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Go to familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com → Create account → Submit application (30 min)
Phone help: 1-866-357-3239
Write down your confirmation number

Within 20 days: Your photo ID, child’s birth certificate, proof of Florida residency, last 4 pay stubs
Take clear photos – blurry documents cause delays

ELC calls/emails within 20 days
Answer immediately – they decide eligibility in 10 days
If waitlisted → revalidate every 6 months

Call 1-866-357-3239 for provider lists
Ask providers: Do you accept School Readiness? What’s the total cost?
Visit 2-3 before choosing

ELC issues authorization certificate
Give copy to chosen provider
You pay monthly co-pay (max 7% of income)

Pay co-pay on time every month
Tell ELC about major work/income changes
Renew annually (12-month continuous coverage)

Count yourself + all children + dependents: ____ people
Your gross monthly income (before taxes): $ _______
Your gross annual income: $ _______

Do you work or attend school 20+ hours/week? □ Yes □ No

Special circumstances (no work required):
□ Child in foster care □ Family homeless □ Child has disabilities □ Receives TANF/food stamps

Your maximum co-pay = Your monthly income × 0.07 (7%)
Example: $3,000 × 0.07 = $210 maximum per month
Plus any “difference” fees the provider charges

□ Create account at familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com
□ Have smartphone/scanner ready for documents
□ Gather all required documents

□ Your photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
□ Child’s birth certificate or passport
□ Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease)
□ Recent pay stubs (last 4 weeks) OR employer letter
□ If self-employed: tax returns or business records

□ Complete online application
□ Upload all documents
□ Write down confirmation number
□ Screenshot application summary

□ Check email/texts daily for ELC contact
□ Respond to ELC within 48 hours
□ If waitlisted, mark calendar to revalidate every 6 months
□ Start looking for providers while you wait

□ Get written authorization from ELC
□ Visit 2-3 providers before choosing
□ Ask about total costs (co-pay + any “difference”)
□ Confirm provider accepts your authorization
□ Get start date in writing

□ Pay co-pay on time monthly
□ Report income/work changes
□ Keep renewal paperwork updated

Days 1-2: Apply online, call ELC, call CCR&R (1-866-357-3239)
Days 3-7: Upload documents, research 5 providers, apply for VPK/Head Start

Visit top 3 providers, ask about total costs, check licenses, get references, confirm availability

Research family childcare homes, connect with other parents, check employer benefits, identify emergency contacts

Make final choice, complete enrollment, set up payment, plan first day logistics, save important numbers

Child Care Resource & Referral – Free service to help find childcare. Call 1-866-357-3239

Your monthly payment – Capped at 7% of gross income in Florida

Division of Early Learning – State agency overseeing childcare programs

Extra provider fees – Amount above state subsidy that providers may charge

Early Learning Coalition – Local agencies managing assistance in each county

Federal Poverty Level – Income guidelines for program eligibility

Federal early childhood programs – Free comprehensive services for low-income families

School Readiness Program – Florida’s main childcare subsidy program

Voluntary Prekindergarten – Free pre-K for all 4-year-olds

Funding wait list – Must revalidate every 6 months to keep your spot