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✅ I Qualify📊 Eligibility Worksheet❌ Don't Qualify
Do I Qualify? - Fill This Out Before Applying
Complete this worksheet to check your eligibility
Step 1: Family Information
Household Size
Count yourself + all children + any other dependents living with you

Number of people in household: _____________

Income Information
Include ALL income before taxes: wages, child support, unemployment, etc.


Your gross monthly income: $ _____________

Your gross annual income: $ _____________
(Monthly × 12)

Step 2: Income Qualification Check
 Find your family size and compare your income: 
Family Size Must Earn LESS Than (Annual) Must Earn LESS Than (Monthly)
2 people $31,725/year $2,644/month
3 people $39,975/year $3,331/month
4 people $48,225/year $4,019/month
5 people $56,475/year $4,706/month
6 people $64,725/year $5,394/month
✅ I QUALIFY
Your income is below the limit for your family size
→ Apply immediately online
❌ OVER INCOME
Your income is above the limit
→ See “Other Options” below
Step 3: Work/School Requirement
Activity Requirement
Do you work or attend school/training at least 20 hours per week?

□ YES – You meet the work requirement
□ NO – You may still qualify if your child has special circumstances (see below)

 Special Circumstances (No work requirement):  [su_checklist icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#f59e0b”]
  • Child is in foster care
  • Child is involved with protective services
  • Family is homeless
  • Child has special needs/disabilities
  • Family receives TANF/food stamps
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Step 4: Cost Estimate
Your Monthly Co-pay Will Be
Maximum 7% of your gross monthly income
Calculate Your Maximum Co-pay
Your gross monthly income: $ ___________

Multiply by 0.07 (7%): $ ___________

This is your maximum monthly co-pay

Example: $3,000 × 0.07 = $210 maximum per month

Remember: Providers may charge additional “difference” fees beyond your co-pay. Ask about total costs upfront!
Step 5: Next Steps Based on Results
🗺️ One-Page Roadmap📋 Application Checklist🆘 Emergency Contacts
Florida Childcare Assistance - Step-by-Step Journey
Follow this exact sequence. Don’t skip ahead.
Step 1: Apply Today
 Go to familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com → Create account → Submit application (30 min) 
Phone help: 1-866-357-3239 (free, statewide)
  • Write down your confirmation number
  • Screenshot your application summary
Step 2: Upload Documents (within 20 days)
Required Documents
• Your photo ID
• Child’s birth certificate
• Proof of Florida residency
• Last 4 pay stubs OR employer letter
Take clear photos, upload through portal. Blurry = delays!
Step 3: Wait for ELC Contact
 ELC calls/emails within 20 days 
Action Required
Answer immediately – they decide eligibility in 10 days
If waitlisted → mark calendar to revalidate every 6 months
Step 4: Find Providers While You Wait
Call 1-866-357-3239 for Provider Lists
What to Ask Providers Why It Matters
Do you accept School Readiness? Not all providers participate
What’s the total cost? Co-pay + “difference” fees
Do you have openings? Avoid wasted visits
Step 5: Get Approved & Start Care
  • ELC issues authorization certificate
  • Give copy to chosen provider
  • Subsidy starts from child’s first day
  • You pay monthly co-pay (max 7% of income)
Your Monthly Payment
Maximum 7% of your gross income
Step 6: Keep Your Benefits
[su_checklist icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#10b981″ class=””]
  • Pay co-pay on time every month
  • Tell ELC about major work/income changes
  • Renew annually (12-month continuous coverage)
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Step 7: If This Doesn't Work - Plan B Options
Over Income But Need Help
 Ask ELC about SR Plus program 
Waitlisted
  • Apply for free VPK (age 4) immediately
  • Apply for Head Start programs
  • Keep your spot – revalidate every 6 months
Application Denied
Call 1-866-357-3239 for Appeal Help
Just Left Welfare (TCA)
Ask about Transitional Child Care – 24 months free!
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Quick Income Check
Family of 2: Under $2,644/month
Family of 3: Under $3,331/month
Family of 4: Under $4,019/month
Major County Numbers
Miami-Dade: 305-646-7220
Tampa: 813-515-2340
Orlando: 407-841-6607
Jacksonville: 904-208-2044
Complete Application Checklist
Check off each task as you complete it
📝 Before You Start
[su_checklist icon=”icon: square-o” icon_color=”#6b7280″]
  • Create account at familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com
  • Have smartphone/scanner ready for documents
  • Gather all required documents (see list below)
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📄 Required Documents (upload clear photos)
Identity Documents
□ Your photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
□ Child’s birth certificate or passport
□ Proof of relationship (if different last names)
Residency & Income
□ Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, pay stub with address)
□ Recent pay stubs (last 4 weeks) OR employer letter
□ If self-employed: tax returns or business records
Pro Tip: Take photos in good lighting. Blurry documents = processing delays!
📤 Submit Application
[su_checklist icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#10b981″]
  • Complete online application
  • Upload all documents
  • Write down your confirmation number
  • Screenshot your application summary
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⏳ After Applying
Stay Alert
□ 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
 Critical: Missing ELC communication = application closure 
✅ Once Approved
  • 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
🔄 Ongoing Maintenance
Monthly
□ Pay co-pay on time
□ Monitor attendance
As Needed
□ Report income changes
□ Report work changes
□ Update contact info
Annually
□ Renewal paperwork
□ Updated documents
□ Provider changes
Important Dates Tracker
My 12-month renewal date: ________________
Waitlist revalidation due: ________________
Provider contract expires: ________________
Emergency Childcare Contacts - Keep This Handy
Print this page or save screenshot to your phone
Crisis Help
1-866-357-3239
Statewide Childcare Crisis Line
Available 24/7
General Help
Dial 2-1-1
Florida General Assistance
Food, housing, utilities, childcare
County Phone Number Quick Note
Miami-Dade 305-646-7220 Also covers Monroe County
Broward 954-377-2188 Fort Lauderdale area
Tampa/Hillsborough 813-515-2340 Tampa Bay region
Orlando/Orange 407-841-6607 Central Florida
Jacksonville/Duval 904-208-2044 ext. 1 Northeast Florida
Palm Beach 561-214-8000 Southeast coast
Personal Emergency Info - Fill This Out
My ELC: ________________________________

My ELC Phone: ___________________________

Current Provider: ________________________

Provider Phone: ____________________________

My SR Authorization #: ____________________

Renewal Date: ______________________________

Backup Childcare Contact 1: ________________

Backup Childcare Contact 2: ________________

Cut out or screenshot this section and keep in your wallet/purse
Apply Online Immediately
[su_checklist icon="icon: arrow-right" icon_color="#10b981"]
  • Go to familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com
  • Create your account
  • Submit application today
  • Start gathering required documents
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 Your income is too high for School Readiness, but you have options: 
Free VPK (Age 4)
Voluntary Pre-K
Free for ALL 4-year-olds, no income limit
Apply at the same Family Portal
Head Start Programs
Head Start/Early Head Start
Free comprehensive programs for low-income families
Ages birth through 5
SR Plus Program
School Readiness Plus
For families slightly over SR income limits
Higher co-pay but still subsidized
Ask your ELC about eligibility
Call 1-866-357-3239 for More Options
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