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
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:

• Responsibly administer federal, state, and local funds;
• Cultivate sound staff development and growth;
• Create teaching opportunities for dedicated early childhood educators;
• Encourage, teach, and strengthen economic self-sufficiency for families through access to community services and resources;
• Ensure the success of both comprehensive school readiness and voluntary prekindergarten programs; and
• Deliver and measure performance-based results related to our purpose, values, vision and mission, in accordance with Florida Statutes and the Agency for Workforce Innovation, Office of Early Learning.

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

• Steve Southerland II, Chair
• David Melvin, Vice Chair
• Jerry Sowell, Treasurer
• Olivia Cooley, Secretary
• Shelly Bear
• Julian Bennett
• Judy Boyd
• Janice Brown
• Bill Byrd
• Lee Anne Case
• Arthur Cullen
• Sharon Gaskin
• Steve Griffin
• Linda Hood
• Jill Jones
• Elizabeth Kirvin
• Al McCambry
• Mary McKenzie
• Dr. Willie Spires
• David Warriner
• Richard Williams