PRESS RELEASE: EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CONFIRMS ELECTION RESULTS FOR PROVIDER REPRESENTATIVES
TAMPA, FL (Monday, February 26, 2024) – The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) Board of Directors officially ratified the election results for two Provider Representatives during a meeting convened on Monday, February 26, 2024. Following the guidelines outlined in the State statute, the Board has designated seats for one private for-profit provider and one faith-based provider on the ELCHC Board of Directors. These positions are appointed for a four-year term, and to qualify for the election, providers must maintain good standing with VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) or School Readiness programs.
Nominations for these crucial positions opened on October 3, 2023, with the voting period commencing on November 14, 2023, and concluding on December 5, 2023. Pursuant to the democratic process, the candidate securing the highest number of votes will be elected to each respective seat.
Aakash Patel, Chairman of the ELCHC Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of the provider community involvement in the election process, stating, “The engagement of providers in this election is vital for the success and representation of our diverse community. We look forward to the skills and strengths the provider representatives will bring to the boardroom.”
The newly elected Provider Representatives are Annette Eberhart from Kidds R Us, representing the private for-profit sector, and Amanda Jae from Palma Ceia Methodist Day School, representing the faith-based sector.
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Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC)
Established by the State Legislature, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on promoting school and life success for young children and their families through quality school readiness services and supports. The ELCHC administers School Readiness and VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) programs in Hillsborough County, offers teacher trainings and coaching, and provides Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) along with other services that daily serve more than 22,000 children and their families.


Contact: Alison Fraga Phone: 813-205-6205 Email: afraga@elchc.org