OCALA FL. (352 Today) The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County is hosting a Books, Balls and Blocks event on Saturday, October 25. The free event for families with children birth to five years old will be at the Coalition office, 2300 SW 17th Rd, Ocala, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Books, Balls and Blocks support 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 the 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.

Sponsored by the Children’s Forum and the State of Florida, Division of Early Learning.