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Childcare Financial Assistance Programs

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Know Your Options

Free Childcare Assistance In Florida

Affordable daycare help is within reach! Government-funded programs in Florida make it possible for parents, just like you, to provide quality care and education for your child while you work to support your family. Check out the financial assistance options available to you below.


For Ages 0-5

What is Florida School Readiness?

Florida's School Readiness Program provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.

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For Age 4-5

What is VPK?

The state of Florida offers FREE VPK in Orlando (Voluntary Prekindergarten) for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development. 

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Know Before You Go

Frequently Asked Questions


School Readiness

  • What is School Readiness (SR)?

    Florida's School Readiness Program (SR) provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.

  • What are the benefits of School Readiness?

    • Gets little ones kindergarten-ready! 

    • Supports working families by making top-notch early learning services affordable. 

    • Keeps parents thriving in the workforce or pursuing education with a helping hand. 

    • Provides parents information on child development, early childhood screenings, and family well-being.

    • Take your pick from private centers, public schools, or family childcare homes. 
  • Am I eligible for School Readiness?

    • At least one parent must be employed or engaged in educational activities, like college or trade school attendance, for a minimum of 20 hours per week. 
    • The total household income should not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level based on family size. 
    • Families are required to contribute a copayment for childcare, which varies depending on income and family size. 
    • Additionally, other children may qualify if they have special needs, are considered at-risk for abuse, neglect, or abandonment, or if their parents fall into specific categories, such as being homeless, victims of domestic violence, or low-income migrant families or farm workers.

    To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.


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  • Is your school an approved provider?

    Yes! We accept Florida School Readiness. Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more.

    Book Tour

VPK

  • What is VPK?

    The state of Florida offers FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development. 

  • Am I eligible for VPK?

    To qualify for VPK:


    • Children need to reside in Florida and reach the age of 4 on or before September 1 of the ongoing school year. 
    • If a child's fourth birthday falls between February 2 and September 1 of a given calendar year, parents have the option to delay enrollment in VPK until the subsequent year when the child turns 5.

    To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.

    Learn More
  • How much is full time VPK in Florida?

    540 hours of educational instruction in a school year.

  • Is your school an approved VPK provider?

    Yes! We provide free Florida VPK With flexible hours ranging from 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday.


    Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more about our VPK program.

    Book A Tour
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Get Started

How To Apply


01

Step 1: Apply

Apply to services in the Family Department of Education Family Portal.

Apply Here

02

Step 2: Visit

It's time to choose your child care center!

Schedule a visit to tour Mt. Sinai Child Development Center. Explore our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see why parents choose us as the most affordable, safe, and reliable choice for child care in Orlando, Florida.

Schedule A Tour

Fill out the form below to book a personal tour of our facilities.

Contact Us

Key Features of Our

Florida VPK Program


Safety Protection


  • Healthy Learning Environment
  • Experienced & Prepared Staff
  • Safety First Protocols
  • Safety Measures in Place

Unlocking the Communication Skills


  • Word Powers: VPK programs are like language boosters! Through fun activities, conversations, and exposure to different words, children become better at communicating.
  • Listen Up, Little Learners: Story time and interactive games turn VPK programs into listening adventures. Children become active listeners, soaking up information and building a strong foundation for future conversations.
  • Storybook Starts: From captivating stories to playful writing exercises, VPK programs ignite a love for reading and writing.

Brain and skills Development


  • Making Friends & Sharing: Playtime turns into social adventures in VPK programs! Children learn to cooperate, understand others' feelings, and manage their own emotions, building the foundation for strong friendships.
  • Little Einsteins in Training: VPK programs spark curiosity! Through fun activities, children become critical thinkers and problem-solvers, exploring, analyzing, and finding creative solutions to challenges.
  • A Head Start on Learning: VPK programs make learning fun! Age-appropriate activities, captivating stories, and hands-on experiences gently introduce basic math and literacy concepts, preparing them for a smooth journey into formal education.
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