Childcare Financial Assistance Programs
Know Your Options
Free Childcare Assistance In Florida
Discover how Great Minds Academy's financial assistance program can help you secure quality daycare for your child. We believe every child deserves a strong foundation. Our government supported program makes affordable childcare a reality for families like yours. Discover how Great Minds Academy's financial assistance program can help you secure quality daycare for your child.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Is your school an approved provider?
Book TourYes! We accept Florida School Readiness. Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more.
VPK
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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.
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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.
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How much is full time VPK in Florida?
540 hours of educational instruction in a school year.
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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 Courtney's Little Learners STEM 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 Pine Hills, Florida.
Schedule A Tour
Fill out the form below to book a personal tour of our facilities.
Contact Us
Key Features of Our
Florida VPK Program
Emphasize specific aspects of safety and security
- Sparkling learning spaces
- Teachers who care and protect
- Safety measures you can trust
- Regular safety checks
Developing Strong Communicators
- Empowering Young Communicators: We understand the importance of strong communication skills. Our VPK program helps children build a rich vocabulary, become attentive listeners, and develop a love for reading, setting them on the path to future success.
- Building Confidence Through Language: VPK programs provide a nurturing environment where children can explore language, practice communication skills, and gain the confidence to express themselves clearly and confidently.
- Sparkling Conversations & Playful Learning: VPK programs provide a fun and engaging environment where children expand their vocabulary, become active listeners, and discover the joy of reading.
Empowering Young Minds
- Making Friends & Growing Together: VPK programs provide a nurturing environment where children develop essential social and emotional skills like cooperation, empathy, and self-regulation. Through interaction with peers and engaging activities, children learn to build friendships, navigate emotions, and become well-rounded individuals.
- Little Problem-Solvers: VPK programs incorporate activities that spark critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Children become curious explorers who analyze situations, explore options, and discover creative solutions to challenges. This equips them with the tools they need to thrive in any situation.
- Ready for Kindergarten & Beyond: These programs introduce age-appropriate activities like storytelling and hands-on experiences that lay the foundation for future learning. Children explore fundamental math and literacy concepts, preparing them for a smooth transition to formal education and future academic success.
Empowering Young Minds Through STEAM
- Curious hands become scientific minds: Our VPK program ignites a passion for science through engaging experiments and hands-on activities. Children explore the wonders of the world, asking questions, conducting investigations, and discovering the magic of scientific concepts.
- Creative sparks take flight: Art becomes a platform for unleashing creativity. Children explore various artistic mediums, express themselves freely, and develop innovative thinking skills through engaging projects.
- Problem-solving superstars in the making: Through interactive activities and play-based learning, children become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. They learn to analyze situations, brainstorm solutions, and think outside the box to overcome challenges.
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