Initiatives at the ELCHC

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Our initiatives at the Early Learning Coalition focus on providing families with opportunities to quality childcare, enhancing STEAM proficiency, and increasing family engagement through activities and career growth for teachers in the early childhood field.

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Hillsborough Infant & Toddler Initiative

The Hillsborough Infant & Toddler Initiative (HITI) strives to improve the quality of infant and toddler care in Hillsborough County.


The focus of the Initiative is to provide families with more opportunities to access quality childcare for children birth to 36 months. Programs who participate are committed to increasing their childcare slots for very young children, improving the quality of care they provide through age-appropriate learning environments, and improving teacher-child interactions through targeted professional development for infant & toddler teachers.

The Hillsborough Infant & Toddler Initiative (HITI) strives to improve the quality of infant and toddler care in Hillsborough County.


The focus of the Initiative is to provide families with more opportunities to access quality childcare for children birth to 36 months. Programs who participate are committed to increasing their childcare slots for very young children, improving the quality of care they provide through age-appropriate learning environments, and improving teacher-child interactions through targeted professional development for infant & toddler teachers.

Interested in Joining? Complete the Interest Form

Interested in Joining? Complete the Interest Form Today.

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iSpy Tampa Bay

The opportunity to explore and learn about science!

iSpy is committed to providing every child with the opportunity to explore and learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in exciting and innovative ways. Participating in hands-on activities designed to spark their curiosity and interest in STEM.


As a part of iSpy, children will develop creative problem-solving skills, learn how to use technology, and gain a true appreciation for STEM subjects that will last a lifetime.


Interested in Joining? Complete the Interest Form

iSpy is committed to providing every child with the opportunity to explore and learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in exciting and innovative ways. Participating in hands-on activities designed to spark their curiosity and interest in STEM.


As a part of iSpy, children will develop creative problem-solving skills, learn how to use technology, and gain a true appreciation for STEM subjects that will last a lifetime.


Interested in Joining? Complete the Interest Form

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On My Way to Kindergarten & Literacy All Year

Need help with developing a well rounded Kindergarten transition program for your students?


On My Way to Kindergarten is a learning journey that provides families and classrooms with resources to help your students make a smooth transition into kindergarten. We offer a variety of age-specific educational resources and activities for families and childcare providers centered around play-based learning and developing social skills.
Children that participate in FREE VPK are proven to be more successful transitioning into elementary school.

Interested in Joining? Complete the Interest Form

Need help with developing a well rounded Kindergarten transition program for your students?


On My Way to Kindergarten is a learning journey that provides families and classrooms with resources to help your students make a smooth transition into kindergarten. We offer a variety of age-specific educational resources and activities for families and childcare providers centered around play-based learning and developing social skills.
Children that participate in FREE VPK are proven to be more successful transitioning into elementary school.

Interested in Joining? Complete the Interest Form

Past Initiative Events

Scroll through the pictures below to view past events from HITI, iSpy, OMW2K and VPK Open House. We collaborate with families, educators, and our community to raise awareness that learning starts at birth and improve educational outcomes for children entering kindergarten.