PreK Class® Overview Training

Facilitated by Leah Binkley, this overview of the CLASS® tool and observation process provides educators with foundational knowledge of effective teacher-child interactions while introducing the enhanced CLASS® 2nd Edition tool. During this virtual training, participants will explore the CLASS® observation process and learn how the CLASS® framework supports a holistic approach to continuous quality improvement by strengthening positive teacher-child interactions.

Great for teachers, directors, and coaches who are new to CLASS or would like to learn more about the tool and process. Appropriate for those working with children ages 3-5 years old. 



Date: Thursday, August 20th

Time: 6:30-8:30 PM 

Location: Virtually Via Zoom (Link provided upon registration)

New MarcoPolo Trainings

School Admin, Teachers, and Teaching Assistants,

As you prepare for a successful school year, now is the perfect time to refresh your MarcoPolo implementation and start the year strong. New this August: We've added even more training sessions to give you additional opportunities to participate!

Choose the session that's right for you:

📌 General MarcoPolo Training | 1 Hour

Register in English | Register in Spanish

⭐ STAR Aligned Training | 1 Hour

Register Here

📚 CLASS Focused Training | 1 Hour

Register Here

🎒 ELC Part 1 | 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Register in English | Register in Spanish

🏡 ELC Part 2 | 1 Hour

Register in English | Register in Spanish

DCF Virtual Training Opportunities

If you haven’t already registered for the free virtual training opportunities offered by DCF and facilitated by our partners at the Division of Early Learning, there is still time. 

Language of CLASS Instructional Learning - July 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Register through the DCF website and search in "Instructor Led Courses" using the reference number 11794 to ensure you receive credit. 

Scribbles Matter - July 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Register through the DCF website and search in "Instructor Led Courses" using the reference number 11795 to ensure you receive credit. 

 

After completing your DCF registration, please pre-register on Zoom using the link provided in your DCF registration. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you do not see the email from Zoom in your inbox, please check junk and spam folders.

Parent Co-Payment Fee Waivers

A reminder that the ELC has temporarily waived School Readiness parent copayments. Parents who are eligible for the copayment fee waiver have received notification from the ELC and should present their payment certificate reflecting the copayment waiver.

This means, the ELC will reimburse providers for both their provider rate and the parent copayment from May 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026.



During this time, if parents have paid their copayment fee in advance, please provide a credit or refund for the copayment amount. This waiver does not apply to differential fees or any other fees you may charge. Parents remain responsible for any additional charges. 

Meet our Family Services & Support Team

Do your families have questions about their School Readiness (SR) services or the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program? Our Family Services team is here to offer support and answer questions about the School Readiness and VPK programs! Click here to view our team and their contact information.

ELC Family Services Team

• Kiyana Scott, Chief Family Services Officer
• Jessica Becerril, Family Services & Support Specialist
• Sara Diaz, Family Services & Support Navigator
• Rayn Moses, Family Services & Support Specialist
• Lelia Ortega, Family Services & Support Specialist

Spread the News! Upcoming Back to School Events for Families in Sarasota

Back to School: Mission Ready

When: Saturday, August 1 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where: Florida Blue Center, 285 N Cattlemen Road

This is a FREE family-friendly event with school supply giveaways, kids’ activities, and resources to help students reach for the stars.



Families must register here.

Florida Penguin Back to School Bash Series

When: The Mall at University Town Center

Where: Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

This is a FREE family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, local vendors, giveaways, kids activities, and much more!

Family must register here.

Upcoming Board of Directors Meeting

August 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM

6003 Honore Ave, Suite 106

Sarasota, FL 34238

Open to the Public

Individuals who wish to address the Board of Directors must complete a

Public Comment Request Card, available on our website and onsite.

Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person, on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be heard at the time designated for public comment on the official meeting agenda.

elcsarasota.org