For Parents

Programs VPK Downloads Tips for Selecting Quality Child Care

Programs

School Readiness

School readiness funds pay a portion of the child care costs for low to moderate income earning families so that they may seek and maintain employment to support their families. Eligible families are assessed a fee on a sliding fee scale according to income. Without help in paying for child care costs, parents often have no choice but to quit their jobs as the full costs of child care can consume as much as 60% of salaries and wages.

The children in school readiness programs are assisted through screenings, assessment, and developmentally-appropriate early learning programs to assist them in getting ready for school. School readiness programs serve children birth to eight and some school-age children receive services before and after school.

The School Readiness Informational Brochure is available in English or in Spanish.

Unified Wait List Website

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten launched its inaugural year in 2005-06. The program passed and funded by the Florida Legislature provides 540 hours of free pre-kindergarten services for children who are four years old on or before September 1st or parents could choose a shorter more intense program in the summer operated by the school district. The goal of the program is to provide quality pre-kindergarten experiences for young children to assist them in becoming ready for kindergarten. Providers are key to the success of the VPK program. Visit our VPK section.

Quality Initiatives

Efforts to improve the quality of services available to young children and their families are a primary concern. The Coalition sets aside a portion of the funding received to target these issues.

Download our Inclusion Warm Line Services flyer.

Resource and Referral

The Coalition's Resource and Referral program offers free information and referral services to all families seeking quality early care and school readiness programs and out of school time solutions. Resource and Referral's also assist in the recruitment, startup and support of providers and promote quality, availability and affordability of services available within their communities.

There are no charges/fees associated with a provider listing in the Child Care Resource & Referral Database or for referrals to your program. If you are asked to provide a payment for a referral or listing in the Child Care Resource and Referral database, please call the Agency for Workforce Innovation's Office of Early Learning at 1-866-357-3239. The information reported about a provider's program is objective program information that is based on standards that are attainable for providers based on their type of care.

For more information about the Coalition's Resource and Referral program please contact your local Coalition field office.

Pasco County
New Port Richey: 727-569-1004
Dade City: 352-834-0052

Hernando County
Brooksville: 352-754-5068

Tips for choosing quality childcare programs:

• Download Complete Family Guide in English
• Download Complete Family Guide in Spanish
• Download Checklist in English
• Download Checklist in Spanish

Other Information

VPK Downloads

The VPK downloads are available in Adobe Acrobat format below.

• VPK Informational Brochure in English and in Spanish
• The VPK Child Application Form

Tips for Selecting Quality Childcare Programs

Download the Complete Family Guide in English or in Spanish.

Download the Quality Checklist in English or in Spanish.