SCHOOL READINESS

The School Readiness program provides curriculum-driven child care to working families, those who are attending career training or educational programs, and to families and/or children with specific needs. The Florida Department of Education, through the Division of Early Learning, oversees the program at the State level, while the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County (ELPBC) administers the program locally.

Licensed operating child care programs (Private Child Care Providers, Public Schools, Family Child Care Homes, and Faith Based Providers) may enter into a contract with the Early Learning Coalition to offer the program if they meet the contractual requirements. This gives child care programs an opportunity to serve the community and also participate in a wide range of quality programs, grants and initiatives through the Early Learning Coalition. Families and child care programs benefit from the financial assistance provided by the School Readiness program to cover many of the costs of quality child care.

• Supporting School Readiness eligible families in covering the cost of care
• Professional development and training opportunities available in topics aligned with best practice for Early Childhood Education

• Preservice training requirements (required for ALL School Readiness Providers)
• Use of a State Approved School Readiness Curriculum
• Liability insurance coverage and worker’s compensation insurance (if required by state)
• Participation in E-Verify
• A Provider Profile in the Division of Early Learning’s Provider Portal (information is used referred to families for Child Care Resource and Referral)
• Minimum health & safety requirements
• Participation in state approved screening and assessments
• To see examples of the contracts needed for School Readiness providers, please visit: https://www.fldoe.org/schools/early-learning/providers/adopted-forms.stml