Family Initiatives & Education
Community Calendar
The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County hosts and participates in many community events throughout the year. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with staff, tour our mobile classrooms, and receive FREE books! Read More »
Book Nooks
Community Book Nooksare strategically placed at local business and community locations and are supplied with books to support reading in everyday places. Find a nook, take a look, and choose a book! Read More »
Every Child a Reader
Every Child A Reader is one of our largest annual book-sharing events for children ages 3 to 5. During this event, local community members volunteer to read to children in their preschool classrooms. Read More »
Newborn to Read
Newborn to Read is a collaborative project between the staff at Manatee Memorial Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County designed to encourage new parents to read to their children from the beginning. Read More »
BLOCK Fest
A family interactive event for young children ages 8 months to 8 years and their parents that uses five block-play stations to introduce children and their parents to the educational value of blocks. Read More »
Learning From Afar
Virtual "Learning from Afar Guides," featuring a weekly read-aloud story with a set of learning steps in a 1, 2, 3 format where children can build their background knowledge and play to learn. Read More »
PALS Program
Parents play the most powerful and influential role in their children’s lives. Play and Learning Strategies also known as PALS is a research-based program that supports parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Read More »
NEXTGEN Family Magazine
Directly distributed into the backpacks of all elementary school students, NEXTGEN is Manatee County's official family resource guide that informs, excites, and generates interest in the local community! Read More »
