Hillsborough County School Readiness Coalition, Inc. (2024)

FAQs

What is the income limit for an elc in Florida? ›

Parent(s)/guardian(s) must be working or participating in an educational activity such as attending college or trade school at least 20 hours/week. Gross income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level for family size.

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.

How long does it take to receive the VPK certificate once I submit my application? Normal processing can take up to 10 business days to receive your VPK certificate.

There are two standard eligibility requirements (age and residency) for a child's participation in each of the three VPK Program types and additional eligibility requirements (including an IEP) for a child's participation in the SIS program type. There is no income requirement for the VPK Program.

In general, there are three specific eligibility requirements: Children must live in a low-income family where parent/guardians work or attend school at least 20 hours per week. Gross income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty for family size.

The School Readiness program has three specific eligibility requirements: Parents(s) or guardian(s) must be working and/or attending school (college or trade) at least 20 hours a week OR disabled. Gross income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level for family size.

Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are all essential ingredients of school readiness.

Families who earn up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify and may remain funded up to 200%. For example, a family of three could earn up to $30,135 a year and still qualify to begin services.

The VPK program is FREE for eligible children, regardless of family income.

Who is Eligible for VPK? To be eligible for VPK, children must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year.

Who qualifies for free VPK in Florida? ›

Children who attend high-quality preschool do much better when they reach kindergarten. It can make a huge difference in their success throughout life. That's why it is important that your child attend Voluntary Prekindergarten. VPK is free of charge to all 4-year-old children in Florida regardless of family income.

Prekindergarten 3 is for children who are 3 years old on or before Sept. 1 of the school year when they are attending Pre-K. Children spend a full day in a safe and nurturing environment. PreK3 enhances language and communication skills, and supports cognitive, physical, social and emotional development.

Voluntary Preschool Programs

The voluntary pre-kindergarten educational program (VPK) is different from a standard preschool program. While preschool programs are optional — and often paid for by the parents — VPK is a free program provided by the state that is for children aged four to five who reside in Florida.

Our VPK program adheres to the school calendar and provides 540 hours of educational instruction. With flexible hours ranging from 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, we ensure your child receives a quality education and is prepared for a successful academic journey.

VPK is a free, 540-hour program during the school year that is available at many elementary schools. Students attend free for three hours each day, Monday through Friday.

The ELC pays for $150 a week to the childcare provider. If the provider normally charges $175 a week, the parent may be asked to pay $30 a week, representing the $5 parent fee plus the $25 difference,” said Matheny. In addition to helping parents pay for childcare, ECS will help parents locate child care as well.

*For one dependent, the maximum amount of qualified expenses is $3,000. For two or more dependents, the maximum amount is $6,000.