Florida’s School Readiness Program

• Parents or guardians work or attend school (educational/training) at least 20 hours per week. (Obtaining a master’s degree does not qualify).
• Disabled/Exempt from working, as documented by a licensed physician or Social Security Award letter.
• Children under Protective Services or in foster care with a valid Child Care Authorization Application referral.
• Parents or guardians that receive cash assistance/non-exempt from working for family or a relative.
• Generally, a families’ total household income to enroll must not exceed 85% of the State Median Income (SMI). Families pay a copayment for child care based on total gross income and family size. You can find your copayment based on the 24-25 Sliding Fee Scale.
• Families who were using School Readiness services but transitioned out due to increased income may still qualify for child care under SR Plus if they make less than or equal to the State Median Income.

You will need your personal email address, access to the internet on device (cellphone, desktop, or laptop) to create a Family Portal account online and a document to upload that meets eligibility guidelines. You may review our Eligibility downloadable forms HERE.

To apply, click HERE to go to Florida’s Early Learning Family Portal and apply for School Readiness as a new or returning user. The Portal is compatible with Google or Internet Explorer browser; Apple Safari browser is not compatible.

Once you apply your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted by email with a status update. If you receive Active status, that means you are placed on the waitlist. There is no definite answer to how long you will be on the waitlist; further processing depends on funding priorities and availability. Please revalidate your application every six (6) months or your name will be removed from the waitlist. Don't forget to monitor your emails as this will be the primary method of communication, and to notify ELCOC be filling out our SR contact form.

Please contact the ELCOC Call Center at 407-841-6607.
Do not create a new account as that will not link to your current eligibility.

While the primary method of contact will be by email. ELCOC may also need to reach you by phone. Please make sure that the ELCOC has your current phone number and email address. If you need to make changes to your contact information, please contact us at by filling out our SR contact form.

• If you are on the School Readiness program, please request a report change by filling out our eligibility change form.
• If you are not on the School Readiness program, please contact us by filling out our SR contact form.
• If you need to contact the VPK department, please contact us at VPKOrange@elcoc.org.

Our trained Child Care Resource and Referral team is available to assist you, at no cost, to discuss other options that might be available while you wait. For information on CCR&R services, please call 407-841-6607, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or by email at ccrrorange@elcoc.org.

• Log into your Family Portal account and scroll to the School Readiness Funding section. Click on the blue “Eligibility Verification” button. This will direct you to the Eligibility Wizard. Click "Start" to begin the process.
• Tip: It is best to have all the required documents when you are submitting your School Readiness Redetermination. The wizard will not allow you to move to the next step until all information is filled out and all documents are uploaded in the step you are working on.
• You may view the Document checklist and retrieve Eligibility downloadable forms HERE. All documents uploaded must be current within recent consecutive four (4) weeks, legible and not expired.
• Click to “Submit Eligibility Verification.”
• Once the ELC completes your redetermination, you will receive an email directing you back to the Family Portal. Log into the Family Portal. Under the School Readiness Funding section, you will click on the blue “Sign” button next to each of your child(ren)’s name(s). 
• You will be asked to read and accept the Parental Rights and Responsibilities/Terms and Conditions. Please electronically sign the Payment Certificate exactly as your name appears on the account to complete the process.

If you need assistance with uploading or electronically signing, you may call us 407-841-6607 for assistance.

Redetermination dates cannot be extended. Clients are informed of their redetermination date at the time their care is processed, which can also be found on the Certificate of Authorization that was electronically signed in the Family Portal. Clients also receive reminders 45 days prior to their redetermination date, 30 days prior to their redetermination date, and 15 days prior to their redetermination date allowing clients plenty of time to submit their documents. As a reminder to recertify, please mark your calendar 45 days before your certificate expires and make sure the ELCOC has your current contact information on file.

In order for your case to be reviewed after termination, a Grievance Form must be submitted. Grievance Forms must be submitted within 14 days of the termination or incident along with any and all necessary documentation.

You may not automatically lose your childcare. Please remember that you have 10 calendar days to report any changes in your household to the coalition by filling out our eligibility change form. Once reported, you will receive an email directing you on what documents to upload. Next, your case will be reviewed to determine if you qualify for continued services.

If your child has special needs and your child care provider is providing special needs services, they may be eligible to receive a higher rate of payment. Your provider can request this higher rate by contacting the ELCOC and completing a Special Needs Rate Request Form.

The special needs rate approval process cannot be completed without the proper documentation from you and active services.
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP): This document is generated by the school system and will either have the initials IEP or ‘Individualized Education Plan’ spelled out in bold at the top of the first page. The IEP should be less than a year old.
• Family Support Plan (FSP): This document is for children ages birth – three years old and is generated by the Early Intervention Program for the State of Florida. The Howard Phillips Center or Children’s Medical Services (CMS) draws up this plan locally; a FSP could also come from Orange County Public Schools. You may also see “Part C” on the paperwork. The FSP should be less than six (6) months old.
• Therapy Evaluations: These evaluations may be several pages long and will generally have a bold heading stating:
o Occupational Therapy Evaluation- signed with the credentials OTR.
o Physical Therapy Evaluation- signed with the credentials PT.
o Speech Language Therapy Evaluation- signed with the credentials SLP CCC.
o Behavioral Evaluation- signed by a licensed behavioral may include MS Therapy evaluations should be less than six (6) months old.
• Other documents identifying a child’s special needs may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, upon the approval of the ELCOC.
• Once your provider has submitted all the necessary documents to the ELCOC, they will be reviewed for final approval.
• School Readiness services must be active for the child you are applying for Special Needs funding to complete the final approval.
• Providers should contact the ELCOC at 407-841-6607 for questions related to the specials needs rates approval process.