Holiday Closures

Our office will be closed on the following days in observance of the holidays:

Monday, December 25

Tuesday, December 26

Friday, December 29

Monday, January 1

Tuesday, January 2

We wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season.

Thank You For Voting

For the third year in a row, the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County (ELCMC) has been nominated and named the "Family Times Magazine Parents' Choice Winner for Community Learning Organization." We are grateful for this designation and the support we receive from families just like yours.

Commissioner of Education PreK Book of the Month

The Commissioner's Book of the Month is a monthly reading challenge to promote literacy and reading engagement in preK-12 schools. Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. announced December’s PreK book: Crinkle Bells by Jay Fleck. Families are encouraged to read and discuss this book with their preschoolers this month.

Click HERE for all of the Commissioner's recommended books.

SAVE THESE DATES

The sixteenth annual Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida is January 22-26. A simultaneous reading activity will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 9 a.m. During this time, spread the love of literacy by reading The Little Butterfly That Could by Ross Burach with your preschoolers. This book takes a playful look at the migration of the butterfly and every child's struggle to gain confidence and independence. There are relatable themes such as persistence and resiliency.

Click here for more butterfly activities for children birth to five.

Join us at the Marion County World's Greatest Baby Shower on Friday, January 26. This free event is for families who are expecting a baby or who have an infant under one year old. There will be opportunities to win some great prizes. Click the flyer below for more information.

Reading Tip for Parents

Make the effort to turn off the television and spend more time cuddling and reading books with your child. The time and attention you give your child has many benefits beyond helping him or her be ready for success in school.

For more Reading Tips for Parents, click HERE.

Belleview Public Library Born Learning Trail

Volunteers from Altrusa International Ocala and Westport High School ASTRA Club helped us give the Belleview Public Library Born Learning Trail a facelift. The trail received fresh paint, new whimsical designs, and upgraded signage.

The Born Learning Trail includes a series of activity stations with fun, interactive, learning games that parents, grandparents, and caregivers can play with young children.

Stop by and see how much fun building language and literacy skills with little learners can be.

The ELCMC is Hiring

If you know anyone enthusiastic, organized, and dedicated to serving Marion County families, please have them check out our current openings by visiting www.ELC-Marion.org/about-us/careers/.

For additional information or family resources, contact ELCMC at 352-369-2315.

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