Families
Learn about child care cost help, free VPK, provider search, CCR&R, and Family Portal access.
ELC Polk access hub
Start with the space that fits you.
Families, providers, community partners, and staff get a simpler path to the tools they use most.
Welcome to ELC Polk
Who are you visiting as today?
Choose your role and we will take you into a focused space with the links, updates, and next steps that matter most.
Providers
Access provider portals, contracts, enrollments, School Readiness, VPK, forms, and support.
Community
Support children and families, volunteer, donate, view board information, or explore careers.
Educators
Access professional development, CLASS resources, inclusion support, and early learning curriculum guidance for classroom educators across Polk County.
Programs & Activities
What ELC Polk does every day
From free VPK classrooms to provider coaching and family assistance — early learning is happening across all of Polk County.
Free Program
Voluntary Prekindergarten
Every eligible 4-year-old in Polk County can attend VPK for free — building early literacy and kindergarten readiness.
4,087 children enrolledFinancial Assistance
School Readiness
Helping working families access quality, affordable child care through subsidized enrollment and provider partnerships.
5,626 children servedFree Guidance
Child Care Resource & Referral
CCR&R specialists help families find and evaluate quality child care that fits their schedule, budget, and needs.
Free for all familiesQuality Support
Provider Development
ELC Polk coaches and supports Polk County's 396 early learning programs — from CLASS training to inclusion services.
396 licensed providersAdvocacy & Impact
Community Partnerships
Volunteers, donors, and community advocates are the backbone of early learning access across all of Polk County.
9,000 children/monthSince 1999
Early Learning Impact
For over 25 years, ELC Polk has led Polk County's effort to ensure every child arrives at kindergarten ready to learn and succeed.
Est. 1999, Lakeland FLCalendar
Upcoming events
Jun
25
VPK
VPK Information Session – Fall 2026
ELC Polk Office · 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Jun
27
Training
CLASS Observation Training for Providers
ELC Polk Winter Haven Office · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Jul
2
Board Meeting
ELC Polk Board of Directors Meeting
115 S Missouri Ave, Lakeland, FL 33815 · 5:30 PM
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