Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County

The Early Learning Coalition provides administration and oversight of the local, integrated system of early education for preschool age children in Sarasota County, ensuring quality childcare and early learning programs, family access to services, and positive outcomes for young children. The ELC serves over 4000 children and assists 200 providers annually.

The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County was originally incorporated in May 2000 as the School Readiness Coalition of Sarasota County, Inc., as a 501 c (3) non-profit organization. Legislation outlines the responsibilities for Early Learning Coalitions across the state including oversight for the delivery of local early education services, establishes thresholds for spending categories, including an administrative cap of 5%, and determines the composition of its Board of Directors. Our local Coalition currently administers a program of $11 million of local, state and federal funds, that are used to:

-Parents are given information and options for finding quality child care
-Children are provided age appropriate developmental screenings and assessments
-Child Care providers are offered a wide range of services to create and maintain high quality child care and preschool learning environments
-Variety of educational resources on child development and early literacy are provided.