In Collier County, three anchor organizations forged the Collier County Early Literacy Partnership for Educational Success (the Partnership), which is committed to dramatically improving children’s literacy achievement, beginning with those children in greatest need. The anchors are Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), the Florida Institute of Education (FIE) at the University of North Florida (UNF), and Fun Time Early Childhood Academy.

This transformational literacy collaboration has moved Collier County forward in its commitment to create the same high-quality educational access and opportunity for all of its students. The initiative brings together community partners in an unprecedented alliance with the goal of dramatically increasing literacy for Collier County's at-risk children. Early literacy refers to young children’s development of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to learn to read, write, and communicate. These skills are interconnected, each influencing the other as children grow and cognitively develop.

ELLM was implemented in Collier County in 2004-2005. The research- and standards-based "Early Literacy and Learning Model" (ELLM) provides on-site professional development for teachers, offers effective and well-organized classroom materials and environments, and encourages parent/family involvement by bringing this initiative to 1,200 at-risk children in 38 classrooms in Collier County.

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)

FGCU is committed to raising the quality of learning and instruction at all educational levels in Southwest Florida. FGCU has numerous partnerships with the public schools, including the Public Schools Enrichment Partnership, which is designed to provide assistance and enrichment opportunities for at-risk minority and multicultural students in grades K-16. FGCU serves as the fiscal agent for the Partnership and works with the Florida Institute of Education at the University of North Florida to implement the Early Literacy and Learning Model curriculum in Collier County preschool and Head Start classrooms.

Fun Time Early Learning Academy

The Fun Time Early Childhood Academy is committed to improving the early learning and school readiness of children, particularly those living in poverty. Fun Time serves as a preschool model demonstration site where the innovative early curriculum, the Early Literacy ad Learning Model (ELLM), is being implemented. A companion program designed to enrich the ELLM experience, the Skills-based Educational Experiences Delivery System (ELLM/SEEDS), is being field-tested at the Academy.

Florida Institute of Education at the University of North Florida (FIE)

FIE is a statewide research center hosted by the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. FIE provides statewide leadership to improve education at all levels by working collaboratively with Florida’s universities, community college, public schools, school readiness agencies, and communities. FIE, in collaboration with the College of Education and Human Services at UNF, created ELLM and ELLM/SEEDS based on research and child development standards.

Naples Children and Education Foundation has provided the funding for the 3 implementation years of ELLM 56 classes in Naples and Immokalee

Stranahan Foundation provides funding for ELLM/SEEDS mentoring

Christ Child Society provides ELLM/SEEDS volunteers (LARKS)

The District School Board of Collier County, together with the Collier County Public Schools Head Start Program, host ELLM in Head Start preschool classrooms across the county

The Chairman’s Council of the Community Foundation has provided project support

ELLM Project Director: Debby Shaver
2050 Commerce Avenue, #9
Immokalee, FL 34142
239-377-0578
dshaver@fgcu.edu