ELAC Committee Information
Chair: Dr. Melody Jurado
Co-Chair: Charles Rogers
OEL Staff: Michele Watson, Systems Development Manager
Purpose: Review legislative actions and issues at the State and Federal level that affect the early learning system. The Legislative Committee presents issues to the Early Learning Advisory Council for consideration in order to gain support from key stakeholders and pursue the issue with a common voice. The committee also monitors existing legislative bills that have statewide significance and on issues that arise, such as changes in the interpretation of an existing statute, the committee may choose to take the following action: to watch, to support, support with amendments, oppose, or remain neutral. Staff will then track the bill and alert the committee or council if any additional action is required. In many instances, a letter of support or opposition to the legislative delegate may be all that is required.
Chair: Dr. Ken Peluso
Co-Chair: Octavio Verdeja
OEL Staff: Stu Pollins, Budget Services Supervisor
Purpose: Identify statewide funding that provides reliable and sustainable financial support for the early learning system. The Committee will focus on targeting outside of the box funding streams that will allow the OEL opportunities to secure statewide funding, i.e. tax credits or bonds. Funding streams can also include private partnerships, grants, and foundation funding.
Chair: Toni Crawford
Co-Chair: Harry Duncanson
OEL Staff: Stacy Howard, Consumer Affairs Manager
Purpose: Identify strategies to promote high quality early learning opportunities for children. Core elements of the professional definition of quality environments include: safe, healthy, positive interactions with adults, encouragement of individual emotional growth, promotion of positive relationships and professional development of teachers. Committee members will pool their business expertise to offer strategies and products that assist the AWI-OEL to promote quality in early learning settings for all children.
Chair: Deborah Denys
Co-Chair: TBA
OEL Staff: Matt Guse, Program Manager
Purpose: Direct the process of outreach and awareness to assist the Council and AWI-OEL in “telling our story” of the benefits of quality early learning for children. Given the wide scope topics this committee will focus on issues that impact the development of Florida’s early learning system. An example of a project could be the suggested orientation process for new ELAC board members. The committee will give direction to Director Birken and identify issues related to early learning system development.