Financial Assistance

School Readiness Services, also known as subsidized child care, are available in Clay, Nassau, Baker, Bradford, Putnam and St. Johns Counties through Episcopal Children’s Services. However, families must qualify and there is often a waitlist, so it is important to apply as soon as possible.

Do you need an appointment with a Family Services Specialist/Child Care Resource and Referral Specialist? Click Here

School Readiness programs are designed to increase children’s chances of achieving future educational success. Working families who meet certain income requirements are able to enroll their children. Parents pay a co-payment based on a sliding fee scale and developmental screenings are conducted at least semi-annually to chart the individual progress.

Other children who qualify are at-risk of abuse or neglect, at risk of future school failure or are considered economically disadvantaged based on federal poverty guidelines. Parents pay a co-payment based on a sliding fee scale.

This child care system enables parents to work and earn money to support their families, a critical component of economic stability and growth. School readiness programs meet minimum quality standards including developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum instruction and health and safety requirements.

To apply for School Readiness Services please visit our Family Portal at: Click Here

To Qualify for the School Readiness Program Through The ELC of North Florida and Episcopal Children’s Services, You Must:

• Reside in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Nassau, Putnam or St. Johns County
• Parent(s)/guardian(s) must be working or participating in an educational activity such as attending college or trade school at least 20 hours/week.
• Gross income must be at or below 55% State Median Income (SMI).
• Families must pay a copayment for child care based on income and family size.

Other children may be eligible if they have special needs, are at risk of abuse, neglect or abandonment, their parents are homeless, victims of domestic violence or are low income migrant families or farm workers.

How Much Money Can I Make and Still Qualify?

Eligibility depends on your income and family size. Here are examples of income limits:

• A family of two can qualify with income up to $38,546 and continue services until earning over $59,571 (85% of the State Median Income).
• A family of three can qualify with income up to $47,615 and continue services until earning over $73,587.
• A family of four can qualify with income up to $56,685 and continue services until earning over $87,604.
For more information, click here to access the 2025-2026 Sliding Fee Schedule.

What is the School Readiness Plus Program?

School Readiness Plus Program

The School Readiness (SR) Plus program helps low-income families transition off full child care subsidies by reducing the impact of the benefits cliff. When a family’s income exceeds the eligibility limits for the full School Readiness subsidy, SR Plus ensures they can continue to afford child care by gradually increasing their copayment. This program supports families as their income rises, allowing them to accept promotions or pay raises without losing the entire child care subsidy.

SR Plus is available to families who recently exited the School Readiness (SR) program because their income exceeded 85% of the State Median Income (SMI). The program continues to assist with child care costs until family income reaches 100% of the SMI. To qualify, families must meet two main criteria: they must have exited the SR program due to income eligibility, and their income must fall between 85% and 100% of the SMI.

Click here for the SR Plus Sliding Fee schedule showing the income limits and household sizes that qualify for this program after a family has participated in the School Readiness program.

For more information regarding eligibility for the School Readiness Plus Program, please call 1-800-238-3463 and speak with one of our Family Services team members.