What is the School Readiness Program?
The School Readiness Program is a result of legislation passed by Florida lawmakers in 1999 which established a statewide program with the overall goal of providing quality programs which prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills necessary for educational success. This program considers each child’s level of physical, social, emotional and intellectual development and involves parents as their first teacher.
Programs at child care provider sites include:
- Research-based early learning activities and instruction
- Developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Pre-literacy skills
- Character development
- Individualized educational plans
- Healthy and safe environments
- Appropriate staff-to-child ratios
- Personnel with required qualifications
- Parent involvement activities
The Coalition partners with other community agencies providing programs for young children such as Children’s Services Council, Head Start, Early Head Start and the local school district system. By providing child care and early educational opportunities for eligible families, the Coalition affords parents the opportunity to become productive members of society with the goal of financial stability for themselves and educational success for their children.
Who is eligible?
- Children of parents who are determined to be eligible for the program based on their total household income.
- Children with special needs and/or developmental concerns.
- Parents or guardians who receive TANF
- Children in the Protective Services Program.
- Children in Foster Care.
Each child care provider participating in the School Readiness Program has agreed to specific standards, and the Coalition works to ensure all participating providers offer quality programs which meet the state requirements.
How to Apply
For information on how to apply for the School Readiness Program, click here
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