EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF INDIAN RIVER MARTIN & OKEECHOBEE COUNTIES

THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY OFFERS SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMS TO QUALIFIED PARENTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES. THE AGE RANGES ELIGIBLE FOR SERVICES ARE FROM INFANTS TO SCHOOL AGE. SERVICES THAT ARE USUALLY OFFERED ARE FULL DAY, EXTENDED DAY, AND EXTENDED YEAR. SCHOOL READINESS PROVIDERS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF INDIAN RIVER, MARTIN, AND OKEECHOBEE COUNTIES, INC., PROVIDE A VARIETY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES SUCH AS: -AGE-APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS ARE ADMINISTERED TO IDENTIFY AREAS IN NEED OF FURTHER EVALUATION AND REFERRAL. PARENTS ARE PARTNERS IN THIS PROCESS. -AGE-APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENTS ARE ADMINISTERED AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF THE YEAR TO MEASURE DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRESS -PARENT INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS. -REFERRALS TO HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL SPECIALISTS (IF NEEDED) -INCLUSION SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES OR DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS -ENSURING DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE CURRICULA AND PRACTICES ARE USED -PROVIDING EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO CHILD CARE PROVIDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY OFFERS FREE VPK AVAILABLE TO ALL FLORIDA FOUR-YEAR-OLDS. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION AND ACTIVITIES TO PREPARE CHILDREN FOR KINDERGARTEN. VPK IS OFFERED THROUGH APPROVED PRIVATE LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTERS, LICENSED FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES, FAITH-BASED PROVIDERS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. THE PROGRAM GIVES FAMILIES TWO CHOICES TO PARTICIPATE: A 540 INSTRUCTIONAL HOUR SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAM OR A 300 HOUR SUMMER PROGRAM.