If you’re struggling with the high price of childcare, you may be wondering how to get daycare vouchers in Florida. The annual cost of daycare in the state tops $9,000, so many parents and guardians need assistance to be able to afford it. That’s where the School Readiness Program comes in, which provides childcare subsidies based on your household size and income level. Here are 7 things you need to know about the process to apply today.
How to Get Daycare Vouchers in Florida
Understand the Program
Before we dive into how to get daycare vouchers in Florida, let’s go over how the program works. Childcare assistance is usually provided through the School Readiness Program. It helps families of kids aged birth to five afford childcare by offsetting the cost. You’ll still be responsible for a copay (check out a sample fee schedule here), which varies depending on factors like the county you live in and the age of your child. But the copay is much more affordable than the full, unsubsidized price of daycare.
Determine Your Eligibility
Wondering how to get daycare vouchers in Florida? First, you need to determine whether or not your family is eligible for assistance based on your income and number of children. To qualify for subsidies, your earnings must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level for a household of your size. This FPL calculator can help you figure out where your family stands.
Additionally, there are work requirements parents and guardians have to meet. You must be employed at least 20 hours per week or attend school and take 12 or more credit hours to qualify.
Submit Your Application
Applications for the School Readiness Program are handled by each county’s Early Learning Coalition. You can use this directory to find your ELC’s location and contact information. Many offices allow you to apply for the program in person. But you can also submit your application online through Florida’s Early Learning Family Portal. Don’t forget that there are a few required documents you must send in with your paperwork, including your child’s birth certificate and proof of income, residency, and employment or school enrollment.
Waiting Lists
Sometimes there’s too much demand for childcare assistance at once. When this happens, the county starts a waitlist and ranks families based on factors like the application date, the age and ability of the child, and the level of financial need. The ELC often prioritizes at-risk children and kids with special needs.
It’s important to note that once you’re on a waiting list, you must revalidate your information every 6 months to renew your spot. You’ll be notified 30 days before your revalidation is due. Failure to provide information can result in your removal. A subsequent application would put you further down the list and force you to wait longer, so be sure to respond to requests for documentation!
Choose an Approved Daycare Provider
The School Readiness Program requires you to choose a state-approved childcare provider to receive the subsidy. The Department of Children and Families has a provider lookup tool that can help you find a reputable daycare for your child. Simply enter the name of your city to pull up a directory of trusted providers in your area. The tool can also be used to vet childcare centers that friends and family recommend by inputting their names. You can contact your local Child Care and Resource agency if you need further assistance with finding an approved daycare.
Renewals
Florida’s Daycare Vouchers are not permanent and must be renewed every time the benefit expires, which is often every 12 months. Going through a renewal is very similar to the original application process. About a month before your benefit ends, the state will notify you of the information they need. The state is looking to confirm that you and your family still qualify for benefits and will request a number of documents to prove your income and your education or employment status.
Eligibility Changes
Once you’re enrolled in the program, you must report any changes that could affect your eligibility, such as a salary bump. Your ELC should have an eligibility change form available on their website that you can fill out and send in. If you need to take a break from the program temporarily or change providers, you’ll also have to notify your ELC.
Still stuck? Your local Child Care and Resource Referral can answer your questions about how to get daycare vouchers in Florida.
If you’ve been through the process, share your experience in the comments to help other parents!
Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance writer who enjoys learning about and discussing the psychology of money. In her free time, she loves to cook and tackle DIY projects.
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