Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate freedom and remember the importance of fairness, kindness, and belonging. In observance of Juneteenth, our offices will be closed, July 19, as we honor and celebrate freedom, resilience, and community. ❤️🖤💚

Here are a few ways families can celebrate together:
✨ Create “freedom flags” with red, white, and blue art supplies
✨ Make red sensory bins or collages symbolizing resilience
✨ Plant seeds together and talk about growth and hope
✨ Enjoy music, movement, and kid-friendly red foods like strawberries or watermelon 🍉

When children see history and culture respected, they feel safe, valued, and connected. 💛

Have concerns or want more ideas to support your child’s development? Help Me Grow can connect families to free developmental screenings, resources, and supports.

📞 Call/Text: (727) 454-4547
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: elcpinellas.org/helpmegrow

Every child learns differently — and every learner deserves understanding, and celebration. 🌟

Supportive learning environments help every child feel valued, and empowered to succeed. By embracing all children, we create spaces where all learners can thrive in their own unique way.

The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas Early Intervention team can help connect families to developmental screenings, early intervention resources, and support services to help children reach their full potential.

Help Me Grow Pinellas (HMGP) and Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) were proud to participate in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (JHACH) Community Health Expo at the outpatient center! 💙

Community partners from across Pinellas County came together to share valuable resources, promote health and wellness, and connect families with services that support a healthier community.

Thank you to all the agencies working together to make a positive impact for children, families, and our community! 🌟

Looking for high-quality child care? 🧸📚

The My Florida Schools makes it easier for families to search for child care and early learning programs that meet their needs. Parents can explore early learning provider information, program details, and school readiness resources all in one place. 💙

Finding quality early learning options are an important step in supporting your child’s learning, growth, and development — and helpful tools are available to guide you along the way! Start exploring today and find the right fit for your family at https://www.fldoe.org/myfloridaschools/. ✨

Happy National Family Health & Fitness Day! 💪

Movement is more than just exercise — it helps children build motor skills, coordination, focus, and healthy habits that support growth and development.

The best part? Movement can be FUN! Try these family-friendly activities today:
🐻 Animal walks like bears, frogs, or penguins
🦵 Cross crawl marches to wake up the brain
🪢 Invisible jump rope challenges
⭐ Jumping jack competitions
🪞 Mirror movement games with a partner
🙌 Wall push-ups for a quick energy boost

Add silly faces, races, or music to make it even more exciting! 🎶

Have concerns or want more ideas to support your child’s development? Help Me Grow offers free developmental screenings and can connect families to helpful resources and supports.

📞 Call/Text: (727) 454-4547
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: elcpinellas.org/helpmegrow

We're excited to be partnering with the Learning Coalition of Pinellas County tomorrow for a special training focused on:

Building Sustainable Early Learning Programs in Changing Communities

Child Care Biz Help Co-Founder Caroline Jens will be sharing insights on:

✅ Demographic and enrollment trends impacting Pinellas County

✅ Marketing and visibility strategies that help programs stand out

✅ Family engagement and retention best practices

✅ Leveraging AI and technology to work smarter

✅ Building stronger community partnerships

✅ Creating sustainable programs that thrive in a changing environment

The early childhood landscape is evolving, but with the right strategies, there are tremendous opportunities ahead for programs committed to serving children and families.

A huge thank you to the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County for investing in local providers and creating opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

🎒✨ Big adventures start with little learners! Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) helps children build important skills for kindergarten through play, learning, creativity, and social interaction.

VPK is more than preparing for kindergarten — it’s helping children grow into confident, curious learners ready to shine! 🌟

Ready to sign up for VPK? Here’s how:
✔️ Visit the Family Portal
✔️ Complete your child’s VPK application
✔️ Upload required documents like proof of age and Florida residency
✔️ Receive your VPK certificate and choose a participating provider

Learn more at elcpinellas.org.

🧒❤️ Parents—we know child care costs can be overwhelming.
We can help find you resources to reduce child care expenses so your child can access safe, high‑quality early learning.

How we can help:
• Registration Help for Florida’s FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
We help families enroll in Florida’s FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program to prepare children for kindergarten and future success.
• Child Care Financial Assistance Support
Get guidance with the financial assistance application for child care, so you can work or attend school with peace of mind. Eligible families receive assistance based on income, household size, and need.
• Expert Guidance for Families
Receive personalized lists of local child care and early learning providers that fit your family’s specific needs.📲 Learn more at ELCPinellas.org.

🧒❤️ Padres: sabemos que los costos del cuidado infantil pueden ser abrumadores.

Podemos ayudaros a encontrar recursos para reducir los gastos de cuidado infantil, de modo que vuestros hijos puedan acceder a una educación temprana segura y de alta calidad.

Cómo podemos ayudar:
• Ayuda para inscribirse en el programa gratuito de preescolar voluntario (VPK) de Florida Ayudamos a las familias a inscribirse en el programa gratuito de preescolar voluntario (VPK) de Florida para preparar a los niños para el jardín de infancia y el éxito futuro.
• Ayuda financiera para el cuidado infantil Obtén orientación sobre la solicitud de ayuda financiera para el cuidado infantil, para que puedas trabajar o asistir a la escuela con tranquilidad. Las familias que reúnen los requisitos reciben ayuda en función de sus ingresos, el tamaño del hogar y sus necesidades.
• Orientación experta para familias Recibe listas personalizadas de proveedores locales de cuidado infantil y aprendizaje temprano que se adapten a las necesidades específicas de tu familia. 📲 Más información en ELCPinellas.org.

Friendships help children learn important social skills like sharing, kindness, teamwork, and communication. From building together to taking turns during play, every interaction helps children grow and connect.

Classroom friendship activities like partner games, kindness crafts, and sharing circles can help children practice being caring and supportive friends. 🌟

A little kindness can make a big difference. Celebrate friendship today! 💕

Nature is one of the best classrooms for young children. Outdoor play, sensory exploration, and hands-on activities help children learn about the world around them while building curiosity and creativity. 🍃☀️

Try celebrating today with:
♻️ Recycling crafts using household items
🪴 Nature scavenger hunts and sensory play
📚 Outdoor story time or art activities
🌼 Simple outdoor classroom experiences that inspire exploration

Small moments in nature can create big learning opportunities for little minds. 💚