Understanding Childcare Grants and Other Sources of Funding in Florida

Access to affordable, high-quality childcare programs is essential for families, educators, and communities. In Florida, a wide range of grants and funding opportunities are available to support childcare providers and families in need. Understanding these resources can help childcare centers, family daycare homes, and parents navigate financial challenges and ensure children receive the access to the high quality early learning programs that they deserve.

With so many different grants and funding opportunities available in Florida, it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s out there and how to access it. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you!
We’ll go over the most important grant opportunities and funding sources for childcare programs, families, and early childhood educators in this blog. Whether you’re looking for support to enhance your program, help families with tuition, or invest in professional development, you’ll find everything you need to get started right here.

Types of Childcare Grants in Florida

School Readiness Program Grants: The Florida School Readiness Program helps low-income families by offering financial support for early childcare and education. It’s designed for parents who are working or attending school, making it easier for them to provide their children with the care and early learning experiences they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. The Division of Early Learning (DEL) oversees the program, which collaborates closely with 30 state-wide Early Learning Coalitions (ELCs) to assess family income eligibility. Services vary based on individual needs and can include anything from extended daycare to after-school and school-age care. The Federal Child Care and Development Fund Block Grant provides the majority of the program’s funding. By reducing the financial burden on parents, this grant program ensures that children have access to quality early education, setting the stage for their success in school and beyond.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program Funding: Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) offers free pre-k education to all 4-year-olds, regardless of family income. Florida was one of the first states to offer this benefit, and since its inception, over 2.6 million children have participated in VPK. Research from the Florida Department of Education shows that children who attend VPK are much more prepared for kindergarten compared to those who don’t.
Parents have several options when it comes to selecting a VPK program for their child. The program is offered in various educational settings, including private childcare centers, public schools, and faith-based programs.

VPK also offers two specific types of programs:

School-Year Program: This includes 540 instructional hours, with class sizes capped at 11 students for one instructor or up to 20 students with a lead instructor and assistant. At the very least, instructors must hold a Florida Child Care Professional Credential. Summer Program: This program includes 300 instructional hours, with a class size limit of 12 students for one lead instructor. Instructors are required to have a bachelor’s degree.

For children with special needs, Florida also offers the VPK Specialized Instructional Services (SIS) program, which provides tailored services for children who have a current individualized educational plan (IEP) from a local school district. This option takes place outside of a traditional classroom setting, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the support they need.

To be eligible for VPK, children must be 4 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. Parents of children whose fourth birthday falls between February 2 and September 1 can choose to delay enrollment until the following year when their child is 5.

The TEACH Florida Program: The TEACH Florida Program supports early childhood educators’ professional development and retention. It’s part of a larger national effort known as Teacher Education And Compensation Helps (TEACH), which aims to improve the quality of early education through professional development, higher compensation, and a commitment to staying in the field. The program offers financial assistance to childcare professionals by offering a variety of scholarships for early learning credentials, college credits and certificates, and degrees in early childhood education. Through these incentives, TEACH Florida helps strengthen the workforce of early childhood educators, benefiting both the professionals and the young children they serve.

To provide educators with opportunities to further their education, TEACH Florida collaborates with over fifty recognized training programs, colleges, and universities. Active participants can receive up to 90% coverage for tuition and books, helping to ease the financial burden of continuing their studies.
The program offers a per-semester stipend to help with school-related expenses. Scholars and the programs that sponsor them also benefit from financial bonuses and other support to ensure that educators are able to stay in the profession long-term while enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Additional Funding Options for Childcare Providers Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): The CACFP is a federally funded program by the Florida Department of Health that provides reimbursement to eligible childcare providers for nutritious meals and snacks served to children in care. This funding helps ensure that children receive healthy meals, addressing food insecurity and promoting physical well-being.

Grants from Local and Private Sources: Local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations in Florida offer a variety of additional funding opportunities for childcare providers in addition to state and federal funding. Some notable sources include:

Children’s Services Council (CSC): Children’s Services Councils (CSCs) have been established in many Florida counties. These councils give grants to programs that help children and their families live better, like early childhood education and childcare. A CSC is a special taxing district created by county ordinance and approved by voters, specifically designed to fund services that promote the well-being of children. Currently, 13 Florida counties have established CSCs, directing taxpayer dollars to community-based programs that focus on the needs of children and families.

Florida’s United Way: The United Way gives grants to childcare providers to help programs that help low-income families, such as those that help with operating costs and the creation of curriculum. The PNC Foundation: The PNC Foundation supports non-profit early childhood education through grants aimed at improving educational programs and increasing access to quality care.

Tax Credits and Incentives: The Federal Government of Florida offers several tax incentives for businesses that support childcare. One such incentive is the Florida Child Care Tax Credit, which provides tax credits to businesses that provide on-site childcare services or subsidies to employees for childcare costs. Additionally, childcare providers may qualify for tax deductions on business expenses related to facility operations, staff wages, and curriculum materials.

Private Foundation Grants: Several private foundations fund early childhood education programs in Florida. These grants often focus on improving educational access, infrastructure, and innovative early learning models.

Some well-known private foundations that offer grants include: The W.K. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation: The W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports children, families, and equitable communities. Kellogg Foundation offers grants that support early education, particularly for underserved populations.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: While primarily known for its work in global health and education, the Gates Foundation also funds programs aimed at improving early childhood education in the U.S.
The Heising-Simons Foundation: The Heising-Simons Foundation is a major funder of early childhood programs. It funds projects and research that aim to improve early learning outcomes.

How to Apply for Childcare Grants in Florida

Each grant and funding opportunity has specific eligibility criteria and a different grant application process. Here are general steps to follow:
Research Available Programs: Begin by visiting the Florida Office of Early Learning website and your local Early Learning Coalition for up-to-date information on grants and financial assistance programs. These resources list available grants and the eligibility requirements for each.
Check Eligibility Requirements: Each program has specific eligibility and licensing requirements based on factors such as income, provider status, location, or the type of care provided. Ensure you understand the specific requirements for each program to maximize your chances of success.
Prepare Required Documentation: Most grant funding opportunities will require documentation such as business licenses, tax records, proof of enrollment, financial statements, and a detailed budget outlining how funds will be used. Be sure to gather all necessary paperwork to streamline the application process.
Submit Applications on Time: Many programs have strict deadlines, so it’s essential to apply early and ensure all paperwork is complete and accurate. Deadlines can vary by program, so monitor websites regularly for updates.
If you need help, ask for it: Many local ELCs and nonprofit organizations can help you complete your application and get the most out of your opportunities for funding.