What We Do For Our Children Today
Determines Who They Will Become Tomorrow
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The neighborhood where a baby is born shouldn’t determine how safe, supported and successful they become.
That’s why the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County works to ensure all our community’s youngest children grow up to achieve anything they can imagine by providing the best possible early learning experiences and supporting the families and teachers who care for them.

Explore the Brain
Learning starts at birth and is rapid during the first five years of life. Hover over the parts of the brain to learn more.
Learning starts at birth and is rapid during the first five years of life. Tap on the large circles on the brain to learn more.
Nearly 90% of brain development happens by age 5.
Every public dollar spent on preschool returns $7 through increased productivity and savings on public assistance and criminal justice. – Harvard University, Center on the Developing Child.
Toddlers have more than 100 Trillion cell connectors at age two, the most they’ll ever have in their life.
Nearly 90% of brain development happens by age 5.
Nearly 90% of brain development happens by age 5.

Invest In the Future of Our Community Now
The most significant way we can grow Hillsborough County businesses and our economy is to invest in our youngest residents now. What we do for our children during their first five years determines how successful they’ll be in school, at work and as members of this community. We are your strategic nonprofit partner in building a community where everyone who lives and works here can thrive.
Stay in the Know
Latest Blog Posts
ELCHC Newsletter: Q2 October – December 2022
Good day community friends of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. Thank you for being supportive of not only our efforts but those of childcare providers across our county
Coalition Customer Satisfaction Survey
The Division of Early Learning (DEL) is in the process of implementing the Coalition Customer Satisfaction Survey as required by s. 1002.82 (3) F.S., and Rule 6M-9.120(3), F.A.C. All families
CEO Dr. Fred Hicks interview with Tampa Bay Today’s radio show with Kurt Shriner during the Money Talk segment
Our new CEO Dr. Fred Hicks was invited to be part of Tampa Bay Today’s radio show with Kurt Shriner during the Money Talk segment. Shriner and Dr. Hicks discussed