Bradenton Rotary Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to the ELC's Spot On Program
The Rotary Club of Bradenton and the Bradenton Rotary Foundation have generously granted $10,000 to the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) to further its Spot On Program, which supports preschoolers with developmental needs through in-class therapeutic modeling and teacher training. The ELC, a corporate member of the Rotary Club of Bradenton, is honored to partner with fellow members to advance shared goals in early childhood education and community well-being.
The Spot On Program focuses on addressing developmental barriers that can affect a child's ability to succeed in the classroom, especially in the areas of communication, self-regulation, and skills for daily living. If not addressed early, these challenges can interfere with a child's independence, social development, and overall readiness for kindergarten.
The program connects licensed Speech and Occupational Therapists with preschool educators at participating child care centers. Each week, therapists provide in-classroom professional development and hands-on coaching, helping each child reach their full potential. They work with the teachers to develop strategies and lesson plans tailored to each child's needs, and they monitor progress throughout the year.
"Spot On supports both the educator and the child in a way that's practical, consistent, and impactful," said Darrell King, Chief Executive Officer of the ELC. "With this generous grant from the Rotary Club of Bradenton and the Bradenton Rotary Foundation, we can continue providing this level of support and help more children build the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. We are incredibly grateful for their investment in our children and in early learning."
The Spot On Program also engages participants through post-program caregiver surveys, allowing the ELC to assess both the effectiveness of the strategies and the level of caregiver engagement. The goal is for caregivers to walk away with at least three new tools they can use to continue supporting child development.
By equipping educators with therapeutic tools and strategies, Spot On creates more responsive and individualized learning environments. Classrooms benefit from fewer disruptions and more time spent on meaningful learning for all students.
Kindergarten readiness challenges persist in Manatee County. That's why early intervention programs like Spot On are essential for equipping young children with the skills they need to succeed.
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About the Bradenton Rotary Foundation
The Bradenton Rotary Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the Rotary Club of Bradenton, working to strengthen the local community through meaningful grantmaking. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that address key areas such as education, health, economic opportunity, and environmental care. Guided by Rotary's core value of "Service Above Self," the Foundation invests in projects that create lasting, positive change across Manatee County. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.bradentonrotary.org.
About ELC of Manatee County
The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Inc. is a multi-service agency dedicated to helping children develop skills that they will need to be successful in school and life. The agency's focus is on high-quality school readiness opportunities for all children and their families, understanding that it is in the first years of life that a child's future educational success is determined and the critical role of parents, as their child's first and most important teacher. To learn more about Coalition's services, go to www.elc-manatee.org or call 941-757-2900, extension 2100.