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Childcare Financial Assistance Programs

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Know Your Options

Free Childcare Assistance In Florida

G Mas Childcare and Learning Center understands the importance of quality childcare, but we also know costs can be a concern. That's why we want to connect you with financial assistance programs in Florida that can make our exceptional care more affordable for your family. Explore the options below and find the program that best suits your needs.


For Ages 0-5

What is Florida School Readiness?

Florida's School Readiness Program provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.

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For Age 4-5

What is VPK?

The state of Florida offers FREE VPK in Orlando (Voluntary Prekindergarten) for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development. 

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Know Before You Go

Frequently Asked Questions


School Readiness

  • What is School Readiness (SR)?

    Florida's School Readiness Program (SR) provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.

  • What are the benefits of School Readiness?

    • Gets little ones kindergarten-ready! 

    • Supports working families by making top-notch early learning services affordable. 

    • Keeps parents thriving in the workforce or pursuing education with a helping hand. 

    • Provides parents information on child development, early childhood screenings, and family well-being.

    • Take your pick from private centers, public schools, or family childcare homes. 
  • Am I eligible for School Readiness?

    • At least one parent must be employed or engaged in educational activities, like college or trade school attendance, for a minimum of 20 hours per week. 
    • The total household income should not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level based on family size. 
    • Families are required to contribute a copayment for childcare, which varies depending on income and family size. 
    • Additionally, other children may qualify if they have special needs, are considered at-risk for abuse, neglect, or abandonment, or if their parents fall into specific categories, such as being homeless, victims of domestic violence, or low-income migrant families or farm workers.

    To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.


    Learn More
  • Is your school an approved provider?

    Yes! We accept Florida School Readiness. Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more.

    Book Tour

VPK

  • What is VPK?

    The state of Florida offers FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development. 

  • Am I eligible for VPK?

    To qualify for VPK:


    • Children need to reside in Florida and reach the age of 4 on or before September 1 of the ongoing school year. 
    • If a child's fourth birthday falls between February 2 and September 1 of a given calendar year, parents have the option to delay enrollment in VPK until the subsequent year when the child turns 5.

    To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.

    Learn More
  • How much is full time VPK in Florida?

    540 hours of educational instruction in a school year.

  • Is your school an approved VPK provider?

    Yes! We provide free Florida VPK With flexible hours ranging from 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday.


    Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more about our VPK program.

    Book A Tour
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Get Started

How To Apply


01

Step 1: Apply

Apply to services in the Family Department of Education Family Portal.

Apply Here

02

Step 2: Visit

It's time to choose your child care center!

Schedule a visit to tour Courtney's Little Learners STEM Academy. Explore our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see why parents choose us as the most affordable, safe, and reliable choice for child care in Pine Hills, Florida.

Schedule A Tour

Fill out the form below to book a personal tour of our facilities.

Contact Us

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Key Features of Our

Florida VPK Program


Keeping Your Little Ones Safe


  • Healthy Learning Environment
  • Experienced teachers
  • Safety is a priority
  • Monitored entry system

Emphasize Skills Development


  • Empowering Young Voices: VPK programs provide a platform for children to explore and expand their vocabulary, fostering confident communication through engaging activities and diverse word exposure.
  • Active Listeners on the Rise: Storytelling, group discussions, and interactive learning create opportunities for children to develop strong listening skills and hone their comprehension abilities, essential tools for effective communication throughout life.
  • A Love Affair with Books Begins: Storytime, letter recognition, and playful writing exercises introduce children to the joys of reading. This ignites a passion for literacy and equips them with the foundation for future success.

Growth and Learning


  • Friendships blossom: Children play alongside their peers, building strong connections and developing essential social skills like cooperation, empathy, and self-control.
  • Little explorers embark on quests: Engaging activities transform them into curious problem-solvers, learning to analyze situations, explore options, and find creative solutions.
  • Early learning sparks ignite: Through age-appropriate activities, storytelling, and hands-on experiences, children discover the magic of numbers and words, laying the foundation for future academic success.

STEAM: Where Imagination Takes Flight


  • Problem-Solvers in Training: Our VPK program's engaging activities nurture critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning skills. Children become curious explorers, equipped to tackle challenges and find creative solutions.
  • Science Detectives: Through hands-on experiments and projects, children in our STEAM program unravel the mysteries of science. This fosters a deep understanding of scientific concepts and ignites a love for exploration and discovery.
  • Little Artists, Big Ideas: By incorporating arts into the curriculum, we encourage children to express themselves creatively. This sparks innovation and helps them develop unique solutions to problems.

Enrollment Is Open For 2024

Call Us At 407-694-6381
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