LENA Grow
Have you heard about the LENA Grow program? LENA Grow is a five-week, data-driven professional development opportunity that helps teachers focus on how much they engage with the children in their classrooms. By using technology that measures teacher-child interactions, the program supports children’s language development, increased CLASS® scores, greater job satisfaction, and a reduction in behavioral challenges.
Interested in improving your program’s outcomes? Please complete the following information here. You will be contacted if we are able to accommodate your program in one of our upcoming cohorts.
For more information, visit LENA Grow or us at information@elcsarasota.org.
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VPK Office Hours - Tuesday, August 18 at 1:00 PM
Join us for our monthly VPK Office Hours, designed to provide VPK providers with an opportunity to ask questions, receive guidance, and stay informed about VPK updates, requirements, and important deadlines. We encourage all providers to participate in this collaborative support session.
We look forward to connecting with you and addressing any questions you may have!
Zoom Meeting
Click here to join
Meeting ID: 837 1102 9695
Passcode: 990485
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Virtual Directors Connection
Each month, the ELC hosts Director’s Connection, a gathering that unites leaders from across Sarasota County’s early education community, including the school district, Head Start, child care centers, and family child care homes. These sessions foster collaboration, peer to peer support, and professional growth through ELC updates, training news, and guest speakers who share strategies to strengthen classroom quality and family engagement.
This month, our new Social & Behavioral Consultant, Becky Atluru, will be our featured speaker.
The meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, August 19 at 12:30 PM.
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Infant and Toddler CLASS® Overview
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 Infant & Toddler tools. 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 birth to 2 years old.
Date: Thursday, September 24th
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: Virtually via Zoom (Link provided upon registration)
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Ready to Grow as an Infant & Toddler Educator?
Our free STAR Babies Certification Program is a Community of Practice created for infant and toddler caregivers serving children from birth through age 3 at ELC-contracted sites in Sarasota County.
Through 10 interactive sessions, participants will deepen their understanding of early brain development and strengthen the responsive interactions measured through Infant and Toddler CLASS®. Facilitated by Barbara Papantonakis, Early Learning Career Development Specialist, the program blends in-person meetings with online sessions via Zoom.
Applicants must have at least two years of experience working with infants and toddlers. The next cohort begins Monday, September 28, with sessions held Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.
Take the next step in your professional growth as an infant and toddler educator and apply using the button below!
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Mindful Recovery: An Arts Integration Approach for Early Learning at No Cost to You
Providers, this is your chance to integrate the arts in the classroom! If you have been looking for a program that builds emotional resilience, calm, and connection for both children and teachers, then look no further. ELC Sarasota and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation are launching Mindful Recovery: An Arts Integration Approach for Early Learning.
The program will reach up to 60 early learning sites and 260 classrooms across Sarasota County. The program is at no cost to you!
Participating programs will receive:
- Personalized planning with your educator before any visit begins
- Three 1-hour in-classroom visits from a professional teaching artist
- All materials and resources for your classroom to keep
- Professional development support for your teacher built into every session
- A classroom gift at the end of the residency
Contact Lorrie Young at lyoung@elcsarasota.org to learn more about how your program can participate!
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Teaching Strategies Virtual Leadership Summit
Learn how investing in strengthening program quality can drive enrollment and sustainable growth. The Teaching Strategies Virtual Leadership Summit will be held on August 19, 2026.
Click here to learn more about the Summit and register to attend.
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The Kids are All Right; But What About the Teachers
Are your staff doing all right? This free webinar, taking place on August 20 from 2:00–3:30 PM, focuses on strategies for cultivating supportive educator communities where teachers feel valued, connected, and able to thrive alongside the children they serve.
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Lastinger Learning
The Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential applications are now open for the Fall 2026 term.
This no-cost, 60-hour micro-credential can be completed in 14 weeks. Educators gain emergent literacy knowledge and skills through online modules and then apply their learning in their classrooms.
This program will run from August 31 to December 8. Click the button below to learn how to apply!
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Meet our Finance Team
When it comes to ensuring our providers get paid on time, our Finance team is top notch!
Questions about your School Readiness and/or Voluntary Prekindergarten payments?
Click here to visit our Meet the Team webpage to view our Finance team and their contact information.
ELC Finance Team
- Kevin Smith, Chief Financial Officer
- Quanisha Minor, Finance Operations Specialist
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Parent Co Payment Fee Waivers
Parent co-payment fee waivers continue through September 30, 2026. Parents who are eligible for the copayment fee waiver should present their payment certificate reflecting the copayment waiver.
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.
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VPK Program Information
2026-2027 reimbursement rates for VPK providers are available. Providers offering VPK during the school year (540 instructional hours) will be reimbursed at $3,067.00 per child, $5.68 per instructional hour.
VPK providers offering VPK during the summer (300 instructional hours) will be reimbursed at $2,616.00 per child, $8.72 per instructional hour.
Questions related to your School Readiness or VPK program?
School Readiness Contract Questions
VPK Contract Questions
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Back to School List for Adults
In need of extra support as the school year approaches? Devereux Center for Resilient Children’s Back to School List for Adults provides helpful tips on how to prioritize your social-emotional health while managing all the stress that comes at the start of a new school year.
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Embracing Our Differences' Bucket Fillers
Embracing Our Differences invites you to foster kindness and respect through “bucket filling” in your classroom this November!
Educator registration opens September 1. Participating early learning centers will receive free books for every student, along with ready-to-use lesson plans for educators. We would appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with early learning centers and educators throughout Sarasota County.
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Upcoming Board of Directors Board Strategy & Execution Workshop
October 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM
1549 State St
Sarasota, FL 34236
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.
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