Board Director, Early Learning Coalition – Bend Region

The Early Learning Coalition was created to implement, coordinate, and administer the provisions of Part V (Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program) and Part VI (School Readiness Program) of Chapter 1002, Florida Statutes, in Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties (ELC Service Area). The ELC also serves as the community child care coordinating agency for the ELC Service Area.

The Board of Directors of the Early Learning Coalition shall have at least fifteen (15) but not more than thirty (30) members. Membership includes the chair and two members appointed by the Governor, and:

• (a) A Department of Children and Families regional administrator or his/her designee with decision-making authority.
• (b) A district superintendent of schools or his/her designee.
• (c) A local workforce development board executive director or designee.
• (d) A county health department director or designee.
• (e) A children’s services council or juvenile welfare board chair or director, if applicable.
• (f) An agency head of a local licensing agency as defined in s. 402.302, if applicable.
• (g) A president of a Florida College System institution or designee.
• (h) One member appointed by a county commission or municipal governing board.
• (i) A Head Start director.
• (j) A private for-profit child care provider, including family day care homes.
• (k) A faith-based child care provider representative.
• (l) A representative of programs for children with disabilities under the IDEA.
• (m) A central agency administrator, if applicable.

The ELC Board may appoint up to two optional members per county in the ELC Service Area, who must reside in or represent a legal entity in that county, with no substantial financial interest in the VPK or School Readiness Programs, and not already represented on the Board. These may include members from family child care homes, non-profit providers, or parents of enrolled children.

Members serve 4-year terms expiring December 31. The Board may renew terms for up to two additional four-year terms.

The Board meets quarterly at the ELC Leon Service Center in Tallahassee, FL. All meetings are open to the public. Members are expected to attend all meetings, serve on committees, participate in community events, and complete orientations and trainings.

Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region

Abigail Thomas, Director, Human Services & Community Partnerships