Marion County, FL, October 21, 2026: Help Me Grow, implemented by the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, is hosting a Books, Balls, and Blocks event in partnership with the College of Central Florida Teacher Childhood Education department. The event is being held on Saturday, November 7. The free event for families with children aged birth to five years old will be at College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, Building 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Books, Balls, and Blocks supports early childhood development through fun, engaging and educational play-based activities. While children play, parents/guardians can complete an Ages and Stages Questionnaire, a reliable, valid easy-to-use tool to screen young children for developmental delays. Help Me Grow care coordinators will provide families with information on community resources, events and programs to support children’s healthy development.
The Coalition’s mission is to equip every young child and family for success. They implement Help Me Grow, Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), School Readiness, and Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) programs on behalf of the Florida Department of Education Division of Early Learning plus additional complimentary programs that support parents as a child’s first and most important teacher. For more information, call 352-369-2315 or visit elc-marion.org.
Help Me Grow is sponsored by the Children’s Forum and the State of Florida, Division of Early Learning.