Main Site Links
About ELC Alachua
Vision
Ready for School! Ready for Life!
Mission
We promote high-quality school readiness, voluntary pre-kindergarten, and after-school programs—improving children’s chances of educational success and helping them become productive members of society.
Who We Serve
We serve as a resource to families and child care providers in Alachua County. Parents are children’s first and most important teachers, and we work to support families’ needs through accessible early learning programs and guidance.
For Parents
We help families understand and access early learning programs, including financial assistance for childcare and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK).
Childcare Tuition Assistance (CTA) / School Readiness
School Readiness provides financial assistance to eligible families to help offset the cost of childcare through a reduced parent copayment. Eligibility requirements include work or approved educational activity hours and income guidelines.
- CTA / School Readiness information
- Family Portal (apply/manage your application)
- Email (Family Services): eligibility@elcalachua.org
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
VPK is a free program for eligible Florida children to prepare for kindergarten. VPK includes school-year and summer options.
- VPK program information and provider lists
- Parent Portal (register and access eligibility certificate)
Warm Line and Additional Support
If you need extra support for a child (including questions about development, behavior, or special needs services), our Parents section includes Warm Line resources and referrals.
Child Care Resources & Referrals
We provide information and resources to help families find early learning options and supports that fit their needs.
For Providers
We support prospective and contracted childcare providers with guidance for participating in the School Readiness (SR) and VPK programs.
Contract with ELCAC
Provider Help & Resources
- DEL (Florida Division of Early Learning): fldoe.org/schools/early-learning
- DCF Child Care Licensing: myflfamilies.com/services/licensing/child-care-licensure
- Provider Contracts Coordinator: bthomas@elcalachua.org
Announcements
We post updates, community highlights, and important notices on our Announcements page.
Calendar & Events
We host and participate in community events, trainings, and family-focused activities.
Opportunities
Careers, Volunteering, and More
We offer opportunities to serve the community through careers, internships, and volunteer roles.
Contact & Hours
Phone
- Main: (352) 375-4110
- Español: (352) 244-0344
Office Address
Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County201 SE 2nd Avenue, Suite 201
Gainesville, FL 32601
Hours of Operation
- Mon–Thurs: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Fri: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (email/text/calls are welcome)
- Sat–Sun: Closed
Accessibility Help
If you need assistance accessing any part of this website or completing an application, please call (352) 375-4110, email info@elcalachua.org, or call our Spanish line at (352) 244-0344.
