ELCHC Newsletter: Q1 July – September 2024
A Message from the CEO
As we enter a new fiscal year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the challenges our community has faced in recent months due to the devastating hurricanes. Our hearts go out to all the families, providers, and partners who have been impacted. In times like these, it’s inspiring to see how our community comes together to support one another. At the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC), we are committed to continuing this spirit of solidarity and working hand in hand to ensure the well-being of our children and families.
Despite the difficulties, we have much to celebrate. With the release of our 2023-2024 Annual report, we reflect on the past year’s achievements and look ahead with renewed purpose. We are focused on strengthening relationships with our providers, donors, and partners as we continue our mission to provide high-quality early learning opportunities for every child.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to early learning. As we embark on this new fiscal year, I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
Learn About Our Impact
We are excited to share the release of our 2023-2024 Annual report! It highlights the incredible achievements of our dedicated team, whose unwavering commitment has ensured that children and families in Hillsborough County receive high-quality education, care, and enriching early learning experiences. We also recognize that this work is a true collaboration, and we thank our childcare providers and partners for their invaluable support of our mission.
Have You Met Olivia?
Meet the Team
Paving The Way For Early Learning Success
Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation Be the Ball Event
We are deeply honored that the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation selected the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County for a second year as their charity of choice for the 2024 Be the Ball event, held on August 25, 2024, at Topgolf in Tampa. Raising over $100,000 that will go to support the ELCHC’s programs and services! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Mayfields for their generous support and valued partnership. We are shaping brighter futures for our community’s youngest and most vulnerable children.
Education of Young Children Summit 2024
On September 12, 2024, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County proudly presented the Education of Young Children Summit: Redefining Childcare – A Puzzle Approach at the Portico in Tampa. The event brought together over 100 attendees, including a distinguished panel of experts including Superintendent Van Ayers (Hillsborough County Public Schools), Bemetra Simmons (Tampa Bay Partnership), Dr. Bob Rohrlack (Tampa Chamber of Commerce), Chris Loar (PNC Bank), and Makayla Buchanan (Florida Chamber of Commerce) to emphasize the critical role each sector plays as a vital piece of the early learning puzzle. Additionally, DJ Pryor (Actor, Comedian, Early Learning Advocate) spoke passionately about the critical role parents play as their child’s first teacher.
The exchange of ideas and expertise during the table discussions strengthened partnerships and underscored the importance of early education in shaping a thriving future workforce and community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s Summit and look forward to continued collaboration as we work together to ensure every child has access to high-quality early learning opportunities and a bright future.
Backpacks, Books, and Bright Futures
OMWTK Backpack Event
This past July, the On My Way to Kindergarten program hosted its annual Backpack Event, which is centered around supporting children and their families as they prepare for the school year. During this event the Early Learning Coalition provided over 125 children backpacks filled with books and school supplies. Families had access to local organizations offering information and services related to education, health, and family support. After connecting with local resources, families were encouraged to engage in fun, hands-on learning experiences promoting critical skills in early childhood development. This event marked an important step toward supporting children’s success in elementary school by providing the resources they need to thrive.
