Childcare Financial Assistance Programs
Know Your Options
Free Childcare Assistance In Florida
The state of Florida offers valuable financial assistance programs specifically designed to help working parents like yourself. These programs can significantly ease the financial burden of high-quality childcare, making it more accessible for families.
For Ages 0-5
What is Florida School Readiness?
Florida's School Readiness Program provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.
For Age 4-5
What is VPK?
The state of Florida offers FREE VPK in Orlando (Voluntary Prekindergarten) for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development.
Know Before You Go
Frequently Asked Questions
School Readiness
What is School Readiness (SR)?
Florida's School Readiness Program (SR) provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.
What are the benefits of School Readiness?
- Gets little ones kindergarten-ready!
- Supports working families by making top-notch early learning services affordable.
- Keeps parents thriving in the workforce or pursuing education with a helping hand.
- Provides parents information on child development, early childhood screenings, and family well-being.
- Take your pick from private centers, public schools, or family childcare homes.
Am I eligible for School Readiness?
Learn More- At least one parent must be employed or engaged in educational activities, like college or trade school attendance, for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
- The total household income should not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level based on family size.
- Families are required to contribute a copayment for childcare, which varies depending on income and family size.
- Additionally, other children may qualify if they have special needs, are considered at-risk for abuse, neglect, or abandonment, or if their parents fall into specific categories, such as being homeless, victims of domestic violence, or low-income migrant families or farm workers.
To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.
Is your school an approved provider?
Book TourYes! We accept Florida School Readiness. Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more.
VPK
What is VPK?
The state of Florida offers FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development.
Am I eligible for VPK?
Learn MoreTo qualify for VPK:
- Children need to reside in Florida and reach the age of 4 on or before September 1 of the ongoing school year.
- If a child's fourth birthday falls between February 2 and September 1 of a given calendar year, parents have the option to delay enrollment in VPK until the subsequent year when the child turns 5.
To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.
How much is full time VPK in Florida?
540 hours of educational instruction in a school year.
Is your school an approved VPK provider?
Book A TourYes! We provide free Florida VPK With flexible hours ranging from 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more about our VPK program.
Get Started
How To Apply
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Step 2: Visit
It's time to choose your child care center!
Schedule a visit to tour Oak Ridge Children's Academy. Explore our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see why parents choose us as the most affordable, safe, and reliable choice for child care in Orlando, Florida.
Schedule A Tour
Fill out the form below to book a personal tour of our facilities.
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Key Features of Our
Florida VPK Program
Freedom from Harm
- A Secure and Nurturing Environment
- Building a Safe Haven for Young Minds
- Certified Teachers, Secure Premises
- Safe, Clean, and Ready to Learn
Communication & Language Development
- Unlocking the Power of Language: VPK programs go beyond memorizing words. Through engaging activities, conversations, and diverse vocabulary exposure, children build the confidence to express themselves clearly and effectively. This strong foundation sets them up for successful communication throughout their lives.
- Masters of Information: Story time, group discussions, and interactive games transform VPK programs into immersive learning experiences. Children become active listeners, actively processing information and developing a strong ability to comprehend, which is essential for future interactions.
- A Love for Literacy Takes Root: VPK programs ignite a passion for reading and writing by introducing age-appropriate activities like captivating stories, letter recognition, and playful writing exercises. This early exposure fosters a lifelong love of learning and sets children on a path to becoming avid readers and creative storytellers
Empowering Brain & Cognitive
- Building a Strong Social Foundation: VPK programs provide a platform for young minds to thrive through interaction with peers. Children learn valuable skills like cooperation, empathy, and self-regulation through guided activities and playtime, fostering the foundation for strong social bonds and a healthy self-image.
- Creative Thinkers: VPK programs transform learning into an exciting adventure. Through engaging activities, children become critical thinkers and resourceful problem-solvers. They are encouraged to explore, analyze, and discover creative solutions to challenges, empowering them to tackle future obstacles with confidence.
- Where Math & Reading Adventures Begin: VPK programs ignite a lifelong love of learning By incorporating age-appropriate activities, captivating stories, and hands-on experiences, children are gently introduced to foundational math and literacy concepts. This playful approach sets them on a smooth path towards success in formal education.
