Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend

06/22/2026

What a sweet weekend in Jefferson County!

ELC of the Big Bend was proud to be a community partner at the 75th Annual Watermelon Festival in Monticello, where we spent Friday and Saturday connecting with families, sharing resources, and celebrating all things summer.

Families stopped by our table to learn about our programs and services, take home free children's books, and test their math skills in our "Guess the Weight" watermelon contest.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and to the organizers for another wonderful community event.

06/21/2026

From reading bedtime stories and teaching life lessons to offering encouragement, guidance, and unconditional support, father figures play an important role in a child's growth and development. Research shows that positive, engaged adults help children build confidence, strengthen language skills, develop healthy relationships, and create a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Whether connected by birth, family, friendship, or circumstance, the impact of a caring father figure can last a lifetime.

On this Father's Day, we thank all those who show up, cheer children on, and help them learn, grow, and thrive.

Happy Father's Day to the men making a difference in the lives of children across the Big Bend and beyond.

06/18/2026

What an amazing opportunity for caregivers of young children! Check it out below:

Parents and Caregivers of children 18-48 months old this reading program is for you and your child. Learn new reading skills, get books to read with your child and gift card for participation.

To sign up complete these 2 steps:

1.) Sign-up form: https://fsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fh3tMBS3XEa7oq

2.) Consent form: https://powerforms.docusign.net/1e55ec7d-8967-4ae9-aad7-abfe2646e874?env=na2&acct=bbd3fb70-de37-466f-ac80-68eba334294a&accountId=bbd3fb70-de37-466f-ac80-68eba334294a
Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin & Okeechobee Early Learning Coalition of Brevard Early Learning Coalition of Lake County WFSU Education Florida Association for the Education of Young Children Capital Area Community Action Head Start Florida Head Start Association

06/17/2026

Our offices will be closed on Thursday, June 18, in recognition of Juneteenth as we honor this important day of reflection and history.

We will reopen to the public on Monday, June 22. Please note that hours of operation may vary by location.

Need to apply for VPK or School Readiness tuition assistance? Families can access services anytime, day or night, by visiting www.elcbigbend.org

06/15/2026

After an incredibly competitive application process, we are excited to introduce our 2026 Kidpreneurs!

The selected Kidpreneurs represent multiple counties, schools, and communities throughout the Big Bend region. Ranging in age from 8 to 12 years old, these participants are preparing to spend their summer beating the summer slump by developing products, building business skills, and gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience.

Be sure to follow our page as we share their progress, showcase their creations, and celebrate their achievements leading up to the 2026 Kidpreneur Community Market!

Kidpreneur is funded in part through a grant from the Truist Foundation. Their support helps make family engagement opportunities like this possible, encouraging caregivers and children to learn together while continuing to strengthen important math, science, and reading skills during the summer months.

Congratulations to our 2026 Kidpreneurs! We can't wait to see what you create.

06/09/2026

A huge thank you to the students of Maclay School School for choosing ELC of the Big Bend as part of their volunteer day!

Their team helped our staff organize, sort, and prepare materials that will be distributed to local early educators and families throughout our seven-county service area. Their hard work and positive attitude made a tremendous impact, helping us work more efficiently and extend the reach of our programs and services.

Behind every prepared resource and organized supply is a family, child, or educator who will benefit from it. We are grateful for these students' willingness to give their time in support of our mission of building bright futures for children and families across the Big Bend.

Thank you for making a difference in your community!

06/08/2026

Child care is one of the biggest expenses many families face each month. The good news? More Big Bend families may now qualify for help.

Recent changes to income eligibility guidelines mean that families who may not have qualified in the past could now be eligible for School Readiness child care tuition assistance.

If you've never applied before, now is the time to take another look. A little help with a big monthly bill can make a big difference for your family.

Learn more and apply today: https://elcbigbend.org/parents/school-readiness/

06/05/2026

Are you a natural relationship-builder? A problem-solver? Someone who loves helping others succeed?

Take our quick career quiz and discover where your strengths might shine at ELC of the Big Bend! No wrong answers. Just different ways to make a difference.

If you're passionate about strengthening families, supporting educators, and building brighter futures for children in our community, we'd love to meet you.

Apply today: ELCBigBend.org/Careers

06/04/2026

¿Necesita ayuda para acceder a servicios de cuidado infantil y aprendizaje temprano?

En la ELC, estamos comprometidos a garantizar que todas las familias tengan acceso al apoyo que necesitan. Nuestra Especialista Bilingüe de Servicio al Cliente está disponible para ayudar a las familias hispanohablantes con:

• Solicitudes para la asistencia de matrícula de cuidado infantil del programa School Readiness
• Inscripción en el programa de Prekindergarten Voluntario (VPK)
• Conexión con recursos locales para familias y aprendizaje temprano

El idioma nunca debe ser una barrera para acceder a oportunidades de aprendizaje de calidad para sus hijos. Estamos aquí para ayudarle en cada paso del camino.

Contáctenos hoy para obtener más información.

06/03/2026

When the school year ends, hunger doesn’t take a summer break.

For many children, school meals are a dependable source of nutrition each day. That’s why programs like Summer BreakSpot matter so deeply to families across our community. Check out the map below to learn more.

☀️ Summer BreakSpot is serving meals at no cost for kids while school is out! No application needed! Site locations and operating times are updated daily, to view the map, visit https://www.summerbreakspot.org/find-location/ ! 🍎🥪🥤