News & Announcements - Early Learning Coalition of Duval

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News & Announcements

News & Announcements

Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings from the Early Learning Coalition of Duval and other industry-related news.

🎉Provider training, workshops, and classes are now posted on the Professional Development Training Calendar. Click here to access the calendar. 🎉

The Annual Family Reading Day is Saturday, April 25, 9 am to 12:30 pm at the Jacksonville Main Library, 303 N. Laura Street. There will be balloon artists, face painters, free books, giveaways, arts & crafts, and so much more!

The 4th Annual VPK Art Showcase is also underway during this popular event. The showcase runs from March 24 through May 6. Stop by the Children’s Library to see the amazing art being created by our VPK children! Shout out to the following VPK programs for their participation:

  • Jacksonville Classical Academy
  • Celebration Child Care Center
  • The Crawford Early Learning Center
  • Little Britches Academy – Old St. Augustine Road
  • UNF Preschool
  • Buckman FCCH
  • Pearl Academy
  • Avondale Child’s Day Out

Want to advertise your VPK program? The ELC of Duval has a kit for you! Download email signatures, social media graphics, and flyers! If you want your image to convey a specific message about your VPK program, email athompson@elcduval.org, and we can create one just for your center!

Want to advertise your School Readiness (SR) program? The ELC of Duval has a kit for you! Download email signatures, social media graphics, and flyers.

Help us educate families about the Period of PURPLE Crying. It’s a period of time between 2 weeks and 5 months where babies experience increased and unexplained crying. It’s a challenging time for parents and caregivers, and we want to provide support. Please download the images and share with families through social media, newsletters, and flyers. Questions? Email cgross@elcduval.org.

Has Your Baby Entered the Period of PURPLE Crying?

Know When to Walk Away

The Sound You Thought You’d Hear, Just Not This Much

Increased Crying?

We are PURPLE Partners

Calling all Duval families and caregivers! You are invited to join us for this free facilitated playgroup that provides benefits for both children and their caregivers! The program is structured to support children’s early learning and healthy development while creating a supportive community for the parents and caregivers! We will sing songs, tell stories, create art, and play! Click here to download the playgroup dates and times.

Calling all Clay County families and caregivers! You are invited to join us for this free facilitated playgroup that provides benefits for both children and their caregivers! The program is structured to support children’s early learning and healthy development while creating a supportive community for the parents and caregivers! We will sing songs, tell stories, create art, and play! Click here to download the playgroup dates and times.

The SR Plus program helps low-income families pay for child care while lessening the effect of the “benefits cliff” when those families are no longer eligible for the School Readiness (SR) Program. Participating SR Plus families will pay an increased portion of the cost of their child care. The intent of the program is to ensure families are economically self-sufficient and capable of assuming the full cost of child care after exiting the SR Plus program. In essence, it supports families in accepting promotions while not losing their entire child care subsidy. To learn more, call 904-208-2044 or click here.

The New Worlds Reading Initiative is a FREE Florida literacy program for VPK through 5th grade public or charter school students currently reading below grade level. This statewide book delivery program is a collaborative effort with the Florida Department of Education, school districts, the University of Florida Lastinger Center, and others.

How do I know if my child enrolled in VPK is not yet reading on grade level? It means your child scored below the 40th percentile on FAST Star Early Literacy/Reading. Check with your VPK teacher. Once you’ve confirmed, apply here.

FREE MarcoPolo for Families App

The ELC of Duval is excited to provide families enrolled in the Duval SR and VPK programs with FREE access to the award-winning MarcoPolo for Families app! The app combines knowledge and play to enrich every curious mind’s experience. If you have a child enrolled in SR or VPK program, and are interested in accessing the app (a $79 value), click here to download the flyer with the QR code and instructions to enroll in the ELC of Duval school.

Board Position Openings

The ELC of Duval is seeking child care representatives for private and faith-based facilities. Please see the descriptions below:

  • A representative of private for-profit child care providers, including private for-profit family day care homes.
  • A representative of faith-based child care providers.

If you are interested, please complete the application, and submit to tbyrd@elcduval.org by April 30, 2026. Click here to download the application.

The ELC of Duval is also seeking representatives for two (2) governor-appointed board positions. For more information, please contact tbyrd@elcduval.org.

Questions? Call CCR&R at 904-208-2044

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