Case Study

As one Coalition Resource
and Eligibility Specialist explained, “There are
success stories that may
not have the drama and immediacy of some stories
but in my opinion these are
by far the greater successes." They are the stories of mere survival day to day—parents paying bills, caring for the children, telling me that ‘My baby got all As.’ or ‘My child made the ball team’ or ‘I got
a letter of appreciation at
work.’ or ‘My boss told me I
did well.’ or ‘I’ve been on my
job for three years now.’ or even, ‘I’m going back to
school.’ Success stories in-
clude those about parents
who get up each day, feed
and care for their children
and get them ready for
school or child care, go to
work or school themselves,
and at the end of the day
they come home, care for
their homes and family and eventually get some sleep to prepare for another day like the day before. They are mother/father, provider, teacher, supporter, friend, wiper of tears and sharer
of laughter, example, cheerleader, coach,
chauffeur, tutor, chef, nurse, reader of stories, singer of songs, maker of rules, dispenser of consequences and unconditional love, and
so very much more.“

She goes on to cite a specific example: “I will cite our own Anita* as an example who is
all of these things. Anita is
the mother of four children
ranging in age from 15 years
to the youngest at 4. One of her children is disabled.
While she used to be a client, she is now self-sufficient. She was found eligible for, and
now lives in her own Habitat
for Humanity home, works a
full time job with the Coalition,
is a full time mom and homemaker. Each day she comes to work with a smiling face and willingness to go beyond her job description
to help both customers and fellow staff members in any
way she can. I know she
must sometimes feel tired or discouraged, but she brings
a cheerful, kind and caring presence to our office no matter what her day may
be like personally.”

* Name has been changed
to protect the individual's identity

Financial Assistance for Child Care

The Early Learning Coalition of Santa Rosa County offers qualified parents financial assistance for child care with contracted child care facilities in our local area. Services include extended-day, extended-year, and school age care to support parents in their efforts toward self-sufficiency. Parents eligible for financial assistance may choose child care services from any of the Coalition’s contracted providers.

Studies of high-quality early childhood programs demonstrate that they are especially beneficial to children from economically disadvantaged households. The Coalition works closely with these providers to ensure the provision of:

  • Research-based early learning activities and instruction
  • Developmentally appropriate curriculum
  • Literacy programs
  • Character development programs
  • Healthy and safe environments
  • Appropriate staff-to-child ratios
  • Personnel with required qualifications
  • Family-friendly environment that supports parent involvement opportunities
  • Parent support services

Click here to see if you qualify for assistance, you may go to or call us to make an appointment.

Milton or North Santa Rosa County: 850-983-5313
South Santa Rosa County: 850.916.5422

The Coalition also accepts referrals for child care assistance from the Department of Children and Families and from the Regional Workforce Development Boards.