Adding FUNdamentals
The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County is proud of its Special Projects programs that provide unique services and enrichment for children and early childhood teachers.
They play an important role in enhancing the quality of early childhood education and developmental services.
The ADDing FUNdamentals Financial Literacy Program teaches preschoolers essential money skills through playhouses modeled after mini–Addition Financial credit unions. Students learn to count money, use cash registers, and exchange play money for goods.
In 2024, the program expanded to 7 new childcare centers and 11 new classrooms, now totaling 15 centers/schools and 25 classrooms.
Using Junior Achievement's JA Ourselves curriculum, the program delivers five 30-minute lessons focused on choices, needs versus wants, and giving back. Lessons include This or That?, Make a Choice, Do I Need What I Want?, A Penny Earned, A Penny Saved, and A Penny Shared. Teachers reinforce these lessons throughout the year.
Each student receives a backpack containing educational resources for parents to use at home to teach their children the importance of financial literacy.
This program was made possible in partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Florida, Addition Financial, AdventHealth, and Orange County Public Schools.
