teachers, and program Directors/Owners, providing attendees with Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to support their professional development. Each session was carefully designed to align with the conference theme, emphasizing the critical role of play in early childhood education. Additionally, participants received an array of high-quality materials to integrate into their classrooms, enhancing hands-on learning experiences and fostering environments where children can thrive.
onlinecourseswere offeredtoELCBig Bendearlylearning educators
2,386 2,386 EarlylearningBig Bendeducators participatedinat leastonecourse.
HOWYOU CANHELP
Annual Report FY 23-24
GetInvolvedwithELCoftheBigBend
At the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, your support can transform the lives of children, families, and child care provi community. Whether you have time to share, financial resources contribute, or a passion for advocacy, there’s a way for you to difference.
Volunteer with Us
Volunteers are one of ELC’s most precious community resources. you want to make a direct impact on children, families, and chi providers in the Big Bend Region, we’re the perfect match for y flexible opportunities to fit your schedule, we can find the ri contribute your time and talents.
Donate to Make a Difference
Every dollar matters. Your financial contribution, whether large or small, directly supports critical programs that uplift children and their 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 c 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 Outreach team to learn more about next steps.
