School Readiness Providers
As a School Readiness Provider with ECS4Kids, you play a crucial role in supporting the early education and development of children from low-income households across Florida. By facilitating child care services, screenings, referrals, and training, you help ensure children are ready for success. Our team of specialists is here to support you with resources, curriculum implementation, and guidance on maintaining a high-quality program. Whether you are an established provider or just starting out and seeking information about opening a child care business, ECS4Kids 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 CCR&R Specialist or email CCRRhotline@ecs4kids.org.
Child Care Resource & Referral
ECS4Kids ensures all provider information is updated annually in the statewide information system maintained by the Division of Early Learning (DEL). This system includes all legally operating child care and early learning providers licensed or registered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) who opt in, as well as providers receiving state or federal funds in Clay, Nassau, Baker, Bradford, Putnam, and St. Johns Counties.
There are no fees associated with a listing in the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Database or for receiving referrals to your program. If you are ever asked to pay for a referral or for a listing, please contact the Division of Early Learning at 1-866-357-3239.
All information provided about your program is based on attainable standards for providers, depending on the type of care offered.
Applying to be a School Readiness Provider
If you’re interested in becoming a School Readiness Provider, the process is simple and completed entirely online through the Provider Portal. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit the Provider Portal.
- If you haven’t already, register for an account. If this is your first time offering School Readiness (SR) services through ECS4Kids, please notify the Provider Services Department at 1-800-238-3463 so they can assist with your activation request.
- After creating your account, complete the center profile for the program year in which you want to offer School Readiness services. Submit the profile for activation. Once your profile is reviewed and approved, ECS4Kids will initiate your School Readiness contract.
- During the process, you will need to submit a W-9 form and any other required documents. Download the W-9 form to upload to the Provider Portal.
The Provider Portal User Guide is a helpful resource during the application process. We recommend keeping it on hand while completing your profile and contract. For more information, contact the Provider Services Department at 1-800-238-3463.
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 for the School Readiness approved curriculum list.
School Readiness Special Needs Rate Requests
Child care providers may qualify for a higher reimbursement rate when caring for school readiness children with special needs that require additional support beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. A special needs rate can be negotiated up to 20% above the base reimbursement rate for infant care.
To apply for the special needs rate, in addition to the base rate, you must submit the ECS4Kids Special Needs Rate Request Form including a list of the special needs services provided for each child in addition to regular school readiness services. Documentation of the child’s condition may include an IEP, FSP, and/or validated documentation from a licensed health, mental health, education, or social service professional.
School Readiness Provider Contract Monitoring Requirement
As part of the School Readiness program, ECS4Kids is required to monitor contract compliance for all contracted providers. The Division of Early Learning (DEL) requires verification that providers:
- Are legally operating
- Use an approved developmentally appropriate curriculum and character development program
- Maintain the health and safety of children
- Keep accurate attendance records for sign in/out sheets and enrollment/attendance certificates
- Report absences as required (including compliance with the F.S. 39.604 Rilya Wilson Act)
- Maintain records for five years
- Document the collection of parent copayments
- Report unusual incidents
- Maintain required insurance
For questions regarding contract monitoring, contact the Provider Services Department at 904-726-1500 or 1-800-238-3463.
For more information, click here for the DEL School Readiness Contract Monitoring Tool.
Fraud Prevention
School Readiness programs are supported by state and federal funding, and our obligation to be good stewards of this funding includes special vigilance against fraud. If you are aware of fraud related to the School Readiness or Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs, contact ECS4Kids by calling 1-800-238-3463, ext. 2246 or emailing fraud@ecs4kids.org. Information provided will remain confidential.
Wonderschool for Child Care Businesses
In partnership with Wonderschool, ECS4Kids offers free resources to help new child care providers in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties launch their businesses. Wonderschool provides:
- No-cost training
- Personalized coaching
- Licensing support in accordance with Florida regulations
- Business management support
Click here to learn more about or get started with Wonderschool Academy.
DEL Satisfaction Surveys
The Division of Early Learning (DEL) periodically sends satisfaction surveys to families and child care providers served by the ELC of North Florida and ECS4Kids. We encourage you to complete these surveys as they help us continue to provide top-quality services for School Readiness, VPK, and CCR&R programs. Thank you for your participation!
School Readiness Provider Resources
Follow the links below for additional School Readiness provider resources.
School Readiness Provider FAQs
ELC of North Florida’s School Readiness Rates 2024-2025
[TM1] ELC of North Florida’s Anti-Fraud Plan
ELC of North Florida’s Grievance Policy
Important Message Regarding DEL Satisfaction Surveys for Providers and Families
Interactive ECS4Kids Contact List for Providers
Need to contact us? Access our interactive list for providers below for more information.