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

Childcare workers are eligible for the COVID vaccine. Learn more at the Centers for Disease Control website. Our offices are closed July 5, 2021 for the federal holiday. We will reopen July 6, 2021 at 8:00 am.            

Contact Us

We are open for business! 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 [...]

What is Child Care Resource & Referral?

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is a FREE community service that offers information and referral services to all families that are looking to find child care information in Southwest Florida. CCR&R assists families in finding early education programs that best meet their needs. Is my Preschool Open? Check these interactive maps to find out. […]

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

Volunteers wanted: Two (2) Child Care Provider Representatives to the ELC of SWFL Board of Directors One (1) Hendry/Glades Counties Faith Based Child Care Provider Rep (1/1/2022 – 12/31/25) One (1) Lee County Private, For-Profit Child Care Provider Rep (1/1/2022 – 12/31/25): The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida (ELC of SWFL) is one of [...]