School Readiness

The School Readiness Program can help working parents with the cost of child care (frequently called a child care subsidy). These services include extended-day, extended-year, and school age care for children to support parents in becoming financially self-sufficient.

The Mail-In Redetermination process provides an efficient and expeditious means for parents to continue to receive Child Care services. If your child care authorization period is for three months or more, you are eligible to have your child care redetermined by mail.

Early care and education providers in Miami-Dade County can provide care for an employee's child at the center and be partially reimbursed for that care. This enables child care at work for working parents.

Child care assistance may also be available for refugees, Cuban or Haitian Entrants and asylum applicants.

• School Readiness Program
• Child Care Redetermination
• Executive Partnership Program
• Child Care for Refugees

Early Learning Programs

Two programs are available for parents interested in early childhood learning options for their children. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) is a Free program  designed to prepare Florida's children for kindergarten and develop the skills needed to become successful students.The Head Start / Early Head Start Program provides comprehensive child development services for low income children and families in Miami-Dade County.

• Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
• Head Start/Early Head Start
• Safe Start Initiative
• Assessment and Inclusion Program

The “Rising Stars” Out of School (OOS) Program is for children ages 5-18 years residing in targeted communities throughout Miami Dade County. “Rising Stars” provides services specific to both the general population and also children with learning deficits. The program focuses on enriching activities, with an emphasis on technology training and access.

Assistance for Child Care Providers

The Community Action and Human Services Department assists those interested in becoming licensed child care providers by providing assistance and training and facilitating School Readiness and VPK reimbursements.

• Child Care Provider Resources