School Readiness Providers
Additional Provider Information
Whether you are an established provider interested in achieving National Accreditation or just starting out and want information on opening a child care business, Episcopal Children’s Services has the resources for you. If you are thinking of starting a child care business, or if you have already opened your program and would like resources for new providers, please contact us at 1-904-674-6226 and ask to speak with a Child Care Resource and Referral Specialist or email CCRRhotline@ecs4kids.org.
Child Care Resource & Referral
ECS ensures that provider information is updated annually in the statewide information system maintained by the Division of Early Learning for each legally operating child care/early learning provider licensed or registered by the Department of Children and Families, and each provider receiving state or federal funds within Clay, Nassau, Baker, Bradford, Putnam, and St. Johns Counties.
There are no charges/fees associated with a provider listing in the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Database or for referrals to your program. If you are asked to provide a payment for a referral or for a listing in the CCR&R Database, please call Florida’s Division of Early Learning at 1-866-357-3239. The information reported about a provider’s program is objective program information that is based on standards that are attainable for providers based on their type of care.
Applying to be a SR Provider
The SR Provider Contract is completed entirely online through the Provider Portal:
https://providerservices.floridaearlylearning.com/Account/Login
The above link will take you to the Provider Portal where you will need to have an account if you have not already registered for one. If you have never offered SR services before through ECS, please notify the Provider Services department at (800)238-3463 that you will be registering so we can be sure to look for your activation request.
You will need to first complete your center profile for the program year you want to offer SR and submit it for activation. Once your profile has been reviewed by ECS and activated, we can initiate the SR contract. The Provider Portal User Guide is a helpful tool to have saved to your desk top during the process of completing your profile and contract.
Click here to download a W-9 Form to upload to the Provider Portal.
School Readiness Approved Curriculum
In accordance with s.1002.88(1)(f), F.S., child care providers contracted with the School Readiness program must use a state-approved curriculum or curricula for programs serving children birth through 5 years old. Click here to view the School Readiness Approved Curriculum List. For DEL’s Q&A guide regarding Approved Curriculum, please click here.
School Readiness Special Needs Rate Requests
A childcare provider may be reimbursed by the coalition at a higher rate if caring for any school readiness child with special needs requiring additional care beyond services required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A special needs rate may be negotiated up to twenty (20) percent above the maximum approved base reimbursement rate established for infant care by the coalition. To receive a special needs rate, in addition to the base rate, a provider must submit the Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) locally developed, School Readiness Special Needs Rate Request Form that includes a list of the special needs services that is provided for each special needs child in addition to regular school readiness services. A copy of the documentation of the child’s physical, mental, emotional, or behavior condition that requires a higher level of care in the child care setting which may include a copy of the child’s IEP, FSP, and/or other validation documentation by a licensed health, mental health, education, or social service professional other than the child’s parent or person employed by the child care provider is required to be submitted along with this form.
School Readiness Provider Contract Monitoring Requirement
ECS is required by the Division of Early Learning (DEL) to monitor contract compliance for all contracted School Readiness providers. The DEL required tool includes the following elements: verification the provider is legally operating, uses an approved developmentally appropriate curriculum and character development program, maintains the health and safety of children, maintains accurate attendance records for sign in/out sheets and enrollment/attendance certificates, reports absences as required including compliance with F.S. 39.604 Rilya Wilson Act, maintains records for five years, documents the collection of parent copayments, reports unusual incidents, and maintains required insurance. If you have any questions, please contact the Provider Services Department at 904-726-1500 or 1-800-238-3463.
Click here to view a copy of the DEL School Readiness Contract Monitoring Tool.
What should I do if I suspect FRAUD is being committed?
School Readiness is supported by state and federal taxes, our obligation to be good stewards of the funding includes special vigilance against fraud. If you are aware of an individual committing fraud against the School Readiness and/or Voluntary Prekindergarten programs, please contact ECS by calling 1-800-238-3463, ext. 2246, or by emailing fraud@ecs4kids.org. Information provided will remain confidential.
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DEL Satisfaction Surveys
The Division of Early Learning (DEL) will be sending out satisfaction surveys periodically to families and child care providers that we, the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida (ELCNF) and Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) serve. We encourage you to complete these surveys as DEL is our primary funder for our School Readiness, VPK, and Child Care Resource and Referral programs. By completing these surveys, you will have the opportunity to not only rate our services, but also share how these services have impacted your family and/or program. The ELC of North Florida and ECS would like to THANK YOU in advance for your assistance with completing these surveys!
Click here to view the School Readiness Provider Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Click here to view the ELC of NF SR Rates 2024-2025
Click here Providers, do you have a question, comment or suggestion? We appreciate your feedback.
Click here to subscribe to DEL’s Provider Outreach newsletter. To see the first edition click here
Click here to view the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida’s Anti-Fraud Plan
Click here to view the Whistleblower Policy
Click here to view the grievance policy for the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida
Click here to view an important message regarding satisfaction surveys from DEL sent to Providers & Families 4.18.23
Need to Contact Us? Here is the Interactive ECS Contact List For Providers
