ELC Home 2023

Early Learning Coalition Overview

The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County is the community’s one-stop resource for information about early learning experiences in Sarasota County.

Through its leadership and a focus on its mission to prepare children for lifelong success through quality early learning, the ELC of Sarasota County works collaboratively to ensure that:

• All children receive high-quality care and learning
• All families have the support they need for their children to succeed
• All children are ready for their academic and lifelong success

Our services are provided within what is called a Two-Generation framework where we provide resources and support for both the child and the parents to succeed. Our work helps to ensure that young children are ready for Kindergarten and thus supports our community’s Grade Level reading campaign.

We also work with local community child care/early education programs to ensure that they are offering high quality early learning environments. We administer our local Look for the Stars program, a 5-star rating system now in its 13th year.

Early learning experiences are critical for lifelong success because the majority of brain development occurs in early childhood and those early learning experiences impact children for a lifetime.

Public Notice: ELC of Sarasota Board of Directors typically meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm . Some months there is not a meeting so please call to confirm. For ELC Board workgroup meetings (Budget and Finance/Governance Committee or other workgroups):  check calendar for posted dates and times.  Please contact the ELC with any questions.