Attention VPK & SR Providers!

Please read the NEW updated information below regarding VPK and SR program providers! For general questions regarding this information, please contact our Provider Relations Department at (941) 757-2900 ext. 2300.

2026 Sales Tax Holiday

Stock up for back-to-school on qualifying school supplies, clothing, computers, and more, exempt from sales tax during Florida’s extended Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday July 20th-August 20th! For more information and a list of qualifying items, click the link below.

Virtual Lunch & Learn

The State of Florida is transitioning from the current CLASS assessment tool to CLASS 2.0, the latest version of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System developed by Teachstone. Join us on July 22nd, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm for a virtual lunch and learn to discuss what to expect with the upcoming PreK CLASS changes.

Summer Camp Day

Spend the day at LECOM Park cheering on the Bradenton Marauders with tons of on and off-field fun, including counselor dance-offs, and water games galore! Tickets are $12.00 each (lunch included). A deposit is required to reserve the date. Click below to learn more!

Show & Tell Me More

Good News: as of July 1st, ELC Manatee’s partnership with Tandem now includes free accredited professional development for your teachers! Through Show and Tell Me More, your center gets free access to three accredited courses, one for each age group. Click below to learn more and get started today!

All Access Program

The ELC of Manatee County has partnered with StraighterLine Educational Group to bring you FREE, All-Access Professional Development! All courses are available online and in English and Spanish, are self-paced, and mobile-friendly. Get started today and earn hours for your participation!

July Fun for Families

Hands-on activities that help your child learn, sun-smart habits for summer, preparing for preschool, adding math and literacy boosters to daily routines, making healthy lunches, Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday, and MORE!

Learn. Connect. Engage.

Calling all Teachers and Directors! Save the date and join us on Wednesday, July 30th, from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm for an interactive MarcoPolo for Educators Teacher Training via Zoom, packed with practical tips and time-saving tools to help engage your students and families all year long.

2026 ReadingPals Conference

Save the date and join us for our statewide virtual conference and celebration on July 30th via Zoom with Keynote Speaker Kent Johnson, CEO of Highlights. Together, we'll celebrate the local partners, volunteers, and communities helping Florida's children build early literacy skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.