Childcare Financial Assistance Programs

Know Your Options

Free Childcare Assistance In Florida

 Struggling to find quality childcare while you work? The Learning Tree Academy understands. We offer government-funded financial assistance programs that make childcare more accessible for families like yours. Because affordable childcare should not be out of reach.


For Ages 0-5

What is Florida School Readiness?

Florida's School Readiness Program provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.

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For Age 4-5

What is VPK?

The state of Florida offers FREE VPK in Orlando (Voluntary Prekindergarten) for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development. 

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Know Before You Go

Frequently Asked Questions


School Readiness

  • What is School Readiness (SR)?

    Florida's School Readiness Program (SR) provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.

  • What are the benefits of School Readiness?

    • Gets little ones kindergarten-ready! 


    • Supports working families by making top-notch early learning services affordable. 


    • Keeps parents thriving in the workforce or pursuing education with a helping hand. 


    • Provides parents information on child development, early childhood screenings, and family well-being.


    • Take your pick from private centers, public schools, or family childcare homes. 
  • Am I eligible for School Readiness?

    • At least one parent must be employed or engaged in educational activities, like college or trade school attendance, for a minimum of 20 hours per week. 
    • The total household income should not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level based on family size. 
    • Families are required to contribute a copayment for childcare, which varies depending on income and family size. 
    • Additionally, other children may qualify if they have special needs, are considered at-risk for abuse, neglect, or abandonment, or if their parents fall into specific categories, such as being homeless, victims of domestic violence, or low-income migrant families or farm workers.


    To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.



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  • Is your school an approved provider?

    Yes! We accept Florida School Readiness. Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more.

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VPK

  • What is VPK?

    The state of Florida offers FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development. 

  • Am I eligible for VPK?

    To qualify for VPK:



    • Children need to reside in Florida and reach the age of 4 on or before September 1 of the ongoing school year. 
    • If a child's fourth birthday falls between February 2 and September 1 of a given calendar year, parents have the option to delay enrollment in VPK until the subsequent year when the child turns 5.


    To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.

    Learn More
  • How much is full time VPK in Florida?

    540 hours of educational instruction in a school year.

  • Is your school an approved VPK provider?

    Yes! We provide free Florida VPK With flexible hours ranging from 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday.



    Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more about our VPK program.

    Book A Tour

Get Started

How To Apply


01

Step 1: Apply

Apply to services in the Family Department of Education Family Portal.

Apply Here

02

Step 2: Visit

It's time to choose your child care center!

Schedule a visit to tour The Learning Tree Academy. Explore our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see why parents choose us as the most affordable, safe, and reliable choice for child care in Palm Bay, Florida.

Schedule A Tour

Fill out the form below to book a personal tour of our facilities.

Contact Us

Key Features of Our

Florida VPK Program


Safe & Secure Policy


  • Maintaining a healthy environment
  • Highly Qualified Instructors
  • Peace of Mind Through Proven Safeguards
  • Controlled Access Premises

Building Child's Communicators


  • Building Little Word: VPK programs are like word playgrounds, where children explore and discover new words through fun activities, lively conversations, and a rich vocabulary environment. This sets the stage for them to become confident and effective communicators.
  • Active Thinkers and Listeners: VPK programs help children become master listeners and sharp thinkers.  These skills are essential for understanding the world around them and communicating effectively.
  • Love of Learning Skills: VPK programs introduce age-appropriate literacy activities like captivating story time, exciting letter recognition, and playful writing exercises. This ignites a passion for reading and lays a strong foundation for future literacy success.

Building Young Minds



  • Building Social Butterflies: VPK programs are like social playgrounds where children learn to play together, share, and understand each other's feelings through fun activities and guided interactions. This helps them develop essential social and emotional skills like cooperation, empathy, and self-regulation.
  • Becoming Little Problem Solvers: VPK programs are packed with engaging activities that challenge young minds to think critically and solve problems.  By exploring, analyzing, and finding creative solutions, children develop strong problem-solving skills that will help them throughout life.
  • Getting Ready for School Success: Think of VPK programs as stepping stones to kindergarten.  Through age-appropriate activities, captivating stories, and hands-on experiences, children get a sneak peek at math and literacy concepts, making the transition to formal education smooth and exciting.

Enrollment Is Open For 2024

Call Us At 321-951-3868


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