Families

Tuition Assistance

You shouldn’t have to decide between affordability and quality.

As a parent, finding a high-quality child care provider for your child can be difficult. Affording a high-quality child care provider can make that process even harder. The School Readiness (SR) program can help with the cost of child care through a partial scholarship that will pay for a portion of the child care cost. These partial scholarships are based on the family’s income, Individual Education Plans (3-5 years olds only), risk factors, and if the parent is furthering their education. Check below to see if you may qualify.

School Readiness Fee Scale

The easiest way to check for qualification is to use our handy qualification calculator, but you can also reference the fee scale below.

Number of Persons in Family	Maximum Annual Gross Income to Enter School Readiness	Maximum Annual Gross Income to Enter SR 150+	Cutoff Annual Gross Income to Stay in School Readiness
2	$26,130	$34,840	$44,678
3	$32,940	$43,920	$55,191
4	$39,750	$53,000	$65,703
5	$46,560	$62,080	$76,216
6	$53,370	$71,160	$86,728
7	$60,180	$80,240	$88,699
8	$66,990	$89,320	$90,671
9	$73,800	$92,642	$92,642
10	$80,610	$94,613	$94,613

Discover the magic of affordable early education.

What documents will I need to provide in order to confirm eligibility?

If you have determined that you are eligible for School Readiness using our qualification calculator or the Florida Division of Early Learning Sliding Fee Schedule and if you need more information about specific documents required to apply, click the link below for our Eligibility Checklist.

Don’t Forget to Sign Your Child In and Out Every Day!

This is required to participate in School Readiness.

Renewing Your School Readiness

You will receive notice 45 days prior to your certificate end date notifying you to upload your most recent proof of income, school schedule, child’s Individual Education Plan, or At-Risk referral. Click here for a complete list of items you need during your re-determination. Any changes to household size, address, employment, school schedule, or income must be reported to the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County within ten calendar days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to parents with School Readiness?

Yes. Depending on the household income, the family will be assigned a copay based on a percentage of their gross annual income. Parents are expected to make their co-payment directly to the childcare provider. Additionally, childcare providers may have registration and differential fees required to attend their center or family childcare home. These fees are collected at the discretion of each individual provider. The ELCHC does not cover these additional fees.

Can a parent co-payment be waived?

Yes. The coalition may waive a co-payment on a case-by-case basis under certain circumstances. A temporary waiver can be granted for families with income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level during an event that limits a parent’s ability to pay, as defined in Section 1002.84(8), F.S.

Why is there a waiting list for School Readiness?

Funding for School Readiness services is limited.

I am on the School Readiness Waiting List. What documents should I prepare to establish eligibility once I am offered funding?

Click here to view the required documents checklist (PDF)

I’m on the waiting list and need childcare immediately. What other options do I have?

Free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program

If your child is currently on the School Readiness Waitlist and will turn 5 years old by September 1st of the upcoming school year, they may be eligible for immediate entry into early education through Florida’s Free VPK Program.

VPK Program Information & Application →

Hillsborough County Head Start & Early Head Start

Head Start serves children 3–5 years old and Early Head Start serves children up to 3 years old. These programs are available to low-income families, including children with special needs, at no cost to parents.

Apply for Head Start / Early Head Start →