The Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties, Inc. (ELCIRMO) is defined and described in sections 411.01 and 1002, Florida Statutes. The Coalition was originally created in 1999 as a School Readiness Coalition and became an Early Learning Coalition with the signing of the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) legislation on January 2, 2005. ELCIRMO offers subsidized child care assistance and programs that give children a competitive start in life. ELCIRMO is responsible for the planning and implementation of school readiness and voluntary pre-kindergarten services in the three county areas. The Coalition is responsible for making decisions to meet the early education and child care needs of the children in our communities.