Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County

The school readiness (sr) program is part of the state's Early childhood education and provides the elements necessary to children for school, including health screenings/referrals and an appropriate educational program. The services are provided on a full day, full-year, and full- choice basis to the extent possible to enable parents to work and be financially self-sufficient. The delivery of sr programs is comprised of childcare providers and school-based sites operated by public and nonpublic schools the school readiness program has three specific eligibility requirements: 1) parent(s)/guardian(s) must be working or participating in an educational activity such as attending college or trade school at least 20 hours per week. 2) gross income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level for family size. 3) families must pay a copayment for childcare based on income and family size. In addition, as part of the covid- 19 crisis emergency funding assistance for Early Learning child care providers, the Coalition received arpa stabilization and arpa stabilization build a world class workforce initiatives funding to support the Early Learning child care providers and Early Learning educators. The program is funded primarily by the federal child care and development fund block grant and the organization has complied with the earmarks and restrictions of the sr grant.

From the funds in general appropriations act, specific appropriation 85, 30,000,000 is provided to expand the provision of services to low income families at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level as long as the income does not exceed 85 percent of the state median income. To be eligible for funding, the Coalition must match the state funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis and the local match must comply with federal child care and development block grant matching requirements. During the years ended june 30, 2023 and 2022, the local matching requirements were met.

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. To be eligible, children must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before september 1 of the current school year. The program is designed to enhance each child's ability to make age appropriate progress in the development of language and cognitive capabilities through education in basic skills. The delivery system for the vpk program is comprised of private childcare centers and schools, public schools, and specialized instructional services providers. Parents can choose for the child the school year program that includes 540 instructional hours or the summer program that includes 300 instructional hours. The program is funded primarily with the state general revenue funding and the organization has complied with the earmarks and restrictions of the vpk grant.