The Florida School Readiness Program offers financial assistance for early education and care to low-income families. It is meant to encourage and aid families in becoming financially self-sufficient. Also, so their young children can be successful. Services vary based on individual needs and range from extended daycare to after-school and school-age care in some instances.

There are three specific eligibility requirements for the School Readiness program:

1. Parents(s) or guardian(s) must be working and/or attending school (college or trade) at least 20 hours a week OR disabled, as determined and documented by a licensed physician.

2. Gross income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level for family size.

3. Families must pay a copayment for child care costs (based on income and family size).

School Readiness funds are intended to help income-eligible families. But they may also include recipients of temporary cash assistance who meet federal work requirements; families with at-risk children of abuse, neglect or abandonment; homeless parents, parents who are victims of domestic violence; teenage parents; low-income migrant families or farm workers; or families of children with disabilities and special health care needs.

Watch these videos to learn how to open a Florida Office of Early Learning Family Portal account and how to complete a School Readiness application.

Video: How to Register for Account

Video: School Readiness Application

Once ready, click this link to apply for school readiness