Last verified: October 2026
What is School Readiness child care assistance in Broward?
School Readiness is a financial assistance program that helps eligible Broward families pay for child care and early learning, funded by state money and the federal Child Care and Development Fund. The Early Learning Coalition of Broward County administers it for the county.
It is the only one of Florida's education benefits that covers care outside the school day, which is why it matters for younger siblings and aftercare.
Is there a waiting list for Broward School Readiness?
Yes, the Jewish Federation of Broward County's 2026 financial assistance guide notes that School Readiness financial assistance in Broward has a waitlist. Priority categories can move a family faster, and ELC Broward is the place to confirm current status.
The same guide points families to Head Start and Early Head Start as free programs for lower-income households.
Can School Readiness be combined with a school scholarship?
The two programs pay for different things, so a family can use School Readiness for aftercare while the Private School Scholarship pays tuition. The scholarships do not pay for before- or after-school care, and School Readiness cannot be billed twice for the same hours.
Before counting on aftercare help, ask whether the school is a School Readiness provider.
What does School Readiness cover for a Broward family, and what does it not?
School Readiness covers child care costs at participating providers, and it does not cover private school tuition.
| Covered | Not covered | |
|---|---|---|
| Care type | Infant through school-age child care at participating providers | Private school tuition |
| Funding source | State and federal child care dollars | The Private School Scholarship or FES-UA |
| Entry | Income and work or school activity | Open enrollment with no income test |