Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County

06/05/2026

The June Parents’ Pages newsletter is available on the Florida Division of Early Learning website! Check out articles this month about Family Fun Activities for Father’s Day, Next Stop Kindergarten, and more by visiting: https://www.fldoe.org/schools/early-learning/parents/parent-pages.stml

06/04/2026

FREE Autism Screenings!
Easterseals of Southwest Florida is offering families a free Autism screening today for children up to 18 years old.

💙 Free Autism Screening Available in June 💙

At Easterseals Southwest Florida, we know that early identification can have a lasting impact on children and their families. That’s why we’re providing free autism screenings at multiple community locations this May for children up to 18 years old.

📅 June Screening Date:
June 4 • 2 PM – 5 PM – APC Pediatrics (1862 Rye Road E)

Identifying signs early can help connect families to valuable support, services, and resources sooner. Following each screening, families will receive case management, educational materials, and guidance to help navigate the next steps. This program is made possible through funding from the Florida Department of Health.

🪪 Please bring proof of residency (ID or utility bill).
👉 Register here: https://lxm.cc/77dtj8

06/03/2026

✨ What a fantastic evening! Our Stand for Children Gala gathered community champions for a beautiful evening focused on young children and families. The proceeds from the event will help fund Spot On, our classroom-based therapy and development program supporting local preschoolers with strategies for learning and growth.

Congratulations to The Cox Family, recipient of the Paul Sharff Children’s Champion Award. We would also like to congratulate this year’s Infant Teachers of the Year Runner-Up, Rosemary Baumen of Bright Beginnings, as well as the recipients of the Pam Parmenter Early Educator Award, Sierra Schappacher and Sarah Martin-Vasquez of A Readiness Learning Academy.

A special thank you to this year’s sponsors for your generosity and commitment to children and families throughout Manatee County!

06/02/2026

Booking a substitute through Tandem - Child Care Staffing is as easy as 1-2-3:

📋 Post your open shift with the details of what you need
✅ Get matched with a qualified, state-compliant substitute
🎉 Booking confirmed — your classroom is covered

No phone calls. No last-minute scrambling. Just reliable support, right when you need it.

Start posting shifts today: www.join-tandem.com

05/29/2026

One day until the Stand for Children Gala!

Tomorrow evening, guests will come together to celebrate the work being done for young children across Manatee County and help support our Spot On program that gives young children the early tools they need for a strong start in school and support for child care providers.

A heartfelt thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Highlights for Children, for helping make this year’s Stand for Children Day Gala possible.

05/28/2026

Two days until the Stand for Children Gala!

Support for early learning begins with community partners committed to local children. Thank you to our Hero Sponsors for your generous support of this year’s event.

05/27/2026

Four days until the Stand for Children Gala!

The countdown continues as we look ahead to an evening dedicated to children and families in Manatee County.

A special thank you to our Advocate and Awards Sponsors for helping make this year’s gala possible.

05/26/2026

The Stand for Children Gala is almost here!

This special event raises support for our Spot On program that helps local children build strong foundations for school and beyond.

Today, we’re celebrating our Champion and Inspire Sponsors! Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this year’s gala.

05/22/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the ELC office will be closed Monday, May 25, as we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. We will reopen Tuesday, May 26, at 7:00 a.m. Wishing you a peaceful day of remembrance.

05/19/2026

Welcoming a substitute into your classroom? Here are 4 simple ways to set them up for success:

✅ Set clear expectations from the start
✅ Post class rosters and daily plans where they’re easy to find
✅ Make materials accessible so they can jump right in
✅ End the day with feedback — it helps everyone improve

A smooth handoff means a better day for your students, your team, and your substitute.