For Providers

VPK Overview Incentive Programs

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Overview

Our children's success in school and throughout life begins with dedicated and quality Early Childhood Educators. As an Early Childhood Educator, you play an important role giving a child a good start to a great future! That is why we need your participation in Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. To learn more about Florida's VPK program, please visit our VPK page.

Incentive Programs

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. recognizes the importance of high quality early learning environments. The Coalition has allocated funds and developed four special incentive programs for childcare providers. Funding is offered in the areas of Professional Development, Accreditation, Curriculum, Support and Recruitment / Expansion. Funding is limited; the Coalition is accepting applications on a first come first serve basis until funding runs out. Applications are due no later than June 1, 2009. Funding for each incentive program is based on budget allocations determined by the Coalition's Board of Directors. The amount awarded to each applicant may vary according to provider need and could vary depending on the number of approved applicants.

Coalition staff member are here to help your facility. If you would like to schedule a time to meet with a staff member to go over the application process or have any questions regarding the incentive programs please contact Nicole Flechas, Quality Manager at 727-233-8291 or by email at n.flechas@phelc.org.

Professional Development Reimbursement Incentive

The Professional Development Reimbursement Incentive Program assists early educators employed by contracted early learning centers and/or home day care providers with the costs associated with enhancing their knowledge in the field of early education, through attendance at early childhood education trainings, conferences, courses and classes. Well prepared early education professionals are the key to successful programs. Click on link below to download application.

Download the application

Accreditation Incentive Program

The Accreditation Incentive Program offers funding to early learning providers to help facilitate and maintain accreditation. The Coalition recognizes that the Gold Seal accreditation option offers a mechanism for providers to demonstrate that they offer high quality learning programs. Click on link below to download application.

Download the application

Curriculum Assistance Incentive Program

The Curriculum Assistance Incentive Program assists early learning centers with the costs associated with purchasing an approved curriculum. The Early Learning Coalition is required to ensure that readiness programs prepare children for school by providing a curriculum that addresses acceptable practices based on the Florida School Readiness Performance Standards. Click on link below to download application.

Download the application

Early Learning Provider Recruitment/Expansion Program

Recognizing that several communities in Pasco and Hernando counties have few childcare programs available, it is important to support initiatives to recruit new early childcare providers. Through the Early Learning Provider Recruitment / Expansion Program, the Coalition provides resources to encourage those interested in opening a child care facility in these areas. Click on link below to download application.

Download the application

Provider Support Incentive

The Provider Support Incentive is designed to assist early learning centers with the general costs associated with providing a quality learning environment. Please see application for list of approved items. Click on link below to download application.

Download the application