A Florida-based operations executive with a background in finance, Gilbert Rincon possesses nearly three decades of organizational leadership experience. Most recently, Gilbert Rincon served as chief executive officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County in Lakeland, Florida.
In its mission to provide young children with the skills needed to attain academic success, the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County implements various early education and care initiatives serving upwards of 9,000 children monthly. Since 2005, the Coalition has also been charged with ensuring the effective delivery of Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) within Polk County.
Approved by a 2002 constitutional amendment, VPK is a free early-learning program that provides 4- and 5-year-old children in the state of Florida with the foundation they need to be ready for school. The structured program focuses on developing early language, reading, and writing skills. VPK also emphasizes accountability and socialization.
Parents in Florida can select from several VPK programs, including those held during the school year, over the summer, and outside a traditional classroom setting. Since the first students began enrolling in VPK in 2005, over 4 million children have benefitted from the program. Today, nearly 80 percent of 4-year-old children in Florida attend VPK.
