Early Learning Coalition of Florida's Heartland, Inc.

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Early Learning Coalition of Florida's Heartland, Inc. The ELCFH serves the four county area of Charlotte, Desoto, Hardee, and Highlands

The ELCFH is one of 30 Early Learning Coalitions in Florida and has been serving Charlotte, Desoto, Hardee, and Highlands Counties since 2005. We administer state and federal funds to provide financial assistance for child care services to eligible families. Families can also enroll their 4 year olds in the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Programs (VPK) through the ELCFH (visit www.elcfh.org) . The ELCFH offers Child Care Resource and Referral services to assist parents in selecting legally operating childcare. A customized data-base search helps to finds child care services that best meet the needs of the child and the family. Childcare providers contracted with the ELCFH receive onsite technical assistance, trainings, and program assessments to ensure that children receive quality child care services- this helps to support the child's readiness for school entry and ultimately lays the foundation for a lifetime of success!

10/15/2026
10/15/2026

Categorize animals toys in 4 and 2 legs categories activity 🦖🦘🐄🐅🐘🦒🦕🐪🐓🫏

09/24/2026

🍓 Comment “YUM” and we’ll send you activities to help make mealtime easier!

Does your child struggle with extreme picky eating or food textures?

Picky eating is common in childhood—but for some kids, oral and sensory sensitivities can make trying new foods especially challenging.

Some children may stick to a very small list of “safe” foods, often choosing familiar, bland, or crunchy options like bread, chicken nuggets, crackers, and pretzels.

At mealtime, you might notice:
🍴 Gagging with certain textures or flavors
🍴 Refusing unfamiliar, spicy, sour, or strongly flavored foods
🍴 Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or licking foods
🍴 Trouble coordinating the tongue, jaw, or lips
🍴 Messy eating or difficulty using utensils
🍴 Strong reactions to food smells

These behaviors can have many causes, but oral or sensory sensitivities may be one piece of the puzzle.

The good news? There are playful sensory and oral-motor activities that can help kids explore different sensations and build greater comfort around food—without forcing them to eat it. ❤️

Want some activities to try? Comment “YUM” and we’ll send you the link!

09/24/2026
09/24/2026
Please see the latest Teacher Feature!Don't forget to send in your recommendations! We are always looking for ways to pr...
09/22/2026

Please see the latest Teacher Feature!
Don't forget to send in your recommendations! We are always looking for ways to promote the hard work going on out there!!
This feature will celebrate educators who go above and beyond to create nurturing, engaging, and high-quality learning environments for children and families.
The Teacher Feature is an opportunity to:
Showcase strong teacher–child interactions
Highlight creative, intentional, and developmentally appropriate practices
Celebrate dedication, passion, and positive impact on children and families
Share ideas and inspiration with other educators across our community
Featured teachers may be recognized through coalition communications such as email blasts, social media, or our website (with appropriate permissions).
Thank you for all you do for children and families in our community.

We are celebrating Linrae from Joyful Noise!

Address

18501 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL
33948

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

+19412551650

Website

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