HAINES CITY, FL — January 26th — The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County and the Haines City Fire Department have partnered on reading as part of the department's ongoing monthly early learning outreach. Students gathered for story time as part of the curriculum at the Kids Academy Learning Center when Fire Inspector Nathanael Tinaya attended. Iris Padilla, the founder and owner, hosted the event, which aimed to improve early literacy while fortifying ties between families and first responders.

The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County donated copies of Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie to each kid.

Programs like this, according to officials, help reduce community risk by fostering early understanding of emergencies and fire safety. Early involvement enhances long-term community safety by fostering safe behaviors and fostering trust.