The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) is dedicated to providing high-quality professional development opportunities for early learning professionals. To ensure a smooth and beneficial learning experience for all participants, we have established clear policies for all our learning events and workshops. This document outlines these essential policies, covering registration, payment, cancellations, attendance, and more. Understanding these guidelines will help you make the most of the professional growth opportunities offered by the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.
Registration for Learning Events
Online Registration Process
All registrations for professional development learning events and workshops organized by the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) are exclusively conducted online. To register for any event, regardless of whether it is free or paid, you will need to create an account on our online learning platform. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and please be aware that seating or virtual spots are often limited for each event. We encourage early registration to secure your place in the desired learning event.
Payment Options
For learning events that require a fee, payment can be conveniently made online at the time of registration through our secure platform. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County ensures a safe and straightforward payment process for all participants.
Registration Cancellation Policy
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. If you need to cancel your registration for a learning event, please do so at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled start time. Cancellations made within this timeframe will be eligible for a full refund, which will be credited to the online account you have on file with the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.
Learning Event Policies
Event Cancellation by ELCHC
The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County reserves the right to cancel a learning event if there is insufficient registration. In the unlikely event that a session is cancelled, all registered participants will be promptly notified via email. If your session is cancelled, a full credit will be applied to your online account with the ELCHC. We will strive to provide ample notice in case of event cancellation.
Attendance Policy for Learning Events
Participants are strongly encouraged to log in virtually or arrive in person 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time of their learning event. This allows time for check-in and ensures you are ready to begin promptly. Participants arriving more than 15 minutes after the official start time WILL NOT BE ADMITTED to the session. This policy is in place to minimize disruption to the learning environment and to respect the time of all attendees and instructors. Partial in-service credit may be offered in cases of late arrival before the 15-minute cut-off, if applicable and at the discretion of the event organizers. Please note that make-up sessions WILL NOT BE OFFERED for any missed learning event content. Punctuality is key to fully benefiting from our professional development opportunities at the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) and its IECP program uphold a strict anti-discrimination policy. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all learners. The ELCHC and IECP do not discriminate against any person based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability/handicap, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or age in any aspect of our learning events, training workshops, or professional development programs. Furthermore, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, handicaps, and/or religious beliefs to ensure equitable access to our learning opportunities.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodation
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or handicaps who are participating in our learning events. Any person requiring specific accommodations should contact us at 813.515.2340 at least seven business days prior to the scheduled learning event. This advance notice allows us sufficient time to arrange the necessary accommodations to support your participation.
Learner Security Policy
Protecting the privacy and security of our learners is a priority for the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. Our online learning platform is designed to ensure that each learner’s record is restricted from public access. As a registered learner, you can access copies of your certifications and your personal demographic/contact information that you have provided. For online support or assistance in accessing your records, please call 813.515.2340. To maintain security and verify identity at all in-person learning events, learners are required to present a valid state or government-issued photo ID for verification.
Proprietary Interest Policy Disclosure
The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County believes in transparency and ethical conduct. Individuals participating in ELCHC learning events have the right to be informed about any proprietary interest a trainer or instructor may have in a product or service discussed during the event. Therefore, all trainers and instructors are required to disclose any proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service, and/or materials that will be discussed during a learning event, training, program, or workshop. They are also required to disclose the source of any compensation they may be receiving related to the presentation. This policy ensures that participants are fully aware of any potential biases or affiliations.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Award Policy
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are a valuable way to recognize professional development achievements. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County may award CEUs for learning events that are three hours or longer in duration. Learning events shorter than three hours will be awarded in-service hours upon successful completion. CEUs are granted upon successful completion of the entire learning event. Successful completion requires learners to be punctual, attend all required sessions, actively participate in the learning activities, and complete any related assignments and/or surveys as defined by the trainer or instructor. For online training, participants must maintain an engagement score of 75% or higher. For all online training, it is mandatory to have cameras turned on – no exceptions. Furthermore, for online training, participant names must match the name provided during registration for accurate attendance tracking and CEU awarding. Any required assignments or surveys will be detailed in the Training Description on our online platform. Learners are encouraged to contact trainers or instructors if they have any questions or need clarification regarding the requirements for successful completion of assignments or surveys. In-service hours will be awarded in place of CEUs if a learner does not meet the criteria for successful completion as determined by the instructor or trainer. Please be aware that training sessions may be recorded for educational purposes.
Achievement Bonus Opportunities
Educators teaching within Hillsborough County may be eligible for an achievement bonus upon completing certain professional development courses. To earn an achievement bonus, you must be currently teaching in Hillsborough County and fulfill all course requirements, which may include pre and post assessments, homework assignments, reflection activities, and LMS instructor evaluations (if applicable to the specific course). Please note that each individual is limited to a maximum of four training achievement bonuses per training cycle, and bonuses are not awarded for coursework that has been previously completed. Additionally, to receive an achievement bonus, a W9 form must be submitted, and the address on the W9 form must match the address associated with your LMS account. For any questions regarding achievement bonuses, please contact Abbey Landa at [email protected].
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of a learning event or training program, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate can be easily retrieved from your individual online LMS account. This certificate serves as official documentation of your professional development and participation in Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County events.
Child Care Arrangements
Please be aware that all learning events and training sessions offered by the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County are specifically designed for adult audiences. To ensure your full engagement and participation, we kindly request that all registrants make necessary childcare arrangements prior to attending any learning event. Childcare services are not available on-site during our learning events.
By familiarizing yourself with these policies, you are ensuring a positive and productive experience with the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County’s professional development opportunities. We are committed to supporting your growth and development in the field of early learning.
