Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County

Description

The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County (Coalition) is the third smallest Early Learning Coalition in the State of Florida. Centrally located, the Coalition provides School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-kindergarten services to Osceola County residents as one (1) of sixteen (16) single county coalitions. The Coalition serves a total of approximately 1726 children in the school readiness program with approximately 910 on the waitlist, and up to 1588 in the 2005-06 VPK school year program. Based on the results of a recent community assessment and the overall strengths and weaknesses of Osceola County, the Coalition has identified the following as areas of opportunities: 1) a high need for early learning initiatives designed to support the rich cultural diversity of Osceola's families and children; 2) a concentrated focus on preparing children ages birth to five (0-5) to ensure they are school ready to maximize future success; 3) a concentrated focus on strengthening the quality of early education and care programs and child care provider staff skills to ensure maximum learning gains in child outcomes; 4) a concentrated focus on strengthening the parent's role and understanding of the importance of being their child's first teacher; 5) to increase community awareness and involvement regarding early education; and 6) additional preparation with child care providers in dealing with emergencies, including hurricanes and other potential disasters.