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Florida Child Care Grants, Programs and Services

Whether you are looking to start a child care program in Florida or are a seasoned owner, there are many resources available to help fund your programs. Each state has a primary agency or organization responsible for subsidizing child care programs. They partner with local child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agencies and shared services organizations to raise awareness of grant opportunities and support the distribution of funding. They also provide additional programs and services to help you run your business. 

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Florida Child Care Grants, Programs and Services 

Primary State Agency (Child Care Development Fund)

This primary agency oversees early care and education programs and services in Florida, and is responsible for subsidizing child care programs through federal and state grants.Ā Visit the Florida Department of Education.Ā 

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R Agency)

Child Care Resource & Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) are another great resource for assisting child care providers with available grants and funding and other resources. Find your local CCR&R.

Champions of Mixed Delivery Monthly Call

The Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) and National Child Care Association (NCCA) and are partnering to offer Champions of Mixed Delivery, a series of monthly check-in calls to share and receive updates about key proposals, coordinate messaging and talking points and share resources for advocacy. View dates and register for a call here.

Florida Child Care Licensing Requirements

Learn more about Florida early learning standards: Division of Early Learning

Learn more about child care licensing requirements in Florida: Florida Department of Children and Families

Florida Early Childhood Education Quality Ratings, Curriculum and Assessments

Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) 

Child care providers earn a rating when they meet quality standards. Many states require these quality standards in order to receive grants and additional funding. 

There is no statewide QRIS in Florida, but multiple counties have established local systems. Find your local office.

State-Aligned Curriculum

Procare Solutions is partnering with Learning Beyond Paper to provide curriculum to our customers. Procare Early Learning Powered by Learning Beyond Paperā€Æis School Readiness Program-approved and provides a 100% digital curriculum and assessments addressing the needs of child care centers, daycares, preschools and early learning teachers. 

ECE state-approved curriculum programs provide consistency, quality assurance, comprehensive development and teacher support, all contributing to a strong educational foundation. Aligning with state-approved ECE curriculum is also essential for securing grant funding and providing high-quality education. 

Assessments

Simplify the assessment process and meet Florida state standards with a unique early childhood assessment framework that makes clarity a key strength of your child care centerā€™s assessments and communications.

Average Cost of Child Care in Florida

Understanding the cost of child care in Florida is important for both parents and child care providers. 

Annual Child Care Costs in Florida
Annual child care costs for one infant in a child care center is approximately $11,440.

Child Care Affordability in Florida

A family earning two median incomes would spend 12% of gross income on infant care services for one child.

View child care costs in other states.

Florida Professional Development Training Requirements 

Inā€ÆFlorida, it is required that early childhood educators complete 10 hours of professional developmentā€Ætraining each fiscal year. Visit the National Database of Child Care Regulations or Florida Department of Children and Families to find licensing regulations and requirements in your state. 

Bertelsen Education, a Procare Solutions Company provides IACET-accredited courses that meet state licensing requirements. Visit BertelsenEducation.com to purchase.Ā 

Professional Development Resources

Professional development programs are designed to encourage, support and recognize early childhood professionals seeking to expand their skills to raise the quality of their programs. View a list of professional development resources for child care providers here.