Family Portal

Florida’s Office of Early Learning Family Portal

This is where you can learn more about Florida’s Child Care Resource and Referral Network, apply for School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten:

Enter Family Portal Here

Child Care Resource and Referral

Looking for child care? The ELCFH can help through the Child Care Resource and Referral Program, which is a free service for those in Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands Counties.

How does it work? Tell us what you are looking for: location, hours and days needed, type of child care, etc. A specialist will create a customized list from a database of legally operating child care providers in your area. Remember, these are referrals, not recommendations. You still need to research providers to find the right one for your family.

To start your research, search the Florida Department of Children and Families’ site of legally operating child care providers and read their inspection reports:

DCF Child Care Provider Search

You can also check here for early learning and K-12 programs throughout Florida:

My Florida Schools

Checklist for Quality Child Care

One of the most important decisions you will ever make is choosing quality child care. The “Family Guide” and Quality Checklist” are valuable resources to help you make an informed decision.

View Quality Checklist (English)

View Quality Checklist (Spanish)

Know Your Child Care Facility (English)

Know Your Child Care Facility (Spanish)

School Readiness (SR)

The School Readiness(SR) program offers financial assistance for child care with a sliding fee scale designed to help to low-income families become financially self-sufficient.

I need help paying for child care. Am I eligible for SR?

I currently have SR services. Frequently Asked Questions: