Empowering Futures: Early Learning Coalition Programs in Polk County, Lakeland

Choosing the right childcare provider or early education program marks a pivotal decision for parents. The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Polk County stands as a key resource, dedicated to ensuring that all children in the region, regardless of their economic background, have access to high-quality early education. By administering programs like School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), the ELC lays a strong foundation for future academic and personal success.

The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County: An Overview

The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County is a non-profit organization committed to preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. The coalition has helped 8,124 families in Polk County in 2023, with that number steadily rising. The ELC strives to provide the best early education for children from birth to five years of age. The organization's mission is clear: to ensure that every child enters school ready to succeed and eager to learn.

School Readiness Program

The School Readiness Program is designed to provide early education and care for children from 6 weeks through 12 years of age, whose parents are working or attending school. Eligibility for the program is determined by family size and total family income. The program is available through various childcare providers who contract with the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County. Co-payments are assessed based on a sliding fee scale. United Way of Central Florida helps fund the School Readiness services at ELC Polk.

Accessing School Readiness Services

Families interested in the School Readiness Program can start by contacting the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County to determine their eligibility and receive a list of participating providers. This program is crucial for working families, providing a safe and educational environment for their children while they pursue employment or further education.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program

VPK is an incredible program that offers a year of valuable learning for 4-year-olds and guarantees to build a solid foundation for the years ahead. The great news is VPK is free to all 4-year-olds who are Florida residents, regardless of income. In Polk County the ELC administers the VPK program and we are the first stop to begin the process in registering for VPK. They learn the basics of reading, writing and other educational skills. Being in a class with others will also teach them how to conduct themselves within a classroom setting.

How to Register for VPK

In Polk County, the ELC administers the VPK program, serving as the primary point of contact for registration. The ELC issues each child a VPK Certificate of Eligibility, which can be used at any of the contracted VPK sites throughout Polk County. The coalition is also available to answer questions about the registration process and guide parents in identifying contracted sites offering this impactful program.

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)

The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County offers free Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) to all families seeking quality and affordable child care options and local community resources. When a parent or caregiver calls our main phone line, a trained CCR&R staff member will assist them with what they need. It may be a family seeking information on basic childcare, or childcare for a child with special needs.

Connecting Families with Resources

The CCR&R service acts as a starting point, helping families navigate the available resources and information. Trained staff members assist parents and caregivers with their specific needs, whether they are seeking basic childcare information or specialized care for children with special needs.

Quality Initiatives

High quality childcare in each of our sites is also guided by our Quality team who is responsible for providing professional guidance and assistance to teachers and directors in childcare sites. To ensure the highest quality learning our contracted childcare sites are assigned a Program Support Coach to provide them with guidance in their teaching. High quality learning also means building a strong relationship between the teacher and each student. It’s something that is essential in building a classroom learning community that will nurture all children.

Professional Development

The ELC also offers professional development to not only help guide teachers, but also our parents and caregivers. We also provide ideas to encourage parents to read more with their children. Just reading a book 20 minutes a day can change the future success of your child by exposing them to extra vocabulary they can continue to build on.

The Importance of Early Learning

We are committed to early learning. During the first few years it is critical that children receive high quality instruction because it determines later success like graduation and employment. Besides literacy and other cognitive skills, social emotional learning skills also play an important role in early learning. In these first years children are taught to follow rules and interact positively with others. When a childcare provider contracts with the ELC, parents can count on their children receiving quality childcare from the start. High quality learning most definitely decides a child’s future.

Polk County Public Schools’ Early Childhood Learning Programs

Polk County Public Schools’ early childhood learning programs are designed to support all families as they take their critical first steps in planning their child’s education. Each child is treated as an individual in an inclusive community that values, respects, and responds to diversity.

Key Features of the Programs

Our early learning classrooms have low student-to-teacher ratios and are staffed by highly qualified instructors with appropriate degrees and state DOE/DCF certifications. Instructors will direct activities and provide consistent daily routines that will offer children opportunities for exploration and learning. Our instructors use research-based techniques to support students’ socialization and language growth.

Additional Support for Providers

The Coalition also supports potential and current providers and we are available to offer information about starting a new child care business and enhancing your program. We are also eager to assist providers with questions about the VPK and School Readiness programs.

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