Phase VI Grant

Phase VI Grants are available to providers now. There is additional funding available through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act funds for all providers in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties. Allocations will be made to ELC contracted and private providers based on DCF/local licensing capacity and to public/charter school providers based […]

Anytime is 3Ts Time!

Tune In, Talk More, and Take Turns – a simple, yet powerful tool to help parents make the most of everyday interactions with their children. The 3Ts help parents optimize the power of language in everyday moments. Tune In: Be in the moment. Talk More: Use a wide variety of words. Take Turns: Engage your child in conversation. […]

News for You

On December 3, 2021, our Fort Myers office will close at 11:30 am, and our Naples office will close at 11:00 am for mandatory staff training. We reopen on Monday, December 6 at 8:00 am. Coalition offices are closed Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31 for the Holiday break. We reopen Monday, January 3, […]

Contact Us

Contact us by email, phone or make an appointment. If you are a provider or parent/guardian and need information about the services we offer, please look here. ELC Brochure (English) ELC Brochure (Spanish) Phone Directory for Lee and Collier ELC Offices Main Phone Line (239) 935-6100 Download Contact List VPK INFORMATION Please call or email [...]

Child Care Resource & Referral

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is available to assist families seeking quality and affordable child care options and local community resources. If you are interested in this free resource, please contact our CCR&R  team at (239) 935-6100. Our offices are open Monday – Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Check these interactive maps […]

VPK Enrollment

To apply for Voluntary Prekindergarten, please visit the Florida's Early Learning Portal. If you live in Florida and your child turned 4 years old on or before September 1, your child is eligible for the VPK program. Some 5-year-olds are eligible depending on their birth date. School Year Program - 540 instructional hours. Summer Program [...]

Applying for Child Care Assistance

To apply for School Readiness funding (child care assistance),  select “Register for School Readiness” under the Parent/Guardian button on our main website page.  Once you enter your information regarding your family size and income, the computer will automatically let you know whether you might qualify for assistance. Please keep in mind that funding is limited […]

Head Start

Head Start is a group of federal programs for low-income children and their families. Head Start programs include: Early Head Start, Migrant Head Start and American Indian Head Start. Head Start facilitates child development and promotes school readiness by enhancing social and cognitive development through health, educational, nutritional, social and other services. Head Start programs [...]

Board of Directors

The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida Board of Directors represents both public and private sector business leaders from Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties. The ELC Board of Directors meets bi-monthly at the Early Learning Coalition Office. The public is invited to attend. Public comments are accepted during a specified time at the beginning [...]