Building the Future—Together
Across Florida, community leaders, educators, and businesses are working every day to give children the strongest possible start in life.
In some communities, there is an organized, cross-sector collaborative effort specifically focused on children’s first five years.
The Florida Early Learning Impact Network connects those efforts into one powerful statewide movement, aligned around one common goal:
Ensuring each and every young Floridian has access to high-quality early learning opportunities that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
What the Network Does
The Florida Early Learning Impact Network strengthens and connects the people and partnerships working to improve early learning across our state.
Together, we:
- Align efforts around shared goals for kindergarten readiness and family well-being.
- Share data and best practices that help communities learn from one another.
- Build local capacity through technical assistance, training, and collaboration.
- Elevate stories and results that show what’s working for children and families.
- Drive resources toward proven strategies that make a measurable difference.
This network isn’t a new program—it’s a connection point for community-level efforts already leading great work.
Why It Matters
Early learning is economic development, workforce development, and community development—all in one.
When we invest early, children succeed in school, families are stronger, and Florida’s future grows brighter.
Because the foundation for Florida’s future begins long before kindergarten.
How It Works
The network operates as a collective impact initiative, meaning that members work toward shared goals and align their local efforts around statewide priorities.
- Advisory council meetings (quarterly) – Guide statewide direction and strategy.
- Monthly local network calls (every other month) – Share ideas, celebrate progress, and collaborate on projects.
- Learning journeys and webinars – Explore topics of interest like data use, family engagement, and community partnerships.
- Technical assistance and coaching – Support for local communities building or strengthening their early learning collaborations.
Each local collaborative designates a primary contact who connects their community’s work to statewide learning and strategy.
Who’s Involved
The network includes a growing group of local early learning collaboratives and statewide partners who believe that big change starts locally.
Local Collaboratives
These are cross-sector partnerships of early learning providers, school districts, nonprofits, local governments, and businesses—all working together to improve outcomes for young children and families.
Advisory Council
The advisory council reflects the diverse ecosystem that supports children and families, representing philanthropy, government, education, business, early learning, higher ed, parents, educators, community organizations, and state agencies.
Meet Our Advisory Council Members
- Stacy Baier, Helios Education Foundation
- Lisa Blair, Reach Out and Read
- Sandi Bisceglia, Former Elementary Teacher and Pre K-8 Principal, Florida Keys/Islamorada
- Monesia Brown, Consultant
- Allison Campbell, Marion County
- Ashley Carr, Florida HealthyKids
- Jesse Corragio, Community Foundation Tampa Bay
- Ashley Dietz, Florida Philanthropic Network
- Suzan Gage, Early Learning Coalition of NW FL
- Mia Jones, Children's Trust of Alachua County, Gainesville
- Chris Kalin/Karen Feagins, PNC
- Arleen Lambert, Family Child Care/BLI
- DJ Lebo, Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia
- Simone McDaniel, Parent, Tallahassee
- Cari Miller, Division of Early Learning, Tallahassee
- Wanda Minick, Florida Head Start Association
- Dawn Montecalvo, Guadalupe Center
- Glen Mort, Florida Association of Child Care Management (FACCM)
- Melissa Nelson, United Way of Florida
- Jennifer Ohlsen, The Ounce
- Phil Poekert, UF Lastinger Center
- Jes Pritchard, Association of Early Learning Coalitions
- Kerry-Ann Royes, YWCA South Florida
- David Sikes, Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS)
- Maria Somera, Parent, Sarasota
- Andry Sweet, Children’s Home Society
- Cathy Timuta, Florida Healthy Start Association
- Lynne Tucker, R’Club Child Care
- Jarvis Wheeler/Anna Kichens, Lift Orlando
Get Involved
If your community is working to improve kindergarten readiness or early learning outcomes, we invite you to connect with us.
Questions?
Contact Varnessa McCray at Varnessa.McCray@childrensmovementflorida.org