Purpose

The Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties, Inc. (ELCIRMO) is defined and described in Chapter 1002, Florida Statutes. ELCIRMO offers subsidized child care assistance and programs that give children a competitive start in life. ELCIRMO is responsible for the planning and implementation of school readiness and voluntary pre-kindergarten services in the three county areas. The Coalition is responsible for making decisions to meet the early education and child care needs of the children in our communities.

The Coalition sets priorities that are relevant to the children and families in the communities they serve. In addition to providing financial assistance for families, they offer support, training and resources to community providers who serve approximately 7,800 children daily through the School Readiness, VPK and free Resource & Referral programs. They serve children and families from all socio-economic backgrounds through a network of child care and resource and referral programs. The computerized data system allows trained counselors to track both supply and demand for all types of child care services on a daily basis. Parents seeking quality child care have a variety of options including center-based care, family child care, after-school care, preschool, summer camp, nanny information, odd hour, and sick care.

Along with free Resource and Referral services, they work to enhance both the quality and supply of care through recruitment and training programs. Whether seeking to provide family child care in their homes or planning to open a child care center, we offer start-up and technical assistance, as well as follow-up training and support.

Created By

The Coalition was originally created in 1999 as a School Readiness Coalition and became an Early Learning Coalition with the signing of the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) legislation on January 2, 2005

Membership Details/Requirements

• Bylaws of the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee counties can be viewed here: https://www.elcirmo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bylaws-approved-6-25-15.pd

Appointment Terms

• The terms of the twelve (12) members are appointed to serve staggered four (4) year terms. 

Meetings Held

• Regular meetings are to be held at a time and place to be decided by the members
• Annual Meetings are held each year, in the first quarter of the fiscal year

Is Financial Disclosure Required to Serve?

Yes

Board Coordinator

Okeechobee County Office
208 N. Parrott Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34972
Phone: 863-357-1133 

Officers

Leigh Giunta, Chair
Wells Fargo Advisors

Linda Halpin, Vice-Chair
Department of Children and Families

Missi Campbell , Secretary
Palm City Chamber of Commerce

Bill West, Treasurer
Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

Required Members

Dawna Guiel, FDLRS

Dr. Kelly Amatucci, Indian River State College

Brian Bauer, CareerSource Research Coast

Rachna Handa, Provider Representative, Learning Nest/Tiny Treasures

Dave Heaton, Children’s Services Council of Martin County

Miranda Swanson, Indian River Department of Health

Franklin Johnson, Economic Opportunities Council, Head Start, Indian River County

Kresta King, Okeechobee County Public Library

Dr. Tracey Miller, Martin County School District

Robert McPartlan, Department of Children and Families

Samantha Noonan, Provider Representative, First United Methodist Preschool