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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📝 Action Plan📋 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″ 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
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 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: _____________________________
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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