Families

As a caretaker, you play an important role in your child’s development and learning. The Early Learning Coalition is dedicated to supporting you and your child’s development while navigating their early learning years.

School Readiness

The School Readiness (SR) program offers financial assistance to eligible families in need of affordable quality child care for children, age birth – 12 years old. School Readiness funds pay a portion of child care costs based on the family’s income and risk factors. Each School Readiness program provides a developmental screening for children and referrals to specific health and educational specialists, if needed.

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The Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) is a free program for children who reside in Florida and are 4 years old on or before September 1 of each year.

VPK is designed to prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. VPK supports the development of early literacy, executive functioning, and social emotional skills.

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Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is a free confidential service that helps families select quality early learning programs for children birth through 5 as well as programs for school age children.

CCR&R services include information about child development and developmentally preferred practices, community resources, consumer education, and financial assistance options.

Our trained CCR&R staff can help answer questions about identifying quality early learning programs. Staff will provide families with a list of child care providers customized to meet your family’s specific needs.

All families receiving Child Care Resource and Referral services will be contacted to complete a voluntary survey to gauge your customer service experience with our office. All responses are anonymous and confidential and will not affect your services.

Contact Us

CCR&R family and provider contact information is 727-233-8291.

Hours of operation Monday – Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm

START Initiative

START is a program for families!!! The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties knows how much you love your children. We know you are invested in their success. We realize these are uncertain and stressful times we are living in. By joining START, you will receive tools and strategies for relationship-based parenting and support to help during these challenging times and beyond.

Pasco and Hernando County Families! The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. invites families to participate in the following FREE activities. START ACTIVITIES:

Participate in the Circle of Security® Parenting™Virtual Workshop. This virtual course is designed for families. Who should attend? Mom, Dad, Step-Parents, Grandparents, Guardians and so on.

Participate in FREE family events. Fun for the whole family! Receive participation incentives (FREE prizes for completing the program).

Participants receive a free book, “Raising a Secure Child.” This book is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.

Circle of Security Virtual Workshop Dates

Thursday, September 12th, 2024 - 6:30 PM
Thursday, September 19th, 2024 - 6:30 PM
Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 - 6:30 PM
Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 - 6:30 PM
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 - 6:30 PM
Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 - 6:30 PM
Thursday, October 17th, 2024 - 6:30 PM

Sign up today! Space is limited.

To register or for more information please contact Brenda Mayo at b.mayo@elcph.org.

Our Community Partners

The Promise Institute now has adult education available for parents, caregivers and other members of the community who are related to the growth and development of Early Learners!

Early Educators Learn MoreFamily & Community Learn More

Transition to Kindergarten

Transition refers to the totality of experiences and opportunities a child encounters in moving from one program or setting to another. Opportunities and experiences that familiarize children and families with new settings, expectations and relationships can help make connections that ease adjustments.