Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota

Pediatric First Aid & CPR Training
2026-05-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-23 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Teacher Training Institute, 6003 Honore Ave, Suite 106, Sarasota, FL, 34238, United States
Our FREE in-person Pediatric First Aid & CPR workshops give teachers the skills and confidence they need to keep children safe every day.
Seats are limited, so submit your interest form today!
Interest Form

Circle of Security Virtual Training: 8 Week Series
2026-05-27 18:00 - 19:30
Join us for an 8-week virtual training series presented by Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant Katie Gerardi.

This course provides practical, relationship-based tools to help you better understand the children in your care. Participants will learn how to strengthen secure relationships, recognize children’s cues, and identify when children need encouragement toward independence or additional emotional support.

Course Takeaways:

Understand and respond to children’s emotional needs
Help children manage feelings and behaviors
Support secure, healthy relationships
Build a strong foundation for lifelong success
Explore the importance of attachment in healthy growth and development

Open to all early childhood educators. Limited spots available—register today!
Participants must attend all 8 sessions to receive credit for the course.
Register here

In-Person Directors Connection
2026-05-20 12:30 - 14:00 | Teacher Training Institute, 6003 Honore Ave, Suite 106, Sarasota, FL, 34238, United States
Each month, the ELC hosts Director’s Connection, a gathering that unites leaders from across Sarasota County’s early education community, including the school district, Head Start, child care centers, and family child care homes.
These sessions foster collaboration, peer to peer support, and professional growth through ELC updates, training news, and guest speakers who share strategies to strengthen classroom quality and family engagement.
What’s Happening this Month:

VPK Birthday Celebration
Guest Speaker: Pam Altier, Stretch & Grow Sarasota
Special Guest: Kelli Maldonado sharing information on Mindful Recovery and answering your questions
Networking with fellow directors

Limited seating available – RSVP is required! https://form.jotform.com/261065248824156

Let's Take it Outside Mod 1
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00
Join us on May 14 from 6 to 8 PM for a FREE virtual training, offered by DCF and facilitated by our friends at DEL.
Open to teachers of 3–5-year-olds, this interactive workshop will explore the benefits of nature-based education and the value of using open-ended, natural materials in the classroom.
Participants will also gain practical strategies for addressing the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards (FELDS) through nature-based materials and outdoor play experiences.
How to Register:

Click here to register directly through DCF. Either log in to your existing account or create a new one.
Training Session #: 11712
Once registered in DCF, click here to register for the actual Zoom session.

Scribbles Matter
2026-05-12 18:00 - 20:00
To most adults, scribbles look like a page full of loops, lines, and squiggly-things. But to a preschooler, those marks tell a story.
Join us on May 12 for a FREE virtual training, offered by DCF and facilitated by our friends at DEL. Open to teachers of 3-5 year-olds, this workshop is designed to explain why scribbling and drawing are such powerful pre-writing steps. Learn simple, practical ways to encourage children to draw, embrace their creativity, and recognize the important skills developing behind every swirl of crayon.
Top Takeaways:

Discover the magic behind children’s scribbles and why they matter
Learn easy ways to build emergent writing skills while aligning with CLASS and FELDS

How to Register:

Click here to register directly through DCF. Either log in to your existing account or create a new one.
Training Session #: 11711
Once registered in DCF, click here to register for the actual Zoom session.

A great opportunity to deepen practice and sharpen skills, one swirly scribble at a time.

Board of Directors Meeting
2026-05-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Teacher Training Institute, 6003 Honore Ave, Suite 106, Sarasota, FL, 34238, United States
All meetings of the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County Board of Directors are held at 3:00 pm, until the conclusion of business, at 6003 Honore Ave, Suite 106, Sarasota, FL 34238, unless otherwise publicly noticed. For the meeting agenda or call-in information, please contact kscott@elcsarasota.org.

Finance Committee Meeting
2026-05-05 08:30 - 10:30
All meetings of the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County Finance Committee are held at 8:30 am, until the conclusion of business, virtually, unless otherwise publicly noticed. For the meeting agenda or call-in information, please contact kscott@elcsarasota.org.

Healthy Start Baby Shower
2026-05-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers St, Sarasota, FL, 34234, United States
FREE community baby shower for expecting parents and families with children (up to age 3).
Be sure to stop by our booth—we look forward to seeing you there!
View details here.

Emergency Preparedness Training with Save The Children
2026-05-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Sarasota County Fire Station #2, 2070 Waldemere Street, Sarasota, FL, 34239, United States
Spots are limited and this one is worth your time.
ELC Sarasota has partnered with national nonprofit Save the Children to offer a free, in-person emergency preparedness workshop built specifically for Sarasota County child care providers.
You’ll leave with a stronger, implementation-ready emergency plan.
In-service hours will be given along with free emergency preparedness kits.
Registration is required. First-come, first-serve.
Click Here to Register.

Kickoff To K Party - North Port
2026-04-30 17:30 - 19:30 | Suncoast Technical College North Port Branch, 4445 Career Lane, North Port, FL, 34289, United States
If your little grads are entering kindergarten at a Sarasota County public or charter school in August 2026, we have a party for them!
Sarasota County Schools is throwing three FREE “Kickoff to K” Parties this April, and your friends at the ELC will be in the house!
Incoming kindergartners and their families will enjoy free food, dancing, games, a “Future Kindergartner” photo booth, free books, and prize giveaways while supplies last. You’ll also get to meet school leaders and kindergarten teachers and ask questions about what’s ahead.
Families can also stop by the ELC booth for one-on-one help with child care financial assistance or VPK registration for younger siblings. And of course, we’ll have free books to give away!
Kickoff to K is presented by Sarasota County Schools and made possible by The Patterson Foundation as part of Suncoast Remake Learning Days.
An RSVP will secure a spot, but it’s not required.
RSVP Here.
View Flyer Here.

Let's Take it Outside Mod 1 - Virtual
2026-04-28 18:00 - 20:00
Join us on April 28 from 6 to 8 PM for a FREE virtual training, offered by DCF and facilitated by our friends at DEL.
Open to teachers of 3–5-year-olds, this interactive workshop will explore the benefits of nature-based education and the value of using open-ended, natural materials in the classroom.
Participants will also gain practical strategies for addressing the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards (FELDS) through nature-based materials and outdoor play experiences.
How to Register:
Click here to register directly through DCF. Either log in to your existing account or create a new one.
Training Session #: 11693
Important Note: Once registered in DCF, there is a second step to register for the actual Zoom session. Don’t skip it!

Kickoff To K Party - Sarasota
2026-04-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Suncoast Technical College Main Campus, 4748 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, 34233, United States

The Language of CLASS Training - Virtual
2026-04-21 18:00 - 20:00
Interactions Matter!
Join us on April 21 from 6 to 8 PM for a FREE virtual training, offered by DCF and facilitated by our friends at DEL. Open to teachers of 3-5 year-olds, this workshop will focus on strengthening teacher-child interactions through the Pre-K CLASS lens on topics like language modeling, concept development, and meaningful conversations.
Participants will gain practical strategies to enhance instructional support, build children’s vocabulary, and promote higher-order thinking, ensuring VPK classrooms foster rich, engaging learning experiences every day.
How to Register:
Click here to register directly through DCF. Either log in to your existing account or create a new one.
Training Session #: 11692
Important Note: Once registered in DCF, there is a second step to register for the actual Zoom session. Don’t skip it!

Kickoff To K Party - Venice
2026-04-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Garden Elementary, 700 Center Rd, Venice, FL, 34285, United States

Virtual Director's Connection
2026-04-15 12:30 - 13:30
Each month, the ELC hosts Director’s Connection, a gathering that unites leaders from across Sarasota County’s early education community, including the school district, Head Start, childcare centers, and family childcare homes. These sessions foster collaboration, peer to peer support, and professional growth through ELC updates, training news, and guest speakers who share strategies to strengthen classroom quality and family engagement.
Join us for our April VIRTUAL Director’s Connection!
Join Zoom Meeting

Sarasota Police Department’s Spring Fest
2026-04-14 17:30 - 20:00 | Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL, 34237, United States
The Sarasota Police Department is throwing a free community celebration and your families are invited!
Here’s what’s in store:
🎵 Live music and free food
🚔 Emergency vehicles and a Mobile Command Center to explore
🐕 K-9 demonstrations
🚁 Drone operations and Marine Patrol displays
🤿 Dive team and specialty unit demos
Plus officers on hand all evening to connect with families and answer questions
It’s a great night out and a fun way to help little ones feel comfortable and confident around their community helpers.
Be sure to stop by our booth. See you there!
View details here.

Executive Committee Special Meeting
2026-04-13 09:30 - 10:30
All meetings of the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County Executive Committee are held at 9:30 a.m., until the conclusion of business, virtually, unless otherwise publicly noticed.
For the meeting agenda or call-in information, please contact kscott@elcsarasota.org.

North Port Baby Shower and Preschool Expo
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00 | George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way, North Port, FL, 34291, United States
Pregnant women, new moms, and families with infants and young children up to age 4 are invited to attend the North Port Community Baby Shower & Preschool Expo!
Hosted by the Social Services Division with support from North Port Kiwanis, this event will feature a variety of helpful resources and information for families.
Be sure to stop by our booth – we look forward to seeing you there!

Communications Committee Meeting
2026-04-08 15:00 - 16:00
All meetings of the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County Communications Committee are held at 3:00 pm, until the conclusion of business, virtually, unless otherwise publicly noticed. For the meeting agenda or call-in information, please contact kscott@elcsarasota.org.
