Families

WHAT IS SCHOOL READINESS (SR)?

Florida’s School Readiness Program (SR) offers financial assistance to eligible low-income families for early education and care so they can become financially self-sufficient and their young children can be successful in school in the future. Even before children attend prekindergarten, they gain from experiences that help them enter school ready for kindergarten. Services vary based on individual needs and range from developmental screening to child assessments for children ages birth to school-age. The SR program is funded primarily by the federal Child Care and Development Fund Block Grant. The Division of Early Learning (DEL) is the lead administrator for the SR program at the state level and partners with 30 local early learning coalitions statewide and Redlands Christian Migrant Association to deliver SR services and supports statewide.

Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten

WHAT IS FLORIDA’S VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN EDUCATION PROGRAM (VPK)?

Florida was one of the first states in the country to offer free prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. Since the program began in 2005-06, more than 3.1 million children have benefited from the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK). Data collected by the Florida Department of Education shows that children who participate in VPK are much more ready for kindergarten than children who do not participate in VPK.

Parents can select from one of several program options available in different educational settings from private and public providers and specialized instructional services providers. Providers have flexibility to structure daily hours per week to meet the required number of instructional hours.

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) State Network

FAMILY RESOURCES

The Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) State Network provides information about state-funded early learning programs, such as School Readiness, Voluntary Prekindergarten, Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start and Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters. Local resource and referral offices have information about financial assistance options and community resources to meet your family’s needs.

 

Programs & Services

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

Learn more when you turn 4! Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, or VPK, is a free educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for success in kindergarten and beyond. We’re here to connect you.
 

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Prekindergarten Specialized Instructional Services (VPK SIS)

Do you have a child with disabilities? Does your little student currently have an individual education plan with the local school district? Welcome to Pre-K SIS! Let’s go have a great time learning.

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School Readiness Program (SR)

Need some financial help to afford an early learning program for your child? ELC Broward manages financial assistance for families who qualify. We’re glad to help you with the process.

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Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)

CCR&R services allow you to receive a customized search for child care based on your family’s unique needs, such as location, schedule, curriculum, environment, and special needs.

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Visit the Early Learning Portal

Families who are new to ELC Broward early learning programs and wish to register their children can create an account to access eligibility determination services, community resources, and apply for VPK and School Readiness through the State of Florida Office of Early Learning Family Portal.

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Find a Child Care Provider

We know you want the very best care and learning experience for your child. So do we. ELC Broward has all the information and tips you need to make this important first decision on your child’s education journey. Making a good choice can seem overwhelming, but our guidelines will help you know what to look for, how to consider costs, and even gives you a checklist to help you remember to ask the right questions.

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Find a Child Care Provider

Downloadable Forms

To apply for these programs, go to Florida’s Early Learning Family Portal.

Effective July 1, 2018 the eligibility determination services previously provided by the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County - Family Upload Utility are now provided at the Florida Office of Early Learning Family Portal.

Work Calendar (English)54.21 KB
Work Calendar (Spanish)202.16 KB
Work Calendar (Haitian Creole)201.71 KB
Contribution Letter (English)34.68 KB
Child Support Statement (English)494.73 KB
Child Support Statement (Spanish)452.46 KB
Child Support Statement (Haitian Creole)178.04 KB
Verification of Employment (English)167.39 KB
Verification of Employment (Spanish)460.76 KB
Verification of Employment (Haitian Creole)178.04 KB
Verification of Loss of Income (English)111.28 KB
Verification of Loss of Income (Haitian Creole)643.68 KB
Verification of Loss of Income (Spanish)632.97 KB
Request for Suspended Enrollment (English)53.1 KB
Request for Suspended Enrollment (Spanish)231.07 KB
Request for Suspended Enrollment (Haitian Creole)191.16 KB
Letter of Separation ( English)96.88 KB
Letter of Separation (Haitian Creole)430.41 KB
Letter of Separation (Spanish)428.65 KB
Required Documents (English)507.29 KB
Required Documents (Spanish)506.25 KB
Required Documents (Haitian Creole)603.66 KB

At-Risk Child Care Application and Authorization

Click here if you are an eligible referring agency trying to submit or update a child care authorization form.

School Readiness Provider Transfer Request

School Readiness Transfer Form (English)65.1 KB
School Readiness Transfer Form (Spanish)89.42 KB
School Readiness Transfer Form (Haitian Creole)87.55 KB

The Grievance Request Form is used to file a grievance of an adverse action taken by the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Broward County regarding your childcare services and must be submitted within 14 days of notification of adverse determination. 

Click here to access the Grievance Request Form

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Family Connection Newsletter

 

Read the Newsletter

Waitlist Update

Waiting to hear when your child can begin their program is tough, we know. Rest assured we care about welcoming kids into early learning as quickly as possible. Check in here for information and updates.

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Early Learning Resources

Parenting is challenging. There’s so much to know! ELC Broward works hard to keep you informed about everything ahead for your child’s education from immunizations to affording college tuition. Look here to find rules about early learning programs, how to stay safe at home and school, and helping children with special needs succeed, among many other helpful resources.

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Families who are new to ELC Broward early learning programs and wish to register their children can create an account to access eligibility determination services, community resources, and apply for VPK and School Readiness through the State of Florida Office of Early Learning Family Portal. We know you want the very best care and learning experience for your child. So do we. ELC Broward has all the information and tips you need to make this important first decision on your child’s education journey.