Early Learning Coalition of Marion County 
School Readiness Program Eligibility Application On-line

Building a high quality early education and child care environment for all Marion County children.

The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, FL is dedicated to providing children and families in our community with access to quality early learning programs that nurture their learning potential and prepare them for their educational success. It is our mission to provide leadership and foster partnerships to optimize a quality early learning environment for our children through child care, voluntary pre-kindergarten and parent education.

Online Eligibility Application:

The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County (ELCMC) now offers a web-based application for the School Readiness (subsidized childcare) Program. THIS IS NOT A WAITLIST APPLICATION. Please register to use this web-based application to apply for School Readiness services by clicking here.

School Readiness (subsidized childcare) Program Guidelines:

• Each applicant (parent/ guardian) must work or participate in an educational program a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Children are eligible to participate in the School Readiness Program from birth until to the age of 9 years. Children with special needs may be eligible through age 19.
• Applicants are responsible for paying a co-payment called a “parent fee”.  The parent fee varies according to the applicant(s) income and the number of people in the household.
• Each applicant may select a School Readiness approved provider of his or her choice. Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) services are available to assist with selecting a provider that meets the needs of the family. Please call us at 352-369-2315 or toll free 1-877-399-2315.
• If funding is not available at the time of application you will be directed to the online waitlist application. You will be contacted if funding becomes available. Waitlist applications are only valid for 6 months afterwhich you will be required to reapply if services are still not available.

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) provides families with comprehensive information and customized referrals for all school readiness and early care and education programs. All referrals are unbiased, computer generated and based on individual family circumstances and preferences, without regard to family income.

One of the most important and difficult decisions for families is choosing a child care arrangement that best meets their needs. CCR&R staff are committed to helping families find answers to their questions regarding how to locate, choose and use quality services, access financial assistance and other early care and education concerns.

For more information, please call:  352-369-2315

click here to return to the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County main web site.