KISSIMMEE, Fla. — In a rapidly growing community where opportunity and family success go hand in hand, the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County—led by CEO Amanda Kelkenberg—is making a powerful and lasting impact on families and young learners.
Kelkenberg has emerged as a leading voice in early childhood education, workforce support, and community-driven solutions. Her recognition as a “Boss for Babies” by the The Children’s Movement of Florida highlights her commitment to ensuring that businesses and communities invest in the earliest—and most critical—years of a child’s life.
At the core of her leadership is a belief that resonates throughout Osceola County: the first five years matter most. Through the Coalition’s programs, including School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten, thousands of children are gaining access to the tools they need to succeed academically and socially—while parents are empowered to pursue careers and stability.
“The early years are the most important years of a child’s life,” Kelkenberg has emphasized, reinforcing the Coalition’s mission to serve as a trusted partner for families across the county.
The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County began 2026 with a bold step forward—opening its newly redesigned office space inside the Watson Realty building on East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee.
The new location reflects a strategic investment in collaboration, innovation, and service delivery. Designed to bring staff together in a more connected environment, the space enhances the Coalition’s ability to support child care providers and families countywide.
Despite recent state budget cuts, Kelkenberg and her team leaned into the challenge.
“Sometimes we need less to provide more,” she said. “Our team has not viewed the recent budget cuts as a limitation. Instead, they have risen to the challenge—working together in our collaborative office space to find new and impactful ways to bring early learning opportunities to our community.”
The office itself tells that story. Its bright, welcoming design features an Early LearnHub in the lobby—an interactive space where children can explore and learn through play while caregivers begin the enrollment process for critical early education programs.
Last fall, the Coalition launched its 14th Early LearnHub in partnership with Park Place Behavioral Health Care, expanding access to free, play-based learning spaces for families across Osceola County.
Located within community settings, Early LearnHubs provide interactive environments where children learn through play, featuring engaging toys, child-friendly spaces, and free books families can take home.
The initiative reflects a broader mission to make early education accessible to all families while integrating learning with health and community support.
Kelkenberg has also helped shift the perception of early learning—positioning it not as childcare, but as the foundation for academic success and long-term community growth. With nearly 90% of brain development occurring before age five, that message continues to resonate across Osceola County.
As the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County continues to expand its reach, the community has an opportunity to be part of that impact.
Residents and businesses interested in supporting early learning initiatives can learn more about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities by visiting the Coalition’s official website.
In and around Osceola County, building a stronger future starts with investing in its youngest learners—and leaders like Amanda Kelkenberg, and caring organizations like the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County, are making sure that future is brighter than ever
En Español 🇪🇸
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — En una comunidad en rápido crecimiento donde la oportunidad y el éxito familiar van de la mano, la Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County—liderada por su directora ejecutiva Amanda Kelkenberg—está generando un impacto significativo en familias y jóvenes estudiantes.
Kelkenberg se ha consolidado como una voz líder en la educación de la primera infancia. Su reconocimiento como “Boss for Babies” por The Children’s Movement of Florida destaca su compromiso con la inversión en los primeros años de vida de los niños.
A través de programas como School Readiness y Voluntary Prekindergarten, miles de niños en Osceola County están accediendo a herramientas clave para su desarrollo, mientras las familias encuentran apoyo y estabilidad.
En 2026, la Coalición inauguró su nueva oficina en Kissimmee, diseñada para fortalecer la colaboración y mejorar sus servicios. El espacio incluye un Early LearnHub interactivo que promueve el aprendizaje a través del juego.
Además, el otoño pasado, la Coalición lanzó su 14.º Early LearnHub en colaboración con Park Place Behavioral Health Care, ampliando el acceso a espacios gratuitos de aprendizaje en la comunidad.
El mensaje es claro: invertir en la educación temprana es clave para el futuro. Y en Osceola County, ese futuro ya está tomando forma.
Em Português 🇧🇷
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Em uma comunidade em rápido crescimento, onde oportunidade e sucesso familiar caminham juntos, a Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County—liderada pela CEO Amanda Kelkenberg—está causando um impacto importante em famílias e jovens estudantes.
Kelkenberg se destaca como uma líder na educação infantil. Seu reconhecimento como “Boss for Babies” pela The Children’s Movement of Florida reforça seu compromisso com o desenvolvimento nos primeiros anos de vida.
Por meio de programas como School Readiness e Voluntary Prekindergarten, milhares de crianças estão recebendo apoio essencial para seu crescimento, enquanto as famílias ganham mais estabilidade.
Em 2026, a Coalizão inaugurou seu novo escritório em Kissimmee, com um Early LearnHub interativo que incentiva o aprendizado por meio da brincadeira.
No outono passado, também lançou seu 14º Early LearnHub em parceria com Park Place Behavioral Health Care, ampliando o acesso à educação na comunidade.
O resultado é claro: investir na primeira infância fortalece o futuro—e em Osceola County, esse futuro já está em construção.
