Available Financial Assistance
Vouchers, certificates, or subsidies that we accept
Child Care Financial Assistance Options
Child care financial assistance (also called vouchers, certificates, or subsidies): States and territories receive funding from the federal government to provide child care financial assistance to help families with low-income pay for child care so they can work or attend school. You don't have to bear this burden alone. There are numerous programs designed to assist with these costs. Here's an overview of different options we offer to help you manage your child care expenses.
For many families, child care expenses are the most significant portion of their budget, often surpassing costs pertaining to housing, food, and even university fees.
You don’t have to bear this burden alone. There are numerous programs designed to assist with these costs. Here’s an overview of different options we offer to help you manage your child care expenses.
Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) Program
The Office of Early Learning oversees the program at the state level and the Early Coalition of Miami-Dade implements the program in Miami-Dade County by contracting with eligible public and private childcare providers through an application process. The VPK providers have flexibility in structuring the hours per day and days per week to meet the required instructional hours:
School Year Program – 540 instructional hours. Class sizes not to exceed 18 students with a teacher and an assistant. Instructors must have a minimum of a Child Development Associate for the school year program (now referred to as the Birth to Five Florida Child Care Professional Credential).
Summer Program – 300 instructional hours. Class sizes not to exceed 12 students with one teacher. Instructors must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.
School Readiness Program
The program affords parents the opportunity to utilize premium early care and education services for their children as they diligently work towards achieving financial independence.
Florida’s School Readiness Program (SR) offers financial assistance to eligible low-income families for early education and care so they can become financially self-sufficient and their young children can be successful in school in the future.
Children's Trust Scholarship Program
The Children’s Trust Thrive by 5 initiative is an integrated system of supports for children and families, teachers and provider agencies. Thrive by 5 is grounded in equity principles to drive access to high-quality early learning programs that promote healthy development for children living in high poverty areas.
The Children’s Trust Thrive by 5 Early Learning Quality Improvement System has invested in an innovative array of strategies to prepare children for kindergarten through the development of physical and cognitive skills, as well as, social and emotional health and behavior.
