Navigating Early Learning in Broward County: A Guide to Programs and Resources

The Early Learning Coalition of Broward County (ELC Broward) plays a vital role in connecting families with resources and programs that support early childhood education and development. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various initiatives and services offered, designed to ensure that Broward County's youngest learners have a strong foundation for future success.

The Division of Early Learning (DEL): Building a Foundation for Florida's Children

The Division of Early Learning (DEL) is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and quality early learning services for the state’s children and families. The Division of Early Learning will provide access to high-quality programs and services that build a solid foundation for Florida’s youngest learners to reach their highest potential.

Quality Recognition: The Gold Seal Program

The Gold Seal Quality Care (Gold Seal) program was established in 1996 to acknowledge child care facilities and family day care homes that have gone above the required minimum licensing standards to become accredited by recognized agencies whose standards reflect quality in the level of care and supervision provided to children.

Enhancing Literacy Skills: The Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential

The Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential provides child care and early learning instructional personnel with high-quality, evidence-based online course content to build their emergent literacy knowledge and skills to effectively support emergent literacy learning for children, birth through prekindergarten.

Early Learning Centers of Broward: A Safe and Secure Environment

Early Learning Centers of Broward pledges to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our children. The directors and teachers at Early Learning Centers of Broward provide the right foundation for future academic growth. They work with children to establish ground rules and to provide a warm, caring environment that fosters young imaginations and facilitates the socialization process. By entrusting children to them, you can enjoy peace of mind and the assurance that your little ones will receive the best and most attentive care. The Early Learning Centers of Broward offer a place where children have so much fun learning, playing, and making new friends.

Key Features:

Safe and Secure Learning Environment: Prioritizing the well-being of children.
Foundation for Academic Growth: Providing the right start for future learning.
Warm and Caring Environment: Fostering imagination and socialization.

Financial Assistance: Florida’s School Readiness Program (SR)

Florida’s School Readiness Program (SR) offers financial assistance to eligible low-income families for early education and care so they can become financially self-sufficient and their young children can be successful in school in the future. Even before children attend prekindergarten, they gain from experiences that help them enter school ready for kindergarten. Services vary based on individual needs and range from developmental screening to child assessments for children ages birth to school-age. The SR program is funded primarily by the federal Child Care and Development Fund Block Grant.

Eligibility:

Eligibility is determined by parents’ gross income and must not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.

Required Documentation:

Most recent pay stub. If self-employed, please use the following work calendar template to show the hours you work and income received in the last four weeks.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK): Free Education for 4-Year-Olds

Florida was one of the first states in the country to offer free prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. Since the program began in 2005-06, more than 3.1 million children have benefited from the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK). Parents can select from one of several program options available in different educational settings from private and public providers and specialized instructional services providers.

VPK Program Details:

Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, or VPK, is a free educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Prekindergarten Specialized Instructional Services (VPK SIS):

For children with disabilities, Prekindergarten Specialized Instructional Services (VPK SIS) is available for students who currently have an individual education plan with the local school district.

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R):

The Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) State Network provides information about state-funded early learning programs, such as School Readiness, Voluntary Prekindergarten, Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start and Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters.

Assistance While Waiting:

Our trained Child Care Resource and Referral team is available to assist you, at no cost, to discuss available options while you wait.

Navigating ELC Broward: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

Families who are new to ELC Broward early learning programs and wish to register their children can create an account to access eligibility determination services, community resources, and apply for VPK and School Readiness through the State of Florida Office of Early Learning Family Portal. ELC Broward has all the information and tips you need to make this important first decision on your child’s education journey.

Key Steps:

Create an Account: Access the State of Florida Office of Early Learning Family Portal.
Eligibility Determination: Determine eligibility for VPK and School Readiness programs.
Access Community Resources: Find available resources and support.
Apply for Programs: Complete the application process through the Family Portal.

Additional Information for Families

Parenting is challenging. There’s so much to know! ELC Broward works hard to keep you informed about everything ahead for your child’s education from immunizations to affording college tuition.

Important Reminders:

Redetermination Dates: Clients are informed of their redetermination date at the time their care is processed, which can also be found on the Certificate of Authorization that was electronically signed in the DEL Family Portal.
No Extensions: Redetermination dates cannot be extended.
Additional Documents: Log into the DEL Family Portal if your Family Services Specialist is requesting additional documents.

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