Childcare Financial Assistance Programs
Know Your Options
Free Childcare Assistance In Florida
Affordable daycare help is within reach! Government-funded programs in Florida make it possible for parents, just like you, to provide quality care and education for your child while you work to support your family. Check out the financial assistance options available to you below.
For Ages 0-5
What is Florida School Readiness?
Florida's School Readiness Program provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.
For Age 4-5
What is VPK?
The state of Florida offers FREE VPK in Orlando (Voluntary Prekindergarten) for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development.
Know Before You Go
Frequently Asked Questions
School Readiness
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What is School Readiness (SR)?
Florida's School Readiness Program (SR) provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.
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What are the benefits of School Readiness?
- Gets little ones kindergarten-ready!
- Supports working families by making top-notch early learning services affordable.
- Keeps parents thriving in the workforce or pursuing education with a helping hand.
- Provides parents information on child development, early childhood screenings, and family well-being.
- Take your pick from private centers, public schools, or family childcare homes.
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Am I eligible for School Readiness?
Learn More- At least one parent must be employed or engaged in educational activities, like college or trade school attendance, for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
- The total household income should not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level based on family size.
- Families are required to contribute a copayment for childcare, which varies depending on income and family size.
- Additionally, other children may qualify if they have special needs, are considered at-risk for abuse, neglect, or abandonment, or if their parents fall into specific categories, such as being homeless, victims of domestic violence, or low-income migrant families or farm workers.
To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.
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Is your school an approved provider?
Book TourYes! We accept Florida School Readiness. Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more.
VPK
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What is VPK?
The state of Florida offers FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development.
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Am I eligible for VPK?
Learn MoreTo qualify for VPK:
- Children need to reside in Florida and reach the age of 4 on or before September 1 of the ongoing school year.
- If a child's fourth birthday falls between February 2 and September 1 of a given calendar year, parents have the option to delay enrollment in VPK until the subsequent year when the child turns 5.
To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.
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How much is full time VPK in Florida?
540 hours of educational instruction in a school year.
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Is your school an approved VPK provider?
Book A TourYes! We provide free Florida VPK With flexible hours ranging from 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more about our VPK program.
Get Started
How To Apply
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Step 2: Visit
It's time to choose your child care center!
Schedule a visit to tour Courtney's Little Learners STEM Academy. Explore our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see why parents choose us as the most affordable, safe, and reliable choice for child care in Pine Hills, Florida.
Schedule A Tour
Fill out the form below to book a personal tour of our facilities.
Contact Us
Key Features of Our
Florida VPK Program
Safe & Secure
- Clean Classrooms
- Qualified Teachers (CPR & First Aid Certified)
- Established Safety Protocols
- Secure Premises
Communication, Language & Literacy
- Vocabulary Enhancement: VPK programs focus on expanding children's vocabulary through engaging activities, conversations, and exposure to a variety of words, laying the groundwork for effective communication.
- Listening and Comprehension: Through storytelling, group discussions, and interactive learning, children in VPK programs develop strong listening skills and comprehension abilities, crucial for effective communication.
- Early Literacy Skills:
VPK programs introduce age-appropriate literacy activities, including storytime, letter recognition, and basic writing exercises, fostering a love for reading and laying the foundation for future literacy skills.
Brain & Cognitive Development
- Social and Emotional Growth: Through interaction with peers and guided activities, children in VPK programs develop essential social and emotional skills, including cooperation, empathy, and self-regulation.
- Problem-Solving Abilities: VPK programs incorporate activities that stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging children to explore, analyze, and find creative solutions to challenges.
- Pre-Math and Literacy Skills: These programs introduce fundamental math and literacy concepts through age-appropriate activities, storytelling, and hands-on experiences, preparing children for a smooth transition to formal education.
STEAM Curriculum
- Critical Thinking: Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) VPK program encourages children to engage in activities that stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.
- Hands-On Exploration: Children in our STEAM-focused VPK programs participate in hands-on experiments and projects, fostering a deep understanding of scientific concepts and encouraging a love for exploration.
- Creativity and Innovation: We emphasize creativity by incorporating arts into the curriculum, allowing children to express themselves artistically while developing innovative thinking skills.
