The Early Learning Coalition Of Alachua County (ELC) has announced a new chapter in its commitment to early childhood education with the appointment of Xaviera White as its Chief Executive Officer. White, a passionate advocate for children and a seasoned public servant, brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted dedication to the community to her new role. Her leadership promises to invigorate the ELC’s mission of ensuring every child in Alachua County is “ready for school and ready for life.”
A Foundation Built on Community and Service
Born and raised in Wellborn, Suwannee County, White’s upbringing instilled in her the values of community and hard work. She fondly recalls summers spent working alongside her father in the fields, learning the importance of collaboration and dedication. “I grew up in a community where everyone got along and worked well together,” White shared. “Country living requires a great work ethic,” experiences she believes have shaped her approach to leadership and community engagement at the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County.
While currently residing in Lake City, White is no stranger to Gainesville and Alachua County. Her 21-year tenure with the Florida Department of Children and Families saw her serving Alachua County in various capacities, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the local landscape and the needs of its families. This extensive background in social services and child welfare makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County.
Passion and Vision for Early Childhood Education
For White, this new role at the helm of the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County is more than just a career move; it’s a fulfillment of her lifelong passion. “My passion has always been to advocate for children,” she states emphatically. Her vision for the ELC is clear: to create positive childhood memories for every child she encounters and to ensure they are equipped for future success.
One of White’s most cherished activities as CEO is directly engaging with the children the ELC serves. She regularly visits Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) classrooms, bringing stories to life by dressing up as characters from beloved children’s books. Whether as a butterfly from “The Hungry Caterpillar,” Pete the Cat from “I Love My School Shoes,” or a friendly ladybug from “The Angry Ladybug,” these visits underscore the ELC’s commitment to making learning fun and engaging from the earliest ages. This hands-on approach exemplifies her dedication to the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County’s core vision: preparing children for school and life.
Comprehensive Services for Families in Alachua County
The Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County, located at 4424 NW 13th St., Suite A5 in Gainesville, operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offers a wide array of services designed to support families and childcare providers. With a dedicated team of 28 staff members, the ELC is a vital resource for the community. Some of their key services include:
- Financial Assistance: For families under 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), the ELC provides financial aid to help cover daycare and afterschool fees for children aged 6 weeks to 13 years. This crucial support ensures that affordable childcare is accessible to those who need it most within Alachua County.
- Book Club: Promoting literacy from a young age, the ELC’s book club provides children aged 5 and under with a free book each month. This initiative encourages early reading habits and provides valuable resources for families to build home libraries.
- Childcare Resource and Referrals: Navigating childcare options can be overwhelming for parents. The ELC offers expert guidance and referrals to help parents select the most suitable daycare for their children, ensuring a good fit for each family’s unique needs.
- Provider Training: The Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County is dedicated to enhancing the quality of early education by providing ongoing training and support to childcare providers. This includes technical assistance, coaching, and intensive training programs aimed at promoting excellence in early childhood education across Alachua County.
- Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK): Recognizing the importance of early learning, the ELC offers the state-funded Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) program to all 4-year-olds in Alachua County, regardless of parental income. VPK ensures that all children have access to quality pre-kindergarten education, setting them on a path for future academic success.
Currently, the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County supports approximately 1,600 children in childcare services and partners with 119 childcare providers. In a recent initiative, the ELC hosted a VPK prom for over 300 children, highlighting their commitment to creating memorable experiences. Additionally, in collaboration with over 20 community partners, the ELC distributed more than 800 backpacks filled with school supplies, further demonstrating their dedication to supporting children’s needs beyond the classroom.
Community Support and Future Directions
Xaviera White’s appointment has been met with enthusiastic support from the community. Sabrina Williams, president of the Delta Sigma Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., and White’s sorority sister, praises White’s dedication and work ethic. “She is a go-getter and has a very optimistic spirit,” Williams notes. “She is a very dedicated individual. Once you tell her to get something done, she will get it done. She will find a way to make it happen.” Williams also highlights White’s success in increasing the ELC’s visibility within the community, particularly through social media engagement, ensuring that more families are aware of the resources available through the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County.
Looking ahead, White is working closely with the Board of Directors to implement a strategic plan for the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County. She is actively engaging with providers and community partners to ensure the plan effectively addresses the needs of parents, providers, and the wider community. Her short-term goals include boosting community awareness of the ELC, enhancing customer service, increasing enrollment in ELC services, expanding the network of providers, and increasing the number of accredited Gold Seal providers in Alachua County.
“I am beyond proud to serve in the role of CEO of ELC and I am excited to lead,” White affirms. Her positive outlook and collaborative spirit are poised to guide the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County towards continued growth and impact, ensuring that every child in the region has the opportunity to thrive. With Xaviera White at the helm, the future of early learning in Alachua County looks brighter than ever.
For more information about the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County and its services, please visit their website or contact their office directly.
