Team
As the Coalition’s responsibilities grew throughout the years, so did the team behind our success. Initially, the executive director and a board of 25 community leaders administered Coalition activities. Coalition business is now carried out by 24 team members and up to 19 board members. The chief executive officer leads a seasoned management team, along with childcare resource and referral specialists, eligibility specialists, fiscal assistants, data/contract specialists, resource specialists, administrative assistant and receptionist. These valuable employees comprise five departments:
Administration
The Chief Executive Officer leads the Coalition’s team, supported by the Operations/HR Manager, Community Development Manager and the Administrative Assistant. Administration handles assignments including contracts, human resources, state and federal legislation, and regulatory compliance. Community Development includes special events, community relations, fundraising and development.
Childcare Resource and Referral (CCR&R)
A team of two state certified Childcare Resource and Referral Specialists answer an average of 4,000 calls per month. They help parents with questions ranging from how to get financial assistance for childcare to what services are available to help them meet their family’s individual needs. These specialists provide many parents with information about child care sites in their area, supply lists of child care providers in zip code order and educate parents about choosing quality childcare.
Eligibility for School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
Four Eligibility Specialists, supervised by the Director of Family Services, meet with families and guide them through the eligibility process for the School Readiness program. They work with parents to determine eligibility for subsidized childcare services. The Eligibility Specialists also help parents enroll their children in the FREE VPK program. They ensure children are eligible by reviewing all necessary documentation and provide parents with VPK certificates for their children’s admittance into the program. A list of VPK providers is given to parents so they may choose an appropriate site for their children.
Fiscal
The fiscal team works together to ensure the Coalition receives state and federal funds in a timely manner; provides monthly and annual financials to state and local agencies for grant awards; accurately reimburses contracted providers for child care services; educates potential providers about the contracting process; tracks local match status; and handles accounts payable/accounts receivable. This department consists of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Fiscal Manager, a Fiscal/Monitoring Specialist, and two Data/Contract specialists.
Program
Five Resource Specialists and the Director of Programs comprise the program department. Resource specialists are experienced early education professionals who provide technical assistance to contracted providers. They support and nurture providers so Coalition children receive the best possible early education services.
Careers
The Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County, Inc. offers an outstanding workplace environment and excellent benefits. Our full time regular employees become eligible for benefits after 90 days of employment. Team members work 8 hour days. The Coalition is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
VPK AND SCHOOL READINESS ASSISTANCE
PROVIDER ASSISTANCE
