Families
Financial Assistance
Get help paying for child care!
As a parent, finding a high-quality child care provider can be difficult, and affording one can make that process even harder. However, support could be available for your family! The School Readiness (SR) program may help ease costs by covering a portion of child care services. Eligibility is based on things like income, school or work activities, and other factors. Check below to see if you may qualify.
You can also contact us at 813-515-2340
if you need any additional assistance.
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 |
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.
Discover the magic of affordable early education.
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.
Financial Assistance Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to parents with School Readiness?
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. To view more information or FAQs on co-payments, click here.
Why is there a waiting list for School Readiness?
I am on the School Readiness Waiting List. What documents should I prepare to establish eligibility once I am offered funding?
I’m on the waiting list and need childcare immediately. What other options do I have?
For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions, click here.
Additional Resources
Tutorial Videos
How can I Apply for School Readiness?
I am in the School Readiness Program. How do I complete an enrollment?
I need to complete my child’s Developmental Screening, how do I do that?
School Readiness Downloadable Forms
ELC- SR Self-Employment Verification
ELC- SR Affidavit of Residency
ELC- SR School Verification Form
ELC- SR Verification of Employment and Verification…
ELC SSR- Verification of Loss of Income
SR- Client Request for Suspension of Child Care Services
