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Serving Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, and Sumter Counties
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Inclusion Warm Line
Are you the parent of a young child with special needs?
Do you have questions about how to access services your child may need?
Are you looking for child care for your special needs child?
We’re here to help!
Call (877) 840-5437
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| School Readiness Program Information |
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The school readiness program offers quality early learning experiences to young children with the goal of preparing them for later school success. The Coalition works to offer parents a wide variety of early learning options for their children, including licensed child care centers, license-exempt child care centers, family child care homes, and school-based classrooms. The Coalition works to ensure that all participating providers offer quality programs that meet the requirements of law. School readiness providers offer programs that include:
The school readiness program is open to qualifying children that apply through the simplified point of entry. As funding becomes available, children are placed in the program according to the Coalition's established priorities. Parents or caregivers are assigned a parent fee based on the Coalition's sliding fee scale.
To receive further information, please contact the following local agencies.
In Citrus County:
Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast
1564 N Meadowcrest Blvd, Building C
Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 563-9939
(877) 336-5437
In Dixie, Gilchrist, or Levy County:
Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast
212 N Main St
Chiefland, FL 32626
(352) 490-5855
(877) 804-5437
In Sumter County:
Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast
114 Jumper Drive North
Bushnell, FL 33513
(352) 793-5430
To apply online, visit https://spe.schoolreadiness.org/pe/.
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For a listing of participating school readiness providers throughout our service area, please call or visit your local Early Learning Coalition office.
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| Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program Information |
The voluntary pre-kindergarten program was voted into law by Florida's voters in 2002. The program began with the 2005 - 2006 school year. Children who turn 4 years old prior to September 1 are eligible to participate. This program is free to parents, and is entirely voluntary.
Florida law mandates a school year program which will encompass 540 instructional hours or a summer program which will encompass 300 instructional hours. Parents may choose ONE of the two options. Classes will be available at a variety of programs throughout the area.
Parents may obtain more information about voluntary pre-kindergarten at the state's website http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/EarlyLearning/OEL_Parents_ProgramsServices_VPK.html or by visiting the local Early Learning Coalition office. Please see addresses above.
To apply online, visit https://spe.schoolreadiness.org/pe/.
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For a listing of participating voluntary pre-kindergarten providers throughout our service area, please call or visit your local Early Learning Coalition office.
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| Child Care Resource & Referral Services |
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It is our goal to assist you in locating a quality child care program that meets your family’s needs. Choosing an early care and education provider is one of the most important decisions that families make. It is important to choose a provider who meets the needs of your child and with whom you feel comfortable. We do not license, endorse, or recommend any particular provider.
Each family’s situation and each child is unique; therefore, only you can best determine which program is right for you and your child. Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is a free information and referral service provided by the Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast. Our database includes all legally operating providers (those that have met all state and local licensing or registration requirements) in Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, & Sumter Counties.
Families receive free information on finding & selecting quality child care programs that best meet their needs. Trained staff answer your questions on how to choose the best early learning program for your family. Families are provided with unbiased referrals customized to your individual needs. Referrals and information about other services available in the community are available. Information on financial assistance options is available.
CCR&R makes referrals only, not recommendations.
To receive further information, please contact the following local agencies.
In Citrus County:
Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast
1564 N Meadowcrest Blvd, Building C
Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 563-9939
(877) 336-5437
In Dixie, Gilchrist, or Levy County:
Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast
212 N Main St
Chiefland, FL 32626
(352) 490-5855
(877) 804-5437
In Sumter County:
Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast
114 Jumper Drive North
Bushnell, FL 33513
(352) 793-5430
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| Sumter County ASQ Family Access Pilot Program |
Welcome to Ages & Stages Family Access!
Because your child's first five years of life are so important, we want to help you provide the best start for your child. You've been asked to participate in the Ages & Stages Questionnaires to help you keep track of your child's development. The questionnaire will be provided at least twice per year for your child until he or she becomes kindergarten age. You will be asked to answer questions about some things your child can and cannot do. The questionnaire includes questions about your child's communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal social skills.
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National Association for the Education of Young Children www.naeyc.org
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National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) www.naccrra.org
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