Families
Learn about child care cost help, free VPK, provider search, CCR&R, and Family Portal access.

ELC Polk access hub
Families, providers, community partners, and staff get a simpler path to the tools they use most.
Welcome to ELC Polk
Choose your role and we will take you into a focused space with the links, updates, and next steps that matter most.
Learn about child care cost help, free VPK, provider search, CCR&R, and Family Portal access.
Access provider portals, contracts, enrollments, School Readiness, VPK, forms, and support.
Support children and families, volunteer, donate, view board information, or explore careers.
Access professional development, CLASS resources, inclusion support, and early learning curriculum guidance for classroom educators across Polk County.
Programs & Activities
From free VPK classrooms to provider coaching and family assistance — early learning is happening across all of Polk County.
Free Program
Every eligible 4-year-old in Polk County can attend VPK for free — building early literacy and kindergarten readiness.
4,087 children enrolledFinancial Assistance
Helping working families access quality, affordable child care through subsidized enrollment and provider partnerships.
5,626 children servedFree Guidance
CCR&R specialists help families find and evaluate quality child care that fits their schedule, budget, and needs.
Free for all familiesQuality Support
ELC Polk coaches and supports Polk County's 396 early learning programs — from CLASS training to inclusion services.
396 licensed providersAdvocacy & Impact
Volunteers, donors, and community advocates are the backbone of early learning access across all of Polk County.
9,000 children/monthSince 1999
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
ELC Polk Office · 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
ELC Polk Winter Haven Office · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
115 S Missouri Ave, Lakeland, FL 33815 · 5:30 PM
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