The Early Learning Coalition Of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) is dedicated to advancing early childhood education through high-quality learning events and workshops. To ensure a smooth and beneficial experience for all participants, we have established clear policies for registration, attendance, and participation in our programs. This document outlines these essential guidelines for anyone interested in engaging with the ELCHC’s learning opportunities.
Registering for Learning Events
Online Registration Process
All registrations for ELCHC learning events and professional development workshops are exclusively managed through our online platform. To register for any event, regardless of whether it is free or paid, and irrespective of the payment method, you will need to create an account on our online system. Please note that registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited seating capacity in many of our sessions. We encourage early registration to secure your spot.
Payment Guidelines
If a learning event requires a fee, payment can be conveniently made online during the registration process. Our secure online payment system accepts various forms of digital payment, ensuring a seamless transaction experience for our participants.
Cancellation Policies
Registration Cancellation
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. If you need to cancel your registration for a learning event, you are entitled to a full refund provided you cancel at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the event. Refunds will be processed and credited to the online account used for the original registration.
Event Cancellation
The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County reserves the right to cancel a learning event if there is insufficient enrollment or due to other unforeseen circumstances. In the event that a session is cancelled, all registered participants will be promptly notified via email. A full credit will be automatically applied to your online account. This credit can be used for future learning events offered by the ELCHC.
Attendance and Participation
Punctuality Expectations
To maximize your learning experience and minimize disruption to other participants, we recommend logging on virtually or arriving in person 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time of your learning event. Participants who arrive more than 15 minutes after the session has begun WILL NOT BE ADMITTED. This policy is in place to ensure a focused learning environment for all attendees and to respect the time of our instructors and fellow participants.
Non-Discrimination Commitment
The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County and its IECP program uphold a strict anti-discrimination policy. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. Discrimination 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 is strictly prohibited.
Accommodations for Disabilities
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ELCHC is dedicated to reasonably accommodating individuals with disabilities, handicaps, and/or religious beliefs. If you require specific accommodations to participate fully in a learning event, please contact us at 813.515.2340 at least seven business days prior to the scheduled event. This advance notice allows us ample time to arrange the necessary accommodations to support your participation.
Learner Privacy and Security
Data Protection
Protecting the privacy of our learners is paramount at the ELCHC. Our online learning platform is designed with security measures to safeguard your personal information. Access to individual learner records is restricted to prevent public access. As a learner, you have the ability to access and obtain copies of your earned certifications and review your demographic and contact information stored in our system. For online support or assistance in accessing your records, please call 813.515.2340. To ensure the security and integrity of our learning environment, all participants are required to verify their identity at each learning event by presenting a valid state or government-issued photo ID.
Transparency and Ethics
Proprietary Interest Disclosure
The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is committed to transparency and ethical practices in all our learning events. Participants have the right to be informed about any proprietary interests that a trainer or instructor may have in a product or service discussed during a learning event. All trainers and instructors are required to disclose any proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service, and/or materials discussed during a training, program, or workshop. Furthermore, they are obligated to disclose the source of any compensation they may receive related to the presentation. This policy ensures that participants are fully aware of any potential biases and can make informed decisions about the information presented.
Continuing Education and Recognition
CEU and In-service Hours
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) may be awarded for learning events that are three hours or longer in duration. For learning events shorter than three hours, participants may be awarded in-service hours upon successful completion. CEUs are granted upon successful completion of the entire learning event. To successfully complete an event and be eligible for CEUs, learners must be punctual, attend all required sessions, actively participate in discussions and activities, and complete all related assignments and/or surveys as specified by the trainer or instructor.
For online training sessions, participants are required to maintain an engagement score of 75% or higher. For all online training, it is mandatory that cameras are turned on – no exceptions. Additionally, the participant’s name displayed during online training must exactly match the name provided during registration. Details regarding any required assignments or surveys will be outlined in the Training Description on our online platform. Learners are encouraged to reach out to trainers or instructors for any questions or clarifications needed regarding the successful completion requirements. In-service hours will be awarded in place of CEUs if a learner does not meet the criteria for successful completion as defined by the instructor or trainer. *Please be advised that training sessions may be recorded for educational purposes.
Achievement Bonus Details
Educators teaching within Hillsborough County who meet all course requirements, including pre/post assessments, homework assignments, reflection activities, and LMS instructor evaluations (if applicable), may be eligible for an achievement bonus. Please note that each individual is limited to a maximum of four training achievement bonuses per training cycle, and bonuses are not awarded for previously completed coursework. To receive an achievement bonus, a W9 form must be submitted, and the address on the form must match the address associated with your LMS account. For any inquiries 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 conveniently accessed and retrieved from your individual online LMS account.
Childcare Policy
Please be aware that all ELCHC learning events and training sessions are designed exclusively for adult audiences. To ensure your full participation and benefit from the learning experience, we kindly request that all registrants make necessary childcare arrangements prior to attending. Childcare services are not provided at the learning event venues.
By adhering to these policies, we aim to create a productive and respectful learning environment that supports the professional growth of all participants within the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County community. We look forward to your participation in our upcoming learning events and workshops.
