The Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties, Inc. (ELCIRMO) is defined and described in Chapter 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.