Board Member
Coalitions were created in statute to oversee and improve the readiness and successful outcomes of children birth to kindergarten in the community (F.S. 411.01 and F.S. 1002). The Governor appoints the Chair and additional private sector members. More than one-third of the members of each Early Learning Coalition must be private sector business members within the geographic region served by the Coalition. A minimum of 18 and a maximum of 35 may serve on the local Coalition Board.
Board Roles
- Establish strategic direction
- Ensure resources are available
- Provider oversight / accountability
- Ensure legal and ethical operations: Government in the Sunshine
Basic Responsibilities
- Determine mission and purpose
- Select, evaluate, and support the executive director
- Ensure effective organizational planning
- Ensure adequate resources
- Manage resources effectively
- Determine, monitor, and strengthen the Coalition’s programs and services
- Enhance the Coalition’s public standing
- Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability
- Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance
- Provide outreach and advocacy for Coalition’s mission
Early Learning Coalition
- Board Member Expectation Statement
- Attend board meetings, special committee meetings, special
events as appropriate - Be knowledgeable and informed of the Coalition’s mission,
vision, and overall purpose - Review the agenda and supporting materials prior to the
meetings and contribute positively to the discussion - Become familiar with the Bylaws and follow them
- Recognize that the only employee of the board is the executive
director; the executive director directs the activities of the staff - Become knowledgeable about the field of early care and
education and the importance of quality experiences birth
to five - Serve as an ambassador promoting the work of the Coalition
- Abide by a code of ethics and Government in the Sunshine laws
- Exercise fiduciary oversight by reviewing financial information
and asking relevant questions - Participate in the annual evaluation of the executive director
- Participate in an annual self-assessment for board members
Personal Characteristics Desired
- Ability to analyze and synthesize information, work well in
groups and listen to the thoughts and opinions of others - Willingness to leverage relationships in personal and
professional spheres of influence to further the work of
the Coalition - Willingness to work and problem solve with individuals of
diverse backgrounds and ethnicity demonstrating mutual
respect - Respect for and adherence to governing laws of the Coalition
- Friendliness, responsiveness, honesty, integrity, and a sense of humor are paramount