Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida
The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida (ELC) is participating in the Child Care Executive Partnership Program (CCEP), helping to fill the gap in child care funding for working parents.
The CCEP mission is to “promote public private partnerships to ensure that the children of Florida are provided safe, high quality, developmentally appropriate and enriching childcare while parents work to remain self-sufficient.”
All Florida businesses can participate in providing assistance to their eligible employees and for every dollar allotted, the state matches it equally. CCEP is managed and administered by the Agency for Workforce Innovation, office of Early Learning and guided by a statewide board appointed by the Governor. It currently operates a $15 million budget.
Families are eligible if they are at 200% of the poverty level, or for example, a family of four making no more than $38,700 annually. Parents participate by paying a portion of the costs based on a sliding fee scale, often times only a tenth of the regular rate.
Programs such as CCEP lead to higher attendance and a decrease in tardiness among employees. Research has show also show that staffers work better as they are less concerned about the well being of their children while they are working. All CCEP participating childcare centers are either inspected by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or by ELC to ensure quality.
Interested parents and employers are encouraged to contact the local Early Learning Coalition (of Southwest Florida) at (239) 267-4105 and ask for Nga Cotter regarding the Florida Child Care Executive Partnership program. The Coalition will then register the company and answer any questions about sign up. New fiscal year partners are sought, with the program renewing on July 1st. More information is available at http://www.ccep.bz.
The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida exists to enhance the quality of children's lives by providing low-income families, early childhood educators, caregivers and community partners in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties, with opportunities to positively impact the future. For details on our many services or to donate, please visit http://www.elcofswfl.org or call (239) 267-4105.
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