Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast

11/02/2026

November is Family Engagement Month!

Consider a Family Game Night!

Choose a board game, card game, or favorite activity that everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s a little friendly competition or lots of laughter, playing together creates meaningful opportunities for families to connect.

Family game nights help children develop important skills such as taking turns, following directions, problem-solving, communication, and learning how to win and lose graciously.

Remember, some of the best learning happens through everyday moments spent together!

Put down the screens, pull out the board games, and make some memories! 🎲❤️

10/29/2026

📚❤️ A BIG THANK YOU to New Covenant United Methodist Church!

Thank you for once again purchasing books for every early learning program in Sumter County in support of Celebrate Literacy Florida 2027! Your continued generosity helps our youngest learners discover the joy of reading and build a lifelong love of books. 📖✨

We are so grateful for your continued investment in our children and their bright futures! ❤️

10/28/2026

🎁 The holiday season is right around the corner!🎄

Toys for Tots registration is now open for families in Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy counties.

Check out the flyer for registration dates, required documents, and pickup information. Please share with any families who may benefit from this resource!

10/20/2026

JOIN US TODAY!!

📅 MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!

We’re getting ready for our next Provider Meeting!

Join us October 20, 2026 for updates, important information, and an opportunity to connect with our Early Learning community. 💙

For more information visit https://www.elc-naturecoast.org .

10/06/2026

✨ CLASS Quick Tip: Language Modeling ✨

Every conversation is an opportunity to help children build their language skills! 💬📚

Ask open ended questions, introduce new vocabulary, and build on what children say to keep conversations going. Small changes in the way we talk with children can lead to BIG interactions and meaningful learning! 🌟

10/01/2026

📅 MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!

We’re getting ready for our next Provider Meeting!

Join us October 20, 2026 for updates, important information, and an opportunity to connect with our Early Learning community. 💙

For more information visit https://www.elc-naturecoast.org .

09/30/2026

YOU’RE INVITED!

Join us for our next Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM.

This meeting is an opportunity to stay connected, learn more about the work happening across our region, and be part of the conversations that help shape a strong foundation for children and families. You may attend the meeting virtually or in person at our office.

More information: www.elc-naturecoast.org/boardcalendar

09/29/2026

It’s time for another CLASS Quick Tip! 🌟

This week, we’re focusing on Quality of Feedback and going beyond “Good job!” to give children meaningful feedback that helps them think, problem solve, and build on what they already know.

💡 Ask follow up questions, offer helpful hints, and encourage children to explain their thinking. Small changes in our conversations can lead to BIG learning moments!

09/23/2026

The Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast is proud to have wrapped up our annual state program audit with Florida’s Division of Early Learning! 🎉

We received wonderful feedback from the audit team, who recognized our staff’s teamwork, professionalism, and commitment to serving children, families, and early learning providers across our communities.

We are incredibly proud of our entire ELC Nature Coast team and the work they do every day! 💙

A special thank you to the Florida Division of Early Learning audit team for their time and positive feedback.

📸 Pictured: ELC Nature Coast Leadership Team with the Florida Division of Early Learning Audit Team from Tallahassee.

09/22/2026

✨ CLASS Quick Tip! ✨

Great learning happens when children have opportunities to think, wonder, and make connections! 💭

When asking questions, go beyond “What?” and try adding a “Why?” or “How?” Encourage children to explain their thinking, make predictions, solve problems, and connect new ideas to their everyday experiences.

Small changes in our conversations can lead to BIG interactions! 💜📚