Department of Human Services

Child Development Services Bureau

Mission statement

Miami-Dade County Child Development Services is committed to the provision of culturally comprehensive, quality school readiness services for families, through a network of child care providers, coordinated resources and support services throughout Miami-Dade County.

CDS is staffed by a cadre of dedicated professionals committed to assisting families seeking child care information, resources, referrals and financial assistance for early care and education.  

Assists parents and families needing financially assisted child care (School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) for children from infancy to 9 years of age. 

Services include eligibility determination and placement of children through a network of licensed child care facilities throughout Miami-Dade County. 

Other services include: 

• Resource and Referral information on child related services,
• Developmental Screening and Assessment Services- to identify children at-risk for developmental delays
• Inclusion Training and Technical Assistance- for child care teachers and providers
• School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) providers payments