
Are you need of high-quality child care?
The School Readiness (SR) program assists eligible families in obtaining affordable, high-quality child care.
The program serves young children, age birth through 12 years old, from working families whose income or
other risk factors could impact healthy child development. School Readiness funds pay a portion of
child care costs based on a family’s income.
School Readiness is not just child care.
What our program offers for young children:
Age-appropriate curriculum
Trained early childhood educators
Staff that work closely with parents to assess
child’s developmental achievements
Participating providers who comply with higher program standards than other licensed providers
The play-based learning environments and nurturing care support a child’s
physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
Parents are able to choose the best setting to meet the needs of their family.
School Readiness services are available at contracted private preschools, family child care homes,
school-age care providers and faith based schools.
Have questions on how to enroll? Look at videos, below.
Eligibility
HOUSEHOLD SIZE
MAXIMUM HOUSEHOLD INCOME
WHO QUALIFIES?
Children living in income economically disadvantaged families
Children with special needs or developmental concerns
Parents or guardians that receive TANF
Children under Protective Services
Children in foster care
Children living in certified domestic violence centers
Children who are homeless
How to Renew Your Eligibility
All eligibility documents and uploads are now available on the OEL Family Portal.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you do not have an account or can’t remember your username, please contact the ELC Portal Helpdesk. DO NOT create an account on your own as that will not link to your current eligibility. Click here to be redirected to the Family Portal.
within 10 days of the change. This includes whether you become permanently or temporarily disabled. You should also report if your
child(ren) stop going to their reported child care location. If you have any questions, please contact the Coalition’s Eligibility
Department at 727-400-4411.
Forms & Resources
FAQ’s
HOW DO I REPORT A CHANGE?
Please submit this Notice of Change to ELC staff.
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I GO ON MATERNITY LEAVE?
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
HOW DO I FIND OUT MY SPOT ON THE WAIT LIST?
HOW DO I GET A VERIFICATION LETTER STATING THAT I'VE BEEN PLACED ON THE WAIT LIST?
HOW DO I CREATE A FAMILY PORTAL?
I AM AN ACTIVE ELC CLIENT WITH A CHILD IN SR SERVICES BUT I DON'T HAVE A FAMILY PORTAL ACCOUNT.
Please contact the ELC Portal Helpdesk at portal.helpdesk@elcpinellas.org. Do not create an account on your own as that will not link to your current eligibility.
I AM AN ACTIVE ELC CLIENT WITH A CHILD CURRENTLY IN SR SERVICES. I ALREADY HAVE A FAMILY PORTAL ACCOUNT, BUT I CAN’T REMEMBER MY USER NAME.
Please contact the ELC Portal Helpdesk at portal.helpdesk@elcpinellas.org. Do not create an account on your own as that will not link to your current eligibility.
HOW WILL THE ELC CONTACT ME?
The primary method of contact will be by email. We may also need to reach you by phone. Therefore, please make sure that ELC always has your current email address and phone number.
IF I ALREADY HAVE AN EXISTING VPK ACCOUNT, CAN I USE THAT SAME ACCOUNT FOR SCHOOL READINESS SERVICES?
Please log on to the Family Portal account you have already created. If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact the ELC Portal Helpdesk at portal.helpdesk@elcpinellas.org. Do not create an account on your own as that will not link to your current eligibility.
I DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO A SCANNER OR NEED ASSISTANCE UPLOADING DOCUMENTS.
Please visit either our Clearwater or St. Petersburg locations to utilize the kiosks.
HOW DO I RE-CERTIFY?
- Log on to your Family Portal account.
- Under the School Readiness Applications section, click on “Verify Eligibility” blue button.
- You will be directed to the Eligibility Wizard. Click start to begin the process.
- When you reach the end of the application, please sign electronically exactly as your name appears on the record and click “Submit Eligibility Verification”.
- Once the ELC completes your re-certification, you will receive an email directing you back to the Family Portal. Log into the Family Portal. Under the School Readiness Funding section you will click on the blue “Sign” button next to each of your child(ren)’s name(s). Please Note: If you don’t receive the email, you can still log into the Family Portal and complete the process.
- You will be asked to read and accept to the Parental Rights and Responsibilities/Terms and Conditions. Please sign electronically the Payment Certificate exactly how your name appears on the record to complete the process.
I AM UNABLE TO MOVE FORWARD ON THE ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION WIZARD. HOW DO I UPLOAD MY DOCUMENTS?
- If you see a blue box stating, “Additional information is needed,” then you will need to upload documents in order to complete the section. Click on “No, I need to update the information”.
- The “Edit” button will appear for you to select.
- The next screen will give you the prompt to “Upload Document".
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY RE-CERTIFICATION IS COMPLETE? MY CHILD IS NOT SHOWING UP ON MY PROVIDER’S ATTENDANCE ROSTER.
- Log in to Family Portal. Under the School Readiness Funding section, you will see “Pending Family Acceptance” under the Enrollment Status. Click on the blue “Sign” button next to each of your child(ren)’s name(s).
- You will be asked to read and accept the Parental Rights and Responsibilities/Terms and Conditions. Please sign electronically the Payment Certificate exactly how your name appears on the record to complete the process.
- Your provider can then log onto their attendance roster and complete your child’s attendance.
- Please Note: If you do not sign off on the Payment Certificate, your provider’s payments may be effected. It is imperative that you complete the process ASAP.
HOW DO I DO A TRANSFER FROM ONE PROVIDER TO ANOTHER?
- Download and print the Child Transfer Form.
- Complete the Transfer form with your current and new providers.
- Fax completed form to 727-400-4486 or drop off at one of the ELC locations.
- Once ELC has completed the transfer, you will need to sign the Payment Certificate in order for your child to show up on the new provider’s attendance roster. Log into the Family Portal. Under the School Readiness Funding section you will click on the blue “Sign” button next to each of your child(ren)’s name(s)
- You will be asked to read and accept the Parental Rights and Responsibilities/Terms and Conditions. Please electronically sign the Payment Certificate exactly how your name appears on the record to complete the process.
- Your provider can then log onto their attendance roster and complete your child’s attendance.
- Please Note: If you do not sign off on the Payment Certificate, your provider’s payments may be effected. It is imperative that you complete the process ASAP.
I HAVE SUBMITTED MY TRANSFER FORM IN, BUT HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT’S COMPLETE? MY CHILD IS NOT SHOWING UP ON THE NEW PROVIDER’S ATTENDANCE ROSTERS.
- Once ELC has completed the transfer, you will need to sign the Payment Certificate in order for your child to show up on the new provider’s attendance roster. Log into the Family Portal. Under the School Readiness Funding section you will click on the blue “Sign” button next to each of your child(ren)’s name(s).
- You will be asked to read and accept the Parental Rights and Responsibilities/Terms and Conditions. Please electronically sign the Payment Certificate exactly how your name appears on the record to complete the process.
- Your provider can then log onto their attendance roster and complete your child’s attendance.
- Please Note: If you do not sign off on the Payment Certificate, your provider’s payments may be effected. It is imperative that you complete the process ASAP.
HOW DO I TEMPORARILY SUSPEND MY CHILD’S CARE?
- If eligible for a temporary termination, download and print the Temporary Termination Request form.
- Complete the Temporary Termination form with your current provider.
- Fax completed form to 727-400-4486 or drop off at one of the ELC locations.
WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER?
If you need access to a computer, please reach out to your provider (or prospected provider) for assistance and computer access. Many providers have been given computers or tablets to help families finalize applications.
If your provider cannot aid you, please call the ELC for guidance on next steps. Call 727-400-4411.

