Parents of birth to five-year-old children, here’s how we serve you:
- Child Care
- School Readiness Programs
- Special Needs Services
- Free Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
- Literacy Events & Programs
Learn more:
Help Parents Receive Quality & Affordable Child Care
Through Child Care Resource and Referral (CC&R) we help families find child care that is easily accessible, educational, safe and affordable. This free service is offered to all families. Learn more.
Provide School Readiness Programs for Income-Eligible Families
School Readiness programs are designed to increase children’s chances of achieving future educational success. Working families who meet certain income requirements are able to enroll their children. Parents pay a co-payment based on a sliding fee scale and developmental screenings are conducted at least semi-annually to chart the individual progress. Learn more.
The ELC assists with transition to mainstream child-care care by working with child-care providers to create inclusive programs. We provide child screenings to identify potential developmental delays. If identified, the ELC refers the child to appropriate community agencies for additional screening and assistance. Learn more.
Assist Parents Registering Children for Free Pre-Kindergarten
Florida’s FREE Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)program is available to all of Florida’s 4 year olds,regardless of income. Children who attend a quality pre-kindergarten program are better prepared when they enter school. The program is designed to prepare children for kindergarten and to build a foundation for educational success.Visit VPK or Call (800) 238-3463 and ask for VPK. Learn more.
Connect Parents and Children with the Foundations and Love of Reading
Our goal is to help children get ready to read through storytelling, events, and sharing early learning tipswith caregivers. The ELC offers the following resources for Putnam and St. Johns County:
Literacy Events
Toddler Fests - This popular event at local libraries includes storytelling, music, crafts and visits from book characters. Every toddler receives a free book.
Literacy Fairs - Storytelling, activities and quality literacy information geared toward 4-5 year olds, located in community centers and pre-schools.
Literacy Programs, Workshops & Volunteer Opportunities
Read to Me - For expecting and new parents
Reading Pals - Links child care providers with community volunteers who read to children
Storytellers - Volunteer theatrical readers
Book Distribution - Donations to local groups who give to children including the local health department’s Books for Bravery
Speakers’ Bureau - Advocates for early learning are available to speak to your group
For more literacy or volunteer info, call 904-819-3543.
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