SCHOOL READINESS

child and adult reading a book

You shouldn’t have to decide between affordability and quality.

As a parent, finding a high-quality child care provider for your child can be difficult. Affording a high-quality child care provider can make that process more complex. The School Readiness Program offers financial assistance to qualifying families for early childhood education and care so families can become financially self-sufficient, and their young child can be successful in school in the future. Scholarships are based on family income or involvement in furthering their education. Child with special needs and those at risk are also a priority.

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  • What income is used to determine eligibility?

    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.

  • Can I choose any school/ child care center I’d like?

    All families eligible for School Readiness financial assistance may select the provider of their choice. However, ELCPBC will only pay for child care if the child care provider has been approved by the Coalition. To find out if School Readiness is a fit for your family, please contact our Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) at 561-514-3300.

  • What are the School Readiness financial assistance program eligibility priorities?

    • 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.

  • How do I check my spot on the wait list?

    • Supporting documentation will be required to determine placement on the waiting list
    • You will be notified if additional information is needed prior to placing your child (ren) on the waiting list.
    • You are required to update your application on line if changes occur.
    • You will be contacted every 6 months to remain on the waiting list; failure to respond will result in the termination of waiting list status.
    • Families may contact the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) team directly at 561.514.3300 to request a listing of providers that may offer scholarships, negotiated rates, or a sliding scale fee.

    When funds become available you will receive further communication from us to determine if you are eligible. Invitations are sent based on the established priorities and the date your child (ren) was placed on the waiting list.


    If you’d like to check the status of a Wait List Application, call us at 561.514.3300.

  • How do I make an appointment?

    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.

  • How do I create a Family Portal account?

    If you have NEVER had a Family Portal Account, you may create one as a New User at http://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/Account/Login. DO NOT create another Family Portal Account if you have ever created one in the past. This will duplicate your family’s information. Please contact the CCRR Team.

  • I do not have access to a scanner or need assistance uploading documents.

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

  • How do I renew my child’s School Readiness scholarship?

    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.