The Great Services at Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando County
by Deborah Holmen, M.Ed., NBCT
For most parents, one priority at or near the top of the list is providing their children with the best education and tools to help them grow and develop. In Greater Tampa Bay, many families have been fortunate to have the assistance of the Early Learning Coalition in Pasco and Hernando (ELCPH) to help them navigate early education for their children.
Since 2005, ELCPH has provided vital support to families with early childhood literacy and development tools. Its primary objective is to lay the foundation for a child’s educational and social-emotional development, preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond. Their ultimate goal is to empower parents through accessible educational resources so that they can support and nurture their children’s growth and development.
According to Executive Director Steve Knobl, Ph.D., “Every child, including their caregiver and educator, deserves the best possible resources to help them succeed. Our expertise and commitment to early education continues to propel us into the future as we strive to ensure a high-quality early childhood education for all children and families across our communities.”
ELCPH impact in Pasco and Hernando Counties for the 2022/2023 school year:
- ELCPH serves approximately 3,500 School Readiness children throughout the year. The School Readiness (SR) program offers financial assistance to eligible families needing affordable quality childcare for children aged birth–12 years old.
- ELCPH prepared 6,250 children for Kindergarten through our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK). VPK is a free educational program for all four-year-olds to prepare children for kindergarten.
- ELCPH connects over 9,000 families with community resources. The Child Care Resources and Referrals (CCR&R) program is a free, confidential service that helps families select quality early learning programs for children birth through age five, and for school-age children.
- 231 childcare providers are contracted with the ELCPH in Pasco and Hernando counties.
Transition to Kindergarten Initiative
At five years old, transitioning to kindergarten is a big change. However, ELCPH believes this transition can become an exciting opportunity for growth and learning with the proper support and resources.
Recently, ELCPH hosted a free Transition to K event, in partnership with Pasco County Libraries in Holiday, Florida. This event aimed to provide VPK families with essential supplies, such as backpacks and school materials, and familiarize them with new settings, expectations and relationships.
Events like these, where parents are equipped and encouraged in their efforts toward their children’s early learning, are a great way to ease transitions and connect families with valuable community resources.
Promise Institute and The START Initiative
ELCPH’s Promise Institute provides year-round training for early learning professionals to help them create the best possible learning environment for ELCPH’s programming.
Additionally, the recently implemented family education training platform includes a free virtual workshop called The START Initiative. This initiative provides parents and caregivers with tools and strategies for relationship-based parenting and support during the child’s formative years.
Utilizing the Circle of Security curriculum, the ELCPH teaches healthy attachment and relationships, leading to increased mental wellness, higher self-esteem and emotional stability in children, as well as improved school readiness. By taking advantage of programs like these, that help to develop the whole child, local parents benefit from the ELCPH’s commitment to making a positive impact.
ELCPH’s community contributions would not be possible without the support of various organizations. United Way of Pasco and Hernando Counties has been instrumental in funding and ensuring families have access to these critical resources.
To support START or any of ELCPH’s early learning programs, visit https://elcph.org/donate/.
For more information about ELCPH visit www.elcph.org.
