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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📝 Action Plan🆘 Emergency Contacts📋 Quick Reference
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″]
  • 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: ________________

My 30-Day Childcare Action Plan
Personalized step-by-step plan with deadlines

Week 1: Apply & Gather Info (Days 1-7)
Days 1-2: Submit Applications
□ Apply online at familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com
□ Call my ELC: _________________
□ Call CCR&R for provider list: 1-866-357-3239
□ Write down all confirmation numbers
Days 3-7: Documents & Research
□ Upload all required documents
□ Research 5 potential providers
□ Apply for VPK if child is 4
□ Apply for Head Start programs

Week 2: Provider Research (Days 8-14)
Provider Visits
□ Visit top 3 providers in person
□ Ask each about total costs (co-pay + difference)
□ Check provider licenses online
□ Get references from other parents
□ Confirm which providers have openings
Provider Name Total Monthly Cost Availability Notes
1. _________________ $_______ □ Yes □ No ________________
2. _________________ $_______ □ Yes □ No ________________
3. _________________ $_______ □ Yes □ No ________________

Week 3: Backup Plans (Days 15-21)
Alternative Care
□ Research family childcare homes
□ Connect with other parents
□ Explore co-op options
Financial Help
□ Check employer benefits
□ Research local scholarships
□ Look into sliding-scale programs
Emergency Support
□ Identify emergency contacts
□ Research crisis nurseries
□ Plan for sick child care
My Emergency Support Network
Emergency Contact 1: ____________________
Phone: _________________ Available: _________________

Emergency Contact 2: ____________________
Phone: _________________ Available: _________________

Backup Childcare: ________________________
Phone: _________________ Cost: ____________________

Week 4: Finalize & Prepare (Days 22-30)
[su_checklist icon=”icon: check-circle” icon_color=”#8b5cf6″]
  • Make final provider choice
  • Complete provider enrollment paperwork
  • Set up payment method for co-pay
  • Plan first day logistics (drop-off/pick-up)
  • Save all important numbers in phone
  • Schedule start date with provider
  • Prepare child for transition

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First Day Preparation
□ Pack diaper bag/supplies
□ Label all child’s belongings
□ Review provider’s policies
□ Plan extra time for first drop-off
□ Have backup plan if child has separation anxiety

If Things Don't Go As Planned
🚨 If I Get Waitlisted
 Don't panic - you have options  [su_checklist icon="icon: exclamation-triangle" icon_color="#ef4444"]
  • Confirm my spot on waitlist
  • Set calendar reminder to revalidate in 6 months
  • Pursue all backup options immediately
  • Keep looking for interim solutions
  • Stay in touch with ELC monthly

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⚠️ If My Childcare Falls Through
  • Day 1: Call ELC and CCR&R same day, activate emergency contacts
  • Week 1: Use family/friends backup list, request flexible work schedule
  • Week 2+: Restart provider search process, consider alternative arrangements

My Important Contacts
My ELC Counselor: ____________________________
Current Provider: _______________________________
Provider Phone: __________________________________
My Employer HR: ________________________________
Pediatrician: ____________________________________
Emergency Contact: _____________________________
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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
At-a-Glance Quick Reference
Essential info when you need it fast

Apply Here
Florida Family Portal
Need Help
1-866-357-3239

Family Size Max Monthly Income Your Max Co-pay
2 people $2,644 $185
3 people $3,331 $233
4 people $4,019 $281
5 people $4,706 $329

  • ELC Contact: Within 20 days of application
  • Eligibility Decision: Within 10 days of complete documents
  • Waitlist Revalidation: Every 6 months (180 days)
  • Continuous Eligibility: 12 months minimum

VPK (Age 4)
✓ All 4-year-olds qualify
✓ 540 hours school year OR 300 hours summer
✓ Apply at same Family Portal
Head Start
✓ Birth through age 5
✓ Free full programs for low-income
✓ Comprehensive services included

  • Don’t wait for perfect documents – apply now
  • Don’t ignore ELC emails/calls – respond within 48 hours
  • Don’t assume co-pay = total cost – ask about “difference” fees
  • Don’t pick provider before getting authorization
  • Don’t miss waitlist revalidation deadlines

  • Apply for multiple programs simultaneously
  • Get backup childcare options lined up
  • Save confirmation numbers and take screenshots
  • Ask providers about total costs upfront
  • Set phone alerts for important renewal dates
  • Keep all paperwork in one organized folder

Print & Keep Handy
📱 Save these numbers in your phone:
• Statewide Help: 1-866-357-3239
• My ELC: _________________________
• Current Provider: ________________
• Emergency Contact: ______________

📅 Important Dates:
• Application Date: ________________
• Renewal Due: ___________________
• Waitlist Revalidation: ______________

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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Childcare Terms Made Simple
Understand the acronyms and jargon
A-D Terms
CCR&R
Child Care Resource & Referral
Free service to help find childcare options. Call 1-866-357-3239.
Co-pay
Your monthly payment
Your monthly payment for subsidized childcare. Capped at 7% of gross income in Florida.
DEL
Division of Early Learning
The state agency that oversees childcare programs.
Difference
Extra provider fees
Extra amount providers may charge above the state subsidy rate. Ask providers about this cost.
E-H Terms
ELC
Early Learning Coalition
Local agencies that manage childcare assistance in each county.
FPL
Federal Poverty Level
Income guidelines set by the federal government, used to determine program eligibility.
Gold Seal
Quality designation
Quality designation for childcare providers who meet higher standards.
Head Start
Federal early childhood programs
Federal programs providing free comprehensive early childhood services to low-income families.
I-R Terms
Redetermination
Annual renewal pro

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