Serving Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, and Sumter Counties
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All children will have access to quality early education and care, and enter school ready to learn.
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The Coalition will collaborate with parents to integrate a system of services and facilitate quality early education programs that include linkages to all areas of child development.
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| About the Early Learning Coalition |
The Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, was established following the enactment of Florida Statute 411.01 and HB 1A that establishes Florida's Office of Early Learning and local early learning coalitions. The Florida Legislature recognized that "school readiness programs increase children's chances of achieving future educational success and becoming productive members of society". The Legislature intends for the local early learning coalitions to establish programs and policies to prepare Florida's youngest citizens for success in school. The Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast operates the School Readiness Program and the Voluntary PreKindergarten Program in Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, and Sumter Counties.
The Coalition has established a Board of Directors representing all five counties served. This Board brings together the primary agencies in our area that work with children, including the Department of Children and Families, the local school boards, Head Start programs, the Workforce Board, the Board of County Commissioners, the local community college, child care provider representatives, and the private business sector.
The Coalition Board of Directors is responsible for:
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Developing a plan for implementing the School Readiness and Voluntary PreKindergarten Programs in accordance with applicable guidelines
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Providing School Readiness programs on a full-day, year-round basis to the maximum extent possible
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Providing a single point of entry and a unified waiting list
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Establishing a sliding fee scale for the School Readiness services
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Establishing reimbursement rates for School Readiness providers
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Providing direct enhancement services to families and children in the School Readiness Program
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Developing strategies to meet the needs of unique populations
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Establishing specific eligibility priorities, in accordance with applicable guidelines
The Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast contracts with local child care providers to offer quality early learning programs that include:
- Research-based early learning activities and instruction
- Developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the Florida Early Learning Standards
- Literacy programs
- Character development programs
- Individual learning plans for children needing specific interventions
- Healthy, safe learning environments
- Appropriate staff-to-child ratios
- Personnel with required qualifications and background screening clearance
- Family-friendly environments that support parent involvement opportunities
- Services for children age birth through age twelve
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| Sponsor a Child's Education |
We would like to offer you the opportunity to help us provide services to children in our community. Please visit our Donate! page to find out about how you can partner with us.
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Please visit the Meeting Information page.
Agendas will be available approximately one week prior to meeting dates.
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Administrative Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
9:00 a.m.
Early Learning Coalition Office, Building C
1560 N Meadowcrest Blvd
Crystal River, FL 34429
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Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
9:00 a.m.
Early Learning Coalition Office, Building C
1560 N Meadowcrest Blvd
Crystal River, FL 34429
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Crystal River Office
1564 N. Meadowcrest Blvd.
Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 563-9939
(352) 563-5933 fax
(877) 336-5437 toll free
| Chiefland Office
216 N. Main St.
Chiefland, FL 32626
(352) 490-5855
(352) 490-6762 fax
(877) 840-5437 toll free
| Bushnell Office
114 Jumper Dr. North
Bushnell, FL 33513
(352) 793-5430
(352) 793-6230 fax
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