Hundreds Attend 3rd Annual “Slide into Summer” Family Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2025

ORLANDO, FL – Hundreds of Orange County families are now set up for summer learning success thanks to the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County’s (ELCOC) third annual “Slide into Summer” Family Services Event, held Saturday, May 17th, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando.

This year’s event, themed “Under the Big Top,” transformed the neighborhood center into a lively circus-themed celebration, complete with engaging interactive learning activities, free educational resources, and carnival-style treats for children ages infant to five and their families.

One of the event’s key highlights was the distribution of educational toys, books, and laptop computers to the first 250 families in attendance.

“This event helps close the gap that can occur in early childhood development when school is out for the summer,” said Dr. Scott Fritz, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County. “Research shows that learning loss can begin early, and events like ‘Slide into Summer’ give families the tools to keep their children engaged and growing throughout the summer break.”

The success of this community event was made possible by the dedication of dozens of volunteers and the generous support of local partners and sponsors, including:

  • Lakeshore Learning
  • Orlando Health Women's Institute & Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies
  • Healthy Start Orange County
  • Orange County Library System
  • Florida Department of Health
  • UnlockEd Learning Program
  • City of Orlando Families, Parks and Recreation
  • Sugar Grove Catering & Events
  • Momma’s Pantry
  • Kona Ice of Downtown Orlando
  • Beyond Simply Fit
  • No Limit Counseling and Education
  • Mindful Play Learning
  • Gardner Media
  • Central Florida Diaper Bank
  • Young Innovators Academy

The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County is committed to preparing children for lifelong success by strengthening families and providing access to high-quality early education opportunities.

For more information about ELCOC programs and upcoming events, visit www.elcoc.org.

Media Contact:

Kelly Schulz
Chief of Communications and Community Engagement
Early Learning Coalition of Orange County (ELCOC)
7700 Southland Blvd. Suite #100, Orlando, FL 32809
P: (407) 841-6607
E: kschulz@elcoc.org

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