Despite the uncertainty and often tragic news that has become a part of our new normal, the Coalition’s mission to provide our little ones’ with the best available child care options to ensure their health and growth remains strong and continues to adapt! Each day, we are overtaken by the courage of our Providers who continue to work hard for our children and their families, especially at a time when the sacrifices are more than expected … our child care providers still show up!

And they care for the children of those who are still showing up for us as health care workers and first responders. Throughout the duration of the Coronavirus pandemic we want to extend additional emergency supports. The Office of Early Learning, Department of Health and Governor have all made supporting this heroic group of health care workers and first responders a priority by offering crucial community supports.

Therefore, the Coalition and all Early Learning Coalitions across the state have revised the definition of “at-risk” to include children of first responders and health care workers, which allows Coalitions to utilize our at-risk referral process and provide School Readiness benefits to children of these families from birth to age 13 with NO INCOME LIMIT when attending a School Readiness contracted Child Care Provider.

In order to qualify, you must:

• Be a resident of Seminole County.
• Have a child younger than 13 years old.
• Be employed with a first-responder organization or essential medical organization.

To apply for emergency child care scholarship

1. Obtain Child Care Application and Authorization (CCAA) from your Human Resources Department or click here.
2. The employer must complete the Child Care Application and Authorization form. The parent or caregiver must sign section A of the referral. Have your employer complete Section B (Eligibility) and sign the referral. Both sections must be completed and signed before moving on to the next step.
3. Apply for child care services by going to the Florida Office of Early Learning Family Portal, click here.
4. As a new user, select “Click Here” to register for an account.
5. Complete the application (When answering the prequalifying questions, select “Yes” when asked if you have a form titled: Child Care Application and Authorization).
6. Scan in your signed CCAA form.
7. ELC staff will review your application upon submission. If eligible, your case will be processed within three business days.
8. If you need help with selecting a provider, our staff will be able to provide you with Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR) services and provide a customized list of local child care options. Please call our Child Care Resource and Referral parent line at 407-960-2468 or email agogna@seminoleearlylearning.org.

Resources

• How to complete and submit the child care application and authorization form, click here.
• Child Care Application and Authorization Form, First Responder and Essential Health Care Personnel (Declaration of Emergency Response), click here.
• Frequently asked questions and answers, click here.
• Florida Essential Services List for public health, law enforcement, public safety, and other first responders, click here.

PLEASE NOTE: The Florida Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning along with local early learning coalitions throughout the state are prioritizing childcare for first responders and health care workers. Child care services for these personnel will be provided regardless of income.

Please scroll down and click the red button below to learn even more about this program, including Eligibility Requirements and Application Process.

PLEASE NOTE: The deadline to submit NEW referrals for The First Responder and Healthcare Worker Referral Program ended at Close of Business on July 31, 2020. 

UPDATE

1. Initial referrals for First Responder/Health Care Workers ended on July 31, 2020.

2. Existing first responder and essential health care worker families receiving services prior to July 31, 2020, may continue to receive services with a valid renewed referral issued in three-month increments.

3. After December 31, 2020, renewed referrals will no longer be accepted by the Early Learning Coalition. Families that submit a renewed referral by December 31, 2020, can continue to receive child care through the program for up to 3 months from the date of the renewed referral. The final conclusion of the program will end on or before March 31, 2021, based on the renewed referral end date.

4. If the referral is not renewed and the family’s income is less than 85% of the State Median Income (SMI), the family will be given 3 months to establish a different purpose of care. If the family’s income exceeds 85% SMI, the family will be terminated.

5. Families with referrals ending January 1, 2021, or after are NOT eligible for a renewal referral. Participation in the essential healthcare workers and first responders program will end on or before March 31, 2021, based on the referral end date. Renewals will be accepted only for referrals that expire on or before December 31, 2020.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OR DOWNLOAD DETAILS ON PHASE-OUT PROCESS FOR THIS PROGRAM