Families

Find Care For Your Child

We can help you find and access the best early learning experiences and child care programs for your little one.

The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is here as an extended member of your family’s support team to help you prepare your child for kindergarten and give them the best possible life. We are united in your dedication to ensuring that all children reach their full potential and can achieve anything they can imagine. By knowing your child is in a safe, supportive environment receiving the best possible care during the day.

Classroom

Learn what to look for in a quality child care provider

There’s a lot to consider when you’re choosing an early learning or child care provider. Parents wonder about the right curriculum for their child’s learning style and what signs to look for in a strong, quality program. Our free guide can help you get started in your search.

Use our online search tool to narrow your search for child care

When it comes to finding the right care for your child, you have a lot of options. Let us help you find the right care for your child.

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Baby

Review Your Child Care Options Online

Review provider information, including details on services, staff training, accreditation, and compliance with state laws through the DCF CARES system.

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Infant at school

Find Child Care Near You

Use our online interactive map to locate a child care option near you that works for you and your family. You can find care options that include School Readiness or VPK Program support, filter by Class Score or Designation, and more.
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Baby

Access Provider Search on DCF Cares

Review provider information, including details on services, staff training, accreditation, and compliance with state laws through the DCF CARES system.

If you need more assistance, our Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) service is available to assist families seeking quality and affordable child care options, as well as local community resources.

Our trained staff will answer questions about choosing the best early learning programs and provide families with a list of referrals that is customized to their specific preferences.

All families receiving Child Care Resource and Referral services will be contacted to complete a voluntary survey to gage your customer service experience with our office. All responses are anonymous and confidential and will not affect your services.

Choose a quality child care provider

Children who participate in early learning programs are much more ready for kindergarten than those who don’t. We help you find the right care that suits your families needs. Once you have a shortlist of providers, bring our handy checklist with you when you tour the school and meet the teachers and staff.

Additional Resources

Tutorial Videos

How to apply for School Readiness in the OEL Family Services Portal

School Readiness (SR) eligibility in the OEL Family Services Portal

How to use the Florida Office of Early Learning's Family Portal