School Readiness (Financial Assistance) Program
ELC Broward School Readiness program offers financial assistance to income-eligible families to obtain affordable, high-quality child care in Broward County.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Working and/or participating in an educational activity such as college/trade school at least 20-hours per week; or
- Temporarily or permanently disabled as documented by a physician and/or a Social Security Award letter;
AND
- Gross household income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)*
- Family of 1 person = $20,385 or less
- Family of 2 people = $27,465 or less
- Family of 3 people = $34,545 or less
- Family of 4 people = $41,625 or less
- Family of 5 people = $48,705 or less
- Family of 6 people = $55,785 or less
For complete sliding scale list of fees based on FPL, click here: Sliding Fee Scale FY22-23
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
1. Income exceptions for relative caregivers (i.e. grandparents, aunt/uncle, family friend etc.), the disabled, and those working with referring agencies. Speak with a Customer Service or Family Service Specialist for more details at 954-377-2188
2. Income eligibility adjusts on each fiscal year first day (July 1 - June 30th).
To learn how to register for the School Readiness Program, watch these APPLICATION TUTORIAL VIDEOS.
Need help paying for child care? Apply here!
Step 1 – Click Apply to School Readiness to create a Family Portal Account
Step 2- After creating/activating your account, sign in and apply for School Readiness.
Step 3 – Allow ELC Broward staff up to 20 Calendar days to follow up with the next steps
Eligibility is determined by parents’ gross income and must not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level. Families pay a copayment for child care based on income and family size.
View the 2022-23 Sliding Fee Scale Chart
School Readiness child care assistance is available to Broward parents or families who:
- Are working or participating in an educational activity such as attending college or trade school at least 20 hours per week
- Are receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration's disability program
Note:
* Those who are self-employed may qualify and are encouraged to apply.
* Relative caregivers (i.e., grandparent, aunt/uncle, family friend, etc.) receive special work/income exceptions and are encouraged to apply.
You may apply for School Readiness services by clicking here: Family Portal.
Once you apply your application is reviewed and you are contacted by Email. If you are potentially eligible, you are placed on the waitlist until enrollment takes place, depending on availability of funding. Once funding for School Readiness becomes available, it is distributed based on the date of the approved application.
Preliminary documentation is required before your application will be validated:
Income verification form (new job or paid by cash)
- Verification of Employment form can be obtained HERE
- Pay stubs (last 4 weekly pay stubs, last 2 pay stubs if paid bi-weekly or semi-monthly, or last pay stub if paid monthly)
- Self-employment documentation (most recent tax return or YTD (Year-To-Date) business records with invoices and receipts for expenses) . Please use the following work calendar template to show the hours you work (Sample Work Calendar download here)
- Education documentation (enrollment verification and schedule or ELC education/training form)
- Social Security disability documentation statement from physician and SS award letter
If you move and have a new address or change your phone number or other contact information, be sure to update your records with us at 954-377-2188 or send an Email to info@elcbroward.org.
Our trained Child Care Resource and Referral team is available to assist you, at no cost, to discuss available options while you wait. Call us at 954-377-2188 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or Email info@elcbroward.org.