Early Learning Coalition of Polk County

Summer is keeping the ELC of Polk hopping like frogs! 🐸🌞

This week, ELC of Polk Instructional Support staff, together with Polk County Public Schools Early Childhood (EC) Program administrators and coaches, gathered with Trainer Shakira Langley from Frog Street Curriculum. She led an engaging, interactive, and informative Training of Trainers session focused on building high-quality early learning experiences and positive outcomes for young learners in our community.

A big thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this training a success. Together, we are building stronger communities and brighter futures for Polk County’s youngest learners. 💚✨📚

🔍 Need help choosing a childcare center?
Our CCR&R (Child Care Resource & Referral) team is here to guide you in finding a provider that fits your needs, budget, and values.

📍 Live in Polk County?
The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County partners with trusted child care providers to offer this program to eligible families.

📝 Who qualifies?
Eligibility is based on:
📊 Total family income
👨‍👧‍👦 Family size
💼 Parents must be working or enrolled in school

📞 Call or visit our website today at elcpolk.org to get started and see if you qualify! 863-577-2450

Child Care Financial Assistance for those who qualify! ELC Polk County 💸 Struggling with child care costs?Florida’s School Readiness Prog...

Join us today at the Florida Air Museum! Stop by the Early Learning Coalition of Polk’s table for free Highlights magazines, giveaways, and storytime starts at 10 AM! See you soon! 

Summer Learning Expedition: Week 1 - Play is Learning!

Mission: Superhero Names!

⭐Invite your child to use Play-Doh to create superhero badges with cookie cutters or cups. Encourage them to decorate their badges and make them unique!

⭐Have your child shape the letters of their name or the first letter of “Superhero” out of Play-Doh for a fun, hands-on literacy boost.

Superhero Skills Being Built:
* Fine motor strength for writing, buttoning, zipping, and everyday tasks
* Hand-eye coordination
* Creativity and imagination
* Letter recognition

⏰ Kindergarten Connection
Squishing, rolling, pinching, and shaping Play-Doh strengthens the small muscles in children’s hands—muscles they’ll use for writing, cutting, and daily self-help skills. 💪🏽

Is your child 4 years old or will be turning 4 by Sept 1? If so, the VPK program is for you!

Click below to apply for a VPK certificate today!

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) | ELC Polk Learn about eligibility and enrollment process for programs like Readiness, VPK, and CCR&R in the Family Portal. Check the ELC POLK Family Resources today!

We had a fantastic time this Saturday at our Family Fun Day! A huge thank you to our wonderful sponsors: BayCare for providing free autism screenings, YMCA of West Central Florida for keeping our families fueled for a fun-filled day, Frog Street for keeping everyone refreshed at our Hydration Station, and Highlights Early Learning for the delicious free SNO KONE and popcorn table and MarcoPolo Learning for yummy ICE CREAM! Your support made the day extra special!

Take a look at some of our favorite smiles and memorable moments from Saturday! 🍿🎈

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day truly amazing. 💜

Thank you to all the families, community partners, volunteers, vendors, and staff, who joined us today!❤️

Enjoy these snapshots from the event. Next week, will be shining a spotlight on some of the amazing people and community partners who made the day possible, so stay tuned! 

🎉👇🏽One final FAMILY FUN DAY challenge before Saturday, the BIG day!

Can you unscramble these letters? What TWO WORDS do these letters spell? Drop your answer in the comments below! ⬇️🍿