News & Announcements - Early Learning Coalition of Duval
News & Announcements

News & Announcements


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

Upcoming events: There is so much happening in February! Check out workshops, events and activities below!

Feb. 20Lunch and Learn – Teaching Executive Functioning Skills: Guest Trainer: Brett Walden, UF Health Jax, Division of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics. 12:30 p.m. For more information and to register, click here.

Feb. 20 – DELDN presents “Professionalism” at 6:30 p.m. at ELC, 6500 Bowden Road, Suite 290, 32216. For more information and to register, click here.

Feb. 21CLASS Chats – Topics vary monthly. 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration not required. Click here to join the Zoom call. The February CLASS Chat is a Spanish-only chat.

Feb. – Provider Profiles are due! All Duval County child care providers must complete the 2025 – 2026 Provider Profile and the 2024 – 2025 Cost of Care survey on the DEL Provider Portal to complete a SR or VPK contract. Click here to download the step-by-step instructions.


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.


Celebration of the Hands 2025

It’s that special time of the year again – the Celebration of the Hands! We invite ALL providers to submit children’s hand art to Charlene Gross by March 12, 2025. All hand art will hang in the Capitol Rotunda during Children’s Week, April 13 – 18, 2025. Click here for more information. Questions? Email cgross@elcduval.org.

To view previous years art displays, click here.


Florida’s New Child Care Tax Credit: A Win-Win for Businesses and Employers

Starting during the 2024 taxable year, Florida’s child care tax credit provides businesses with the potential for significant tax savings while supporting employees’ childcare needs. This move aims to alleviate the financial burden of child care through employer-supported care, enabling more parents to work. Click here to download the Guide for Employers: Florida’s Child Care Tax Credit.


ELC Trainings, Workshops, and Chats!

Check out ELC’s trainings, workshops, and chats for directors, teachers, and families!

Inclusion Talk Time

CLASS Chats Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82419605427

Unlocking the Puzzle: Decoding a Child’s Behavior

Parent Empowerment Workshops


Downloadable Flyers for SR and VPK Providers

Join our network of more than 500 child care and early learning providers in Jacksonville. We are committed to supporting the growth and development of children in our community. By partnering with us, you have access to resources to share with families, including information about School Readiness, Voluntary Prekindergarten, Development Health and Inclusion, and more! Click on any of the links below to download the flyers to share with families.

School Readiness Flyer

Voluntary Prekindergarten Flyer

Developmental Health & Inclusion Warm Line

Child Care Resource and Referral


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 Appointments

The ELC of Duval is seeking to fill two (2) governor-appointed board positions at this time. For more information, please contact tbyrd@elcduval.org.


#20MinutesaDayPavestheWay

The ELC of Duval is a proud member of Read Jax, a community effort to improve third-grade reading outcomes. Reading does not begin when a child arrives at kindergarten. Pre-literacy skills start at a young age and include wanting to look at books, following narratives, recognizing print, learning vocabulary, and identifying letters and sounds. Parents are encouraged to foster a love of reading early on with their children to provide a solid foundation to build strong literacy skills. Below are activities and resources to assist families build excellent reading habits.

Florida Department of Education – Reading Activities

Division of Early Learning – Ready to Read

Jacksonville Public Library – Reading Lists


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