PHELC

The Pasco Hernando Early Learning Coalition is the area leader in making sure children are ready to enter and succeed in school. Their four main programs are:

School Readiness

School readiness funds pay a portion of the child care costs for low to moderate income earning families so that they may seek and maintain employment to support their families.

School readiness programs serve children birth to five and some school-age children receive services before and after school.

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten

Voluntary Pre-K passed and funded by the Florida Legislature provides 540 hours of free pre-kindergarten services for children who are four years old on or before September 1st or parents could choose a shorter more intense program in the summer operated by the school district. The goal of the program is to provide quality pre-kindergarten experiences for young children to assist them in becoming ready for kindergarten.

Quality Initiatives

Efforts to improve the quality of services available to young children and their families are a primary concern. The Coalition sets aside a portion of the funding received to target these issues.

Resource and Referral

The Coalition's Resource and Referral program offers free information and referral services to all families seeking quality early care and school readiness programs and out of school time solutions. Resource and Referral's also assist in the recruitment, startup and support of providers and promote quality, availability and affordability of services available within their communities.

For more information, click on the link at the right under "Education." You can also contact them at (727)233-8291 or (866)797-9444.