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.

SEEDS, Skill-Based Educational Experiences Delivery System, has been an ELLM component since 2004. This unique volunteer based program is sponsored by the Stranahan Foundation and matches volunteer mentors (called “Larks”) with ELLM classrooms. Each Lark is provided a weekly lesson and materials and works with students to support classroom literacy lessons. Additionally, Larks offer students much needed time so that they can practice their conversation and language skills. The volunteers are trained in the importance of using complete and complex sentences throughout their conversations with the youngsters and how to use the materials each is provided. Although the approximately 70 volunteers are recruited from a variety of organizations, the Christ Child Society has volunteered the majority of the Larks.

Florida Gulf Coast University (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.

Naples Children and Education Foundation provides the funding for ELLM in approximately 56 classes of 4-year olds in Naples and Immokalee. These resources provide literacy coaches, classroom materials, and assessments to ensure both program effectiveness and continuous improvement.