Families

Why Early Education Matters

From the moment your child is born, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is here to help you give them the best possible start in life.

Baby smiling

Did you know that learning starts at birth? Your child’s brain will almost be fully developed (90%) by age 5. That means by the time they enter kindergarten, they’ll have formed all the brain connections they’ll ever have for interacting with others, solving problems and building life skills.

As your child’s first teacher, talking, reading and interacting with your child daily from the moment they are born supports their brain development and influences who and what they’ll become.

Mom and baby
Man with child smiling

As such an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is here as an extended member of your family’s support team to help you prepare your child for kindergarten and give them the best possible life. Like you, we’re dedicated to ensuring your child grows up to achieve anything they can imagine.

When your child is ready for kindergarten (based on the test they’ll take at the beginning of the school year), they’re more likely to graduate from high school, earn a higher income, be healthier as an adult, and stay out of the criminal justice system — things we all want for our children.