Dear Parent,

The funding you receive to help pay for your child care consists of Child Care Development Funds (CCDF). CCDF is federal funding designed to provide equal access to a range of high-quality child care for eligible children. CCDF funds provide opportunities for School Readiness providers to receive training and technical assistance to enhance the quality of their child care programs and early childhood workforce.

The Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway contracts with child care providers to provide school readiness services. These providers must meet or exceed state and local requirements for health and safety. We recommend you review the inspection information for the provider you have selected to care for your child. The inspection reports will provide information on the following:

• The date of the provider’s last health and safety inspection
• Past three years of inspection reports, with a history of any health and/or safety violations
• Provider’s Gold Seal status Here are some helpful resources:

− Provider Inspection Reports & Information o Department of Children and Families – 1(866)352-2842 or 1(866)762-2237 or visit https://cares.myflfamilies.com/PublicSearch/

− Health & Safety Requirements for School Readiness Child Care Providers o http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/statewide-initiatives/health-safety

− Voluntary Quality Standards (QRIS) for Child Care Providers o There is no statewide QRIS in Florida, but many counties have established local systems for improving program quality. Contact your local early learning coalition to learn more about the QRIS in your county.

− Submitting a Complaint About a Child Care Provider to the Department of Child and Families Child Care Licensing and Regulation Division o https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/child-care/complaint/

− Submitting a Complaint Through the Florida Abuse Hotline o Department of Children and Families – 1(800)962-2873 or http://www.myflfamilies.com/serviceprograms/abuse-hotline/report-online

The ELC of Florida’s Gateway also provides Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) services. CCR&R is the front door for family services in your county. CCR&R staff will let you know about community resources, child care listings and other information that may be of assistance to you. Please contact your early learning coalition and ask to speak to a CCR&R specialist for further assistance. If you have any questions or need any further assistance with your child care provider you may contact the ELC of Florida’s Gateway at the number listed below.

Thank you,

ELC of Florida’s Gateway
866 – 752 – 9770