The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County (ELC) is spotlighting its School Readiness Program, a state‑ and federally funded initiative that makes quality child care affordable, supports working families, and prepares young children to enter school with confidence. Here’s What It Offers:
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Financial assistance to qualifying families, covering part of child care costs based on income, household size, and other factors.
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Readiness preparation, teaching early learners key skills—social, emotional, cognitive—that help them thrive in a classroom setting.
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Support for families, enabling them to work, study, or manage disabilities while achieving financial independence.
Who Qualifies
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Must reside in Osceola County, with parents or guardians employed at least 20 hours a week, enrolled full‑time in college or trade school, or supported by a documented disability.
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Income must be at or under 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, adjusted for family size.
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Priority also extends to families receiving temporary cash assistance, those at risk (e.g. homeless, teen parents), and those with children who have special needs.
Additional Services
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Eligibility Tools & Self-Service Forms: Families can use the Family Portal to apply and manage their account. It supports actions like transferring providers, requesting breaks, or reporting changes.
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Inclusion Services: Annual developmental screenings using ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 help identify needs early. The “Sending Out Support” (SOS) program provides classroom interventions.
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Resource & Referral Assistance: Specialists help parents find child care providers that best fit their child’s and family’s needs.
The Difference It Makes
ELC reports that School Readiness sets the stage for lifelong success—not just academically, but in self-care, emotional regulation, and social interaction for children before kindergarten.
🔍 How Families Can Enroll
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Create or log in to your Family Portal to apply online and submit eligibility documents: pay stubs, school schedules, or physician disability statements.
Families can find support videos on the ELC YouTube channel. -
Review eligibility criteria:
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Osceola County residency
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Employment/education/disability proof (20+ hrs/week)
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Income at or below 150% Federal Poverty Level
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Submit additional forms: employment logs, residency affidavits, child support declarations, and physician forms as required.
📞 Get Involved: Act Now
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Parents & Guardians:
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Create or access your Family Portal account
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Attend a computer lab appointment for hands‑on assistance
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Watch the portal tutorial videos to streamline your application process.
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Child Care Providers:
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Contact the Coalition to become a licensed School Readiness provider
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Access professional development, grants, and inclusion support services.
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🧩 Be Part of the Change
If you live in Osceola County and need quality, affordable child care—or you’re interested in supporting these efforts—visit the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County’s School Readiness page to begin your application, access the Family Portal, set up a computer lab appointment, or learn how to become a provider.
Click here to apply → School Readiness Application
Access your account → Family Portal Sign Up / Sign In
Need in-person help? → Schedule a computer lab appointment now
Invest in your child’s future—get them school-ready, and give your family the support it deserves.
