Early Learning Coalition of Marion County Inc

The ELCMC is running critically low on toddler diapers, sizes 2T and larger. We are asking those of you who are able to consider a donation.

You can purchase diapers and drop them off to the ELCMC office: 2300 SW 17th Road, Ocala, during business hours (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) OR you can order them online and have them delivered to us at the address above.

Your generosity will help put these much needed resources in the hands of local parents/caregivers who depend on this outreach.

Thank you in advance. Please feel free to share this post.

COME SEE US! We are excited to be a part of this family, fun event. Please save the date and make it an afternoon of reading fun to remember!

Our 2024/2025 COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN calendars are now available. Families can enjoy tips, resources, ideas and information in both English and Spanish!

Each of our service departments are highlighted to help you understand what we offer and how it can benefit your little learner(s)!

Stop by and grab one today!

www.elc-marion.org

Our 2024/2025 COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN calendars are now available. Families can enjoy tips, resources, ideas and information in both English and Spanish!

There's some great Help Me Grow Marion County information included so make sure you grab one and check us out!

Help Me Grow Florida

Due to continued weather effects from Hurricane Debby, the Coalition office is closed Monday, August 5, 2024.

If immediate assistance is needed, please call 352-369-2315.

We have staff available to assist you remotely. Please note that power and internet outages may affect response times, but we will return messages as soon as possible.

We anticipate reopening the Coalition office on Tuesday, August 6 at 7 AM.

We urge everyone to monitor weather alerts and stay safe.

www.ELC-Marion.org

In just a few months, Marion County registrations in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library have exceeded expectations.

Help us ensure all eligible children in our community receive free books. Donate online to put more books in the hands of more children.

Go to https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/?country=US&affid=FLMARIONCO

The ELCMC has several positions open. If you've ever wanted a career in the early learning sector, working with an amazing non-profit, this might be your chance!

Visit https://www.elc-marion.org/about-us/careers/ to see a full list of open positions, job descriptions, etc.

We look forward to working with you ;)

Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. launched the Commissioner’s Book of the Month, a monthly reading challenge to promote literacy and reading engagement in K-12 schools. Literacy skills developed during formative years are essential for students to succeed both academically and in life, and reading comprehension develops as students engage with interesting and meaningful books. Teachers and parents are encouraged to recommend these books to students.

“The Commissioner’s Book of the Month will be an opportunity to highlight authors and titles, offering students rewarding opportunities for classroom and at-home discussion. This new initiative will add to Florida’s ever-present focus on providing students access to challenging books that increase critical thinking skills and deepen understanding.” ~ Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr.

July 2024

PreK – Proud Little Patriot by Alla Belousov
K-2 – F is for Flag by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
3-5 – The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
6-8 – And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz
9-12 – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Whether you have concerns or simply want to learn more about your child’s development, is here for you at absolutely no cost.

ELCMC's Help Me Grow provides:

• A care coordinator to help answer any questions you have about child development
• Customized support and connection to community services
• Free developmental and behavioral screenings
• Parenting tips and developmental activities

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR FREE SCREENING: https://helpmegrowfl.org/request-a-screening/

Help Me Grow Florida

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Thank you, Yuly, for sharing Your Two Cent$! We would love to hear from more or our participants and sponsor programs. Visit our website to see how your story or words could be featured in a future post.

Thank you to our funders Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, Early Learning Coalition of Marion County Inc, Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, and Early Learning Coalition Of Osceola County for making INCENTIVE$ possible for Yuly and other participants!

Research shows curiosity triggers areas in the brain that help us become better at learning skills and retaining information. Children's natural curiosity should remain an insatiable thirst that lasts well beyond the formative years.

MarcoPolo World School was created to enhance children's appetite for inquiry, to extend their learning experiences, to encourage, to nurture, and to fan the flames of childlike wonder.

For more information, visit https://marcopoloworldschool.com/.

Facebook says it's PARENT APPRECIATION DAY so we are thrilled to have this opportunity to express gratitude towards our ELCMC parents & caregivers.

Our organization works with moms and dads and caregivers through a variety of programs and enrollments, each and every day. We celebrate each of you, knowing you are investing in your little learners and simply making the world a better, more successful place!

Today is YOUR day!

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced a new website to collect family-oriented, kid-friendly recipes for a project designed to benefit the Hope Florida Fund. She invites Floridians and parents from across the state to submit their favorite recipes.

They are searching for the best family-friendly recipes from around the state of Florida­ – especially those the kids can help prepare!

• What are your go-to meals that leave your kids asking for seconds?

• Is there a recipe you grew up making with your parents or grandparents that has a special place in your heart?

• What are some recipes with a Florida flare that you can easily make with your children?

To submit, visit https://www.floridarecipes.com/submit-a-recipe/

It's WORLD EMOJI DAY so let's have some fun!

Comment with the emoji you use the most OR an emoji to show us the kind of day you're having!

Hoping it's all 😀 👍 🫶 🌈 for you today!

• Back to School Vaccinations are available now! •

Thank you .health

Join us this Friday for READING WITH THE RANGERS, hosted by Ocala Recreation and Parks.

And, check out all of our upcoming events on our website!

Events for July 2024 – Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc. Reading with a Ranger is a program that brings literacy and the importance of reading into the parks of Ocala. Each Friday the City of Ocala Park Rangers gather in a different park to read stories to kids. Children and parents are exposed to the different parks that Ocala has to offer, and all the d...

Inside every issue of , you will find "SEEDS: Early Learning Grows Here" - where we share information on a variety of services we offer and how they directly benefit local families and, ultimately, the entire county and beyond.

Here is a sneak peek at our August/September article, "Why Is It Important for Children to Have a Primary Doctor?" which offers some information on Help Me Grow Marion County.

Please give it a read and look for the print copy - out in August!

Why is it Important for Children to Have a Primary Doctor? Written by the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County

❓ WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ELCMC ❓

Q: "Are you a childcare center?"
Q: "Are you a daycare or school?"
A: Nope!

So, what ARE we, exactly?

We ARE an organization that offers new and innovative approaches to improving the quality and availability of early education opportunities for every child in Marion County. through the following services:

• Early education provider recruitment
• Early education provider professional development
• Development of community partnerships
• Child Care Resource and Referral – CCR&R
• School readiness program
• Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
• Child development and health screenings
• Child assessments
• Success By 6, in partnership with United Way of Marion County

Plus more!

Visit us online to learn more www.ELC-Marion.org.