Early Learning Coalition of Lake County

Services For Families

School Readiness Assistance (SR)

The Early Learning Coalition's program offers qualified parents financial assistance for child care through a variety of services. These services include all-day, extended-year and school age care for children to support parents in becoming financially self-sufficient. The Coaltion's Family Services Department and its team of Family Services Specialists, identifies eligible children and maintains a unified waiting list for school readiness eligible children. The specialists continue to assist families in services that include a single point of entry, assistance with child care resource and referral, and eligibility determination for a variety of programs. Parents are able to complete the initial application for school readiness services in a variety of ways including phone, in person and online. The Coalition utilizes the states single point of entry system which allows parents to enroll for both School Readiness and VPK Services.

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)

The Coalition provides this free service to families with individualized, non-biased Resource & Referral services to the entire community. A large number of requests are for child care related information, however referrals are available for needs for adults, teens, seniors and families alike. The CCR&R Coordinator maintains and updates information on service providers & human service organizations through Lake County. The Family Services staff work diligently with established providers to expand infant/toddler care slots, assisting registered providers to become licensed and provide special needs care. The CCR&R Coordinator has a working relationship with providers negotiating rates for parents waiting for school readiness services.

Florida’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK)

VPK offers all four year old children a jump start on reading, math, language and social skills. Qualified teachers utilize developmentally appropriate curricula to educate children preparing them for kindergarten. The program is free of charge during the school year or the summer program will help parents build a strong foundation for their child’s educational success.