Research & Special Projects
The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County is proud of its Research and 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.
Business Institute for Early Learning Entrepreneurs
The Business Institute for Early Learning Entrepreneurs offers professional development programs to help early learning providers and directors manage their businesses effectively.
We aim to assist them in establishing a financially stable business to support high-quality early childhood education in our communities.
Our programs are led by experienced business professionals from the community who provide expertise in critical business areas such as credit management, revenue forecasting, budget planning, and marketing strategies.
The Business Institute is open to early childhood owners and directors in Orange, Brevard, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
Artist in Residence Program
The Artist in Residence program helps build creativity in young children from infants through VPK. We collaborate with partners in the community, including the Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Philharmonic Symphony, and Central Florida Community Arts.
Working with the Artist in Residence Creativity Coach, teachers build a deeper understanding of how to integrate learning standards with creative activities throughout the day. Participating programs may receive visits from the Orlando Ballet's First Steps program, have their infant & toddler classrooms experience CFC Arts' Bach & Babies program, or participate in the Orlando Philharmonic Symphony's Instrument Petting Zoo & Symphony Storytime. A fun & creative adventure awaits children and teachers!
Infant and Toddler Mentoring Program
As a caregiver, you strongly desire to provide your child with the best possible care. You want your child to feel safe, motivated, and loved in an environment that promotes physical and mental growth. The ABC Infant/Toddler Care program assists teachers and directors in exemplifying the most effective early learning practices. This program equips teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide attentive care and foster language development, ensuring your child receives exceptional care.
The most significant growth and development occurs during the initial three years of life. Providing quality and responsive care in infant/toddler classrooms in underserved communities is particularly challenging. Studies have shown that children who receive high-quality care experience long-term benefits, including improved language development, better relationships, and decreased conflict.
The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County (ELCOC) partners with the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation to increase the quality of learning programs in low-income areas. This is achieved by implementing coaching, mentoring, and training with the support of our ELCOC specialist. Providers and teachers play a key role in early childhood development. With our support and training, they will provide quality care to children because “the first 2000 days matter the most.”
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
ELCOC has expanded early childhood mental health support by establishing a pilot Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC) program to provide weekly visits by licensed early childhood mental health consultants to ten early childhood programs in Orange County.
Circle of Security Attachment Program
The importance of early childhood teachers in the growth and development of young children cannot be overstated. Children spend significant time with their teachers, who have a crucial role in shaping their futures.
Circle of Security training is a valuable tool that helps teachers create responsive and meaningful connections with children. This training equips teachers with the skills to understand a child's needs based on their behavior cues. It also helps them identify when a child needs comfort, support, or assistance with managing their feelings.
By implementing this training, teachers can build a more connected, calm, and secure relationship with each child. They can also learn how to encourage and support children as they explore their environment.
TRAUMA-INFORMED CLASSROOM
ELCOC's primary goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all the children under our care. However, it can be challenging when a child seems distant, displays problematic behavior, or avoids connecting with the staff caring for them.
It's crucial to understand that children who are hard to reach are likely dealing with traumatic events or have experienced trauma before. Teachers and caregivers must approach such situations with empathy and compassion, knowing that the child may need extra support.
That's why ELCOC offers a comprehensive four-hour educator training session that includes informative materials, group discussions, activities, and time for reflection. This training focuses on trauma-informed care, providing the necessary tools to understand the impact of trauma on children and their families.
By developing skills and approaches that support individuals experiencing trauma, educators can create a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Furthermore, this training provides strategies for self-care to ensure that our educators' needs are also addressed.
ELCOC believes every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment. We are committed to providing the support and resources necessary to make that a reality.
Adding fundamentals
The “Adding FUNdamentals” program is a financial literacy program for preschoolers that aims to give students a hands-on fun learning experience about the fundamentals of money, purchasing, and savings early. This program is an excellent way to prepare future generations for economic success.
At selected VPK childcare centers, there will be children’s playhouses that are designed to look like mini credit unions. Complete with a cash register, the students will get a real-life experience of what it is like to work with money. A curriculum is implemented by the teachers to teach financial education to the students in an age-appropriate manner. 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, and Orange County Public Schools.