4C Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote school readiness and child development for eligible low-income families with children from birth to 5 years old. Early Head Start is open to children under 3 years old, while children 3 to 5 years old participate in Head Start. Head Start combines services such as education, early childhood development, health, nutrition, mental health, disability services, family support, and parental involvement with the goal of enhancing the child’s life and building a strong family unit. Through these services, Head Start empowers children with the confidence to excel in school and achieve self-sufficiency as adults.

We are not affiliated with the organization, however, we do accept students in that program. For more information, contact them below:

Orange County

Early Head Start (under 3): 407-532-4365

Head Start (ages 3-5): 407-836-6590 (Services through Orange County Gov.)

Osceola County

EHS and HS: 321-219-6201

Seminole County

EHS and HS: 407-332-5090 (Longwood), 407-915-6510 (Sanford)

Visit the Florida's Head Start website here

The Florida School Readiness Program offers financial assistance for early education and care to low-income families. It is meant to encourage and aid families in becoming financially self-sufficient. Also, so their young children can be successful. Services vary based on individual needs and range from extended daycare to after-school and school-age care in some instances.

There are three specific eligibility requirements for the School Readiness program:

1. Parents(s) or guardian(s) must be working and/or attending school (college or trade) at least 20 hours a week OR disabled, as determined and documented by a licensed physician.

2. Gross income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level for family size.

3. Families must pay a copayment for child care costs (based on income and family size).

School Readiness funds are intended to help income-eligible families. But they may also include recipients of temporary cash assistance who meet federal work requirements; families with at-risk children of abuse, neglect or abandonment; homeless parents, parents who are victims of domestic violence; teenage parents; low-income migrant families or farm workers; or families of children with disabilities and special health care needs.

Watch these videos to learn how to open a Florida Office of Early Learning Family Portal account and how to complete a School Readiness application.

Video: How to Register for Account

Video: School Readiness Application

Once ready, click this link to apply for school readiness