Ocala Housing Authority, US

HistoryThe Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc. began operations as the Marion County School Readiness Coalition, Inc. in 1999 when Florida legislature created School Readiness Coalitions through F.S. 411.01. The purpose of the Coalitions state-wide is to ensure that children at risk of academic failure are provided the tools and resources to assist them in being prepared to enter school, and eligible low-income working parents can access quality child care. The Coalition serves as a community-based planning, funding, and service coordinating organization that designs and manages an integrated system of early learning services. The Florida Office of Early Learning (FOEL) is charged with administering the state's early learning programs and provides oversight of Florida's School Readiness programs and is the lead entity for implementing the state's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program. The Agency's vision for Florida is