Qualifying

• You must be working or attending school at least 20 hours per week (If both parents are in the household; both must meet requirements).
• Your gross income and family size must be listed below in “Income Guidelines”.
• You must have the listed documents in “Documentation” present with you when you receive an appointment.
• New enrollments are for children 0-5 years old; children with special needs, 9 years of age and above maybe eligible if they have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) from the School Board. 

Generally, families with children 0-6 years old may receive help through the School Readiness Program. However, children at risk or of other priority groups may receive service up to 13 years old

Depending on the family income, the family will pay a monthly fee for each child for whom you receive financial assistance. The co-payment is based on family income and family size. Parents are expected to make their co-payment directly to the child care provider.

All families eligible for School Readiness financial assistance may select the provider of their choice. However, Child Development Services will only pay for child care if the child care provider has been approved by the Coalition. Parents can select providers from the following:

• Licensed Child Care Centers
• Licensed Family Child Care Homes
• Informal Care, which is care provided by a family member such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle (NOTE: There are some restrictions on this type of care).
• License Exempt Center, which is a center that is not required to be licensed by state law.

Income guidelines

A family's gross income (income before taxes, insurance, and any other deductions are subtracted) is used to determine eligibility. Both earned income (for example, wages) and unearned income (for example, child support, Social Security payments, Unemployment Insurance) are counted.

• 2 and your annual family gross income is/or less than $22,065
• 3 and your annual family gross income is/or less than $27,795
• 4 and your annual family gross income is/or less than $33,525
• 5 and your annual family gross income is/or less than $39,255
• 6 and your annual family gross income is/or less than $44,985
• 7 and your annual family gross income is/or less than $50,715

Applying for Financial Assistance

Enrollment for financial assistance (subsidized) child care is currently closed. Enrollment is based on the availability of funding.

• You may complete a waitlist application online for child care financial assistance. You will be contacted when enrollment is opened.
• Contact Child Care Resource and Referral Parent Information Line at 305-373-3521for information about other child care resources.
• Walk into or call any Eligibility Office (listed below) and staff will provide assistance with the on-line waitlist application.   

Documentation

Required information to process an application:

1. Completed child care application and authorization form  (referral) if applicable
2. Verification of Age for all children receiving care, such as a birth certificate, immunization record, insurance policy on the child's life, passport, certificate of arrival in the U.S.A., baptismal or religious record, military identification, or certificate of age signed by a physician.
3. Verification of residency (i.e. government document, driver's license, utility bill, pay stub, rental agreement, military order, document from shelter, letter from property owner, or affidavit of residency).
4. Verification of employment  (6 to 8 weeks of recent pay).
5. Photo ID card for parent/guardian arranging child care.

Additional documentation that may be required if applicable:

1. Verification of child support payments received (court ordered/voluntary)
2. Verification of public assistance (TANF)
3. Verification of public housing assistance
4. Verification of food stamp assistance
5. Proof of other household income

Redetermination

If your child care authorization period is for three months or more, you are eligible to have your child care redetermined by mail. You will receive a letter and packet of child care redetermination forms in the mail 45 days prior to the expiration date of your child care. 

Locations

Eligibility Offices

Open Monday - Friday  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Miami Gardens
16401 NW 25 Avenue, Room 107
Miami, Florida  33054
305-626-7969
Map & Directions

Frankie Shannon-Rolle
3750 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, Florida  33133
305-694-3510
Map & Directions

Naranja
13955 SW 264 Street
Miami, Florida  33032
305-258-5471
Map & Directions