SCHOOL READINESS

• 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 the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)*

1. Family of 1 person = $22,590 or less
2. Family of 2 people = $30,660 or less
3. Family of 3 people = $38,730 or less
4. Family of 4 people = $46,800 or less
5. Family of 5 people = $54,870 or less
6. Family of 6 people = $62,940 or less

*Effective until 6/30/2025

A family’s gross income (income before taxes, insurance, and any other deductions are subtracted) is used to determine eligibility. Both earned income (for example, wages) and unearned income (for example, child support, Social Security payments, Unemployment Insurance) are counted. Depending on the family income, the family will pay a fee for each child for whom you receive financial assistance. The co-payment is based on family income and family size. Parents are expected to make their co-payment directly to the child care provider.

• Priority 1: Children younger than age 13 whose parents receive temporary cash assistance and are subject to federal work requirements.
• Priority 2: At-risk children younger than age 9. 
• Priority 3: At-risk children who are at least age 9, but younger than 13. Those with siblings in priority groups 1 and 2 are higher priority than other children ages 9-13 in this priority group.
• Priority 4: Economically disadvantaged children until eligible to enter kindergarten. Their older siblings up to the age they are eligible to enter 6th grade may also be served.
• Priority 5: Children from birth to kindergarten whose parents are transitioning from the temporary cash assistance work program to employment.
• Priority 6: Economically disadvantaged children younger than 13. Priority in this category is given to children who have a younger sibling in the School Readiness Program under Priority 3.
• Priority 7: Children younger than 13 whose parents are transitioning from the temporary cash assistance work program to employment.
• Priority 8: Children who have special needs and current individual educational plans (IEPs) from age 3 until they are eligible to enter kindergarten.
• Priority 9: Children concurrently enrolled in the federal Head Start Program and VPK, regardless of priorities 1-4.

If you have never created a Family Portal Account, you can create one as a New User at http://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/Account/Login. If you have ever created an account in the past, please do not create another. This will duplicate your family’s information. Please contact us for support at 561-514-3300 or via webchat.

Contact our CCRR Team by dialing 561-514-3300, or by using the chat feature right here on the website. Staff will assist you by making an appointment with you.

ELC offers in-person assistance and technology at the Palm Springs or Riviera Beach locations.

When funds become available, you will receive further communication from us to determine eligibility. Invitations are sent based on the established priorities and the date your application was accepted.

If you’d like to check the status of your application, call us at 561.514.3300.  Please note:

• You are required to update your application on line if changes occur.
• You will be contacted every six months to remain on the waiting list; failure to respond will result in the termination of waiting list status.

Additional documents  can be uploaded directly into your account on the Family Portal.  To keep your information secure, please use the Family Portal instead of emailing documents to the Coalition. 

1. Log on to your Family Portal account.

2. Under the School Readiness Applications section, click “Verify Eligibility”.

3. You will be directed to the Eligibility Wizard. Click "Start" to begin the process.

4. When you reach the end of the application, please sign electronically exactly as your name appears on the record and click “Submit Eligibility Verification”.

5. Once the ELC completes your re-certification, you will receive an email directing you back to the Family Portal. Log into the Family Portal. Under the School Readiness Funding section you will click on the blue “Sign” button next to each of your child(ren)’s name(s). Please Note: If you don’t receive the email, you can still log into the Family Portal and complete the process.

6. You will be asked to read and accept to the Parental Rights and Responsibilities/Terms and Conditions. Please sign electronically the Payment Certificate exactly how your name appears on the record to complete the process.