About the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida

Committees

Executive Committee
Chair (Vacant) David Melvin, Vice Chair
Jerry Sowell, Treasurer Olivia Cooley, Secretary
Bill Byrd Elizabeth Kirvin
Al McCambry Mary McKenzie
Neal Reeves David Warriner
Richard Williams  

History of School Readiness

In 1999, the Florida Legislature enacted the School Readiness Act to bring early care and education services together under one program. At the state level these services are directed by the Office of Early Learning managed by the Agency for Workforce Innovation. The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida administers school readiness services for Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. These programs are funded with both state and federal money. These dollars are used to help families locate and pay for quality early care and education for young children.

Our Purpose, Values, and Mission

OUR PURPOSE
We exist to grow healthy children, parents, and the relationship between them.

OUR VALUES
We value compassion, dedication, discipline, excellence, honesty, respect and safety.

OUR VISION
We envision a Northwest Florida where all children receive world class early education and care thereby being fully prepared to learn upon entering kindergarten. This will become reality because of a committed team of children, parents, volunteers, and professionals.

OUR MISSION
We will be on-purpose when we flawlessly execute the following mission directives:

Board of Directors

2009-2010 Officers
Jon McFatter, Chair
Governor Appointee
Bay County
David Melvin, Vice Chair
Governor Appointee
Jackson County
Jerry Sowell, Treasurer
Private Sector Member
Bay County
Secretary (Vacant)
Private Sector Member
2009-2010 Directors
Shelly Bear
Children’s Home Society

News Releases

GOVERNOR CRIST APPOINTS JON MCFATTER AS CHAIR OF THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE – June 8, 2010 Governor Charlie Crist announced the following appointment:

Jon McFatter, 46, of Lynn Haven, owner, Simply the Best Sports, succeeds William “Steve” Southerland, as board chair for the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, Inc., and has been appointed for a term beginning June 8, 2010, and ending April 30, 2013.

Meetings & Events





Date Place Time Notes
Board of Directors Meeting
January 20, 2010
Workforce Center,
Panama City
11:00 a.m. CST Call-in number: 1-888-808-6959,
guest code: 7475102
Executive Committee Meeting

Resources for Board Members

Membership Form
The Coalition Membership form as required by Chapter 411.01(5)(a)5-11, F.S. is now available online.

2009-2010 Self Evaluation
Click here to complete self evaluation

Orientation Package
(will send a .pdf file)

By-Laws
Download the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida By-Laws

©Copyright 2010 ELC of Northwest Florida, All rights reserved.
703 W. 15th Street, Suite A Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 747-5400 | 1-866-269-3022 (toll free) | (850) 747-5450 (fax)