Tips to Complete and Submit Child Care Application & Authorization Form

The Florida Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning and Early Learning Coalitions

throughout the state are prioritizing child care for first responders and health care workers.

Child care services for these personnel will be provided regardless of income. The eligibility

requirements include: the child is a U.S Citizen or lawful resident, the family resides in Florida, and

one or both parents is employed as a first responder or health care worker.

Your role as the employer:

• Complete the First Responder Essential Health CareReferral

• Give the completed referral to the employee to createa Family a Family Portal Account and submit thereferral to process at:https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/Account/Login or contact Episcopal Children’s Servicesfor assistance.

• Work with the staff at Episcopal Children’s Services tomake any necessary corrections to the referral, ifneeded

Our agency will:

• Review submitted applications and referrals• Request any additional documentation needed from

the employee• Approve qualifying applications and referrals within 3

business days• Authorize 3 months or less of child care with a School

Readiness contracted child care provider• Assist employee as needed with locating a child care

provider that meets their family’s needs

Please Note: Referrals not processed within 3 business days from the signature date on the referral will no longer be valid and a new referral will be required.

For questions or listings of open childcare providers contact us at: Call: 904-726-1500 ext 2253 will connect you to our Family Services Manager

or email: Shanda.Ellis@ecs4kids.org Call: 800-238-3463 ext 7002 will connect you to the CCRR Hotline