Previously known as the School Readiness Coalition of Pinellas County, Inc., we became a corporate entity in 2001. We are a private not for profit agency. Our mission is to assist children 0 thru 5 years to develop the skills they need to be ready to enter kindergarten. We also serve school age children before and after school hours.

We believe parents are a child’s first teacher but also recognize the importance of the role of an alternate caregiver when mom and dad must be employed away from the home. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring children receive quality learning experiences whether they are newborn or school age.

To that end we assist low income families with scholarships to help with the costs of their children’s education and care. We also provide scholarship for teachers to continue their education in the field of early childhood education. We assess children for developmental progress. We offer mini grants to assist owners and directors of early learning programs with supplies and materials.

The Coalition is an administrative and planning entity. We disseminate funds contractually to our community partners who provide direct services. Those partners include: Directions for Mental Health, the Pinellas County School District, Coordinated Child Care of Pinellas, St Petersburg College, University of South Florida, All Children’s Hospital, the Juvenile Welfare Board, Head Start, and Pinellas County Licensing Board.

Our latest challenge is implementing and administering the new Voluntary Pre Kindergarten program. We thank our legislators and the Governor for supporting this important learning initiative for all young children.

The Early Learning Coalition is a strong advocate for children, parents and the dedicated individuals who teach and care for the children.