Contact: Erica Turchin

Communications Manager

Email: eturchin@elcosceola.org

Phone: 407.329.8459 ext. 156

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOLD STARS ARE FOR VPK PROVIDERS TOO: OSCEOLA VPK PROFESSIONALS TO BE HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING CLASSROOM PERFORMANCE

Kissimmee, FL (Friday, December 12, 2025) – The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County (ELC of Osceola) is proud to recognize 55 Osceola County early learning programs for their exceptional instructional performance in Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. Among this year’s honorees, one program achieved a perfect score.

VPK programs are evaluated across three instructional domains: Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support during live observations with classrooms full of curious 4 and 5-year-old learners. These achievements reflect not only the teachers’ instructional excellence but also their deep commitment to early childhood development.

“VPK programs do far more than teach literacy and numeracy,” said Amanda Kelkenberg, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County. “They nurture kindness, help children build routines, and show children that learning is playful, joyful, and empowering.”

Strong VPK instruction lays a foundation for long-term success—supporting school readiness, fostering critical and creative thinking skills, and helping children grow into future graduates and contributors to the workforce. These educators play a vital role in preparing Osceola’s youngest citizens not only for kindergarten but for a brighter future.

To celebrate this positive news, the ELC of Osceola will host a Breakfast Celebration honoring VPK providers on Tuesday, December 16, at 9:00 AM at its new office location: 1950 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Suite 201, Kissimmee, FL 34744.

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The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County

Established in 1999 through the enactment of Florida Statute 411, the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County, Inc. (Coalition) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Together with 30 other coalitions across Florida, the Coalition is tasked with the management and funding of early learning programs, utilizing resources from federal, state, and local sources. The Coalition presently provides services to more than 4500 children through its two early learning programs: School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten.

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