coalition plans:
living documents...
by Katerina Koikos, Contributing Editor, System Development
Florida’s early learning system is administered by the Agency for Workforce Innovation through collaboration with the 31 local early learning coalitions. Due to this unique governance structure, each coalition operates under a plan approved by the Office of Early Learning. Each plan is designed to address the needs of the local community, making the plan a “living document” that grows and changes with the coalition and its community. The plan details how each individual coalition will provide a comprehensive program of School Readiness services to the local community in order to enhance the cognitive, social, and physical development of children, preparing them for success in school and in life.
The Agency and early learning coalitions are responsible for implementing the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education, School Readiness (SR), and Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) programs serving families in all 67 counties in Florida. Early learning coalitions are able to assess the needs of their communities and provide training, technical assistance, and resources to support providers and improve the quality of early childhood programs. These activities are detailed in the coalition plan.
The coalition plan is also a very important part of the Agency’s process for ensuring the effective use of federal, state, local, and private resources to achieve the highest possible level of school readiness for the state's children. The Agency utilizes coalition plans in many ways, such as assessing policy and process decisions, conducting statewide analysis of trends, and tracking initiatives across the state.
