Elma Taghizadeh - The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County

I am honored to step into the spotlight today, not as an educator or advocate from the early childhood education sector, but as a childcare center owner deeply committed to the mission and vision of the Early Learning and Childcare Coalition (ELCHC). I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, share my passion for our mission, and articulate my earnest desire to serve on the Coalition Board. My journey in early childhood education began with a simple dream – to provide a nurturing, safe, and enriching environment for young children to learn and grow. This aspiration led me to acquire Panda Hugs Academy and Tanglewood Learning center, a place where countless young minds have taken their first steps towards a lifetime of learning. Over the years, this endeavor has not only been my profession but also my passion.

As the owner and operator of Panda Hugs Academy, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact that quality early learning and childcare can have on children and families. Each day, I see the joy on the faces of children as they explore, discover, and develop crucial skills that will shape their futures. I witness the relief and confidence that parents gain from knowing their children are in a supportive and stimulating environment. These experiences have solidified my belief in the profound importance of accessible, high-quality early learning and childcare services for all. My involvement in the ELCHC stems from a desire to expand the positive impact of early childhood education beyond the walls of my childcare center. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child in our community has access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their socio-economic background. By serving on the Coalition Board, I believe I can contribute in meaningful ways to the realization of this vision.

6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd.
Suite 100 Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 515-2340

Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed.

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) services provided by the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County are available to all families residing within Hillsborough County. We are committed to ensuring that every family has access to resources, information, and support to find high-quality child care options that meet their specific needs.

Funding Generously Provided by the Following Funders:

Proudly Celebrating Our Achievements:

REGISTRATION

All registrations for IECP learning events and workshops are completed online. Registrations are received on a first-come, first-served basis and seating Is limited. An account to our online platform is required for all learning event registrations regardless of cost or type of payment used.

PAYMENT

Payment, if required, can be made online at the time of registration. Cash or money order can be accepted on location 48 hours prior to the start of a learning event.

REGISTRATION CANCELLATION POLICY

Registrants have up to 48 hours before a scheduled learning event to cancel. A refund will be made to the online account on file. Cash or money order payments will be issued a credit through the online platform If an event is cancelled 48 hours before, or if we cancel an event due to low enrollment or unexpected circumstances.

LEARNING EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY

The event sponsor reserves the right to cancel a learning event due to low registration. If a session is cancelled, those registered will be contacted by email and notified of the cancellation. A credit will be applied to the cnline account on file.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

You are encouraged to log on virtually or arrive in person 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of your learning event. Participants arriving more than 15 minutes late WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE SESSION. Partial in-service credit may be offered, if applicable. Make up sessions WILL NOT BE OFFERED for any learning event. ANTI-

DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The IECP shall not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability/handicap, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of learning event, training workshop or professional development. The ELCHC also reasonably accommodates individuals with disabilities, handicaps and/or religious beliefs.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

Any person with a disability/handicap requiring reasonable accommodations should call 813.515.2340 no later than seven business days prior to the scheduled learning event.

LEARNER SECURITY POLICY

The ELCHC strives to protect the privacy of learners that attend our learning events. Because each learner must register through our online learning platform, each record Is restricted from public access. Learners can obtain a copy of their certifications as well as their own demographic/contact Information provided. For online support, learners may call 813.515.2340 for assistance accessing their records. Learners are required to verify their Identification at all learning events by showing a state or government issued ID with photograph.

PROPRIETARY INTEREST POLICY

Individuals who participate in ELCHCs learning events have the right to know about the proprietary interest a trainer/ Instructor may have in a product or service prior to attending. All trainers/instructors are required to disclose proprietary Interest In any produce Instrument device, service and/ or materials discussed at an event training, program, or workshop, as well as the source of any compensation related to the presentation.

CEU AWARD POLICY

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) may be awarded for all learning events three hours or longer in duration. Learning events less than three hours will be awarded in-service hours upon completion. CEUs will be awarded upon successful completion of the learning event. To successfully complete the learning event, learners must arrive on time, attend all required sessions, be an active participant and complete all related assignments or surveys as defined by the trainer/instructor. Online training must have an engagement score of 75% or more. For all online training – CAMERAS MUST BE ON – NO EXCEPTIONS. Participants names for online training must match the name provided at registration. Any required assignments or surveys will be outlined in the Training Description on our online platform. Learners are encouraged to contact trainers/ instructors with any questions and/or clarification needed regarding the successful completion of assignments or surveys. In-service hours will be awarded in place of CEUs if the learner does not meet the requirements of successful completion as defined by the instructor/trainer.
* Trainings may be recorded for educational purposes.

ACHIEVEMENT BONUS

To earn an achievement bonus, you must be teaching in Hillsborough County and meet all the requirements of the course, including pre/post assessments, homework assignments, reflection, and LMS instructor evaluation (if applicable). Each individual is limited to four training achievement bonuses per training cycle, and bonuses will not be given for previously completed coursework. Additionally, a W9 form must be submitted, and the address on the form must match the address on your LMS account. If you have any questions, please contact Abbey Landa at alanda@elchc.org.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Upon the successful completion of a learning event/ training participants will receive a Certificate of Completion that can be retrieved from their individual online account

CHILD CARE

All learning events/training sessions are designed for adult audiences. We ask that all registrants make the necessary childcare arrangements. Childcare is not available.