ELCFH Seeks Board Membership Applications

Port Charlotte, Fla, October 31, 2022- The Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Heartland, Inc. (ELCFH) welcomed the Division of Early Learning Chancellor Matt Mears last week to Charlotte County. Chancellor Mears worked alongside ELCFH staff and volunteers to provide needed classroom supplies to Charlotte County childcare providers who were impacted by Hurricane Ian. “Our providers are determined to get back on their feet and serve their communities, and just a month after the storm, only 23 of 9,088 providers in Florida remain closed. And, each of these remaining providers are working hard to re-open, with great community support like we have seen here,” said Chancellor Mears. “The dedication you see in their response is the same level of commitment these providers bring every day in serving our state’s children and families.” The ELCFH has received donations from all around Florida including the Department of Education and Division of Early Learning in Tallahassee, the Association of Early Learning Coalitions (AELC), UF Lastinger, UF Anita Zucker Center and, the Early Learning Coalitions of Lake County, Palm Beach County and the Big Bend. Representatives from the AELC and Kaplan Early Learning Company contributed their time to aid in the supply distribution and playground clean-up efforts. Playgrounds, including shade structures and fencing, were destroyed at more than 20 child care provider sites in Charlotte County. The ELCFH is collecting monetary donations to help providers rebuild their playgrounds. Donations can be made at www.elcfh.org (donate button!). The ELCFH provides financial aid for child care services for low income and at-risk children in a four county service area including Charlotte County. This work is accomplished in partnership with local child care providers who help meet children’s developmental needs so they can enter school ready to learn.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Anne Bouhebent, Executive Director Phone: (941) 255-1650 ext 127 Email: abouhebent@elcfh.org EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF FLORIDA’S HEARTLAND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR BOARD MEMBERSHIP Port Charlotte, Fla., April 5, 2021- The Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Heartland (ELCFH) announces opportunities for interested business leaders in Charlotte, Desoto, Hardee and Highlands Counties to serve as Board Members representing Private Sector Businesses. This is an incredible opportunity to positively impact the lives low of income and at-risk children through quality early learning services. Prospective candidates may access the ELCFH Board Membership application at www.elcfh.org or call (941) 255-1650 ext 127. Applications for Gubernatorial Appointments on the Board of Directors are also being accepted. For information and the application tool, please go to the Gubernatorial Appointments website at https://www.flgov.com/gubernatorial-appointment/ . Interested applicants may also contact the ELCFH office at (941) 255-1650 ext. 127 for assistance. The mission of the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Heartland, Inc. is to support families and children in accessing high quality early care and education services via School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-kindergarten programs. The ELCFH also serves as a point of access to resources and referrals for health care and family support services. The vision of the ELCFH is that each child will have a strong early foundation to promote a lifetime of success.