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In 1999, the Florida Legislature passed the "School Readiness
Act," found in Florida Statute 411.01. The intent of the School
Readiness Act is to increase children's chances of achieving
future educational success by preparing children to enter kindergarten
ready to learn.
This bill focuses on supporting and educating parents on the importance of participating in their child's development and readiness for school and supporting providers in the coordination, delivery and maintenance of these services.
Financial Assistance for Early Learning Programs
Early Education and Care, Inc. in collaboration with the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida and the Agency of Workforce Innovation/Office of Early Learning (AWI/OEL) provides financial assistance to eligible families for the high costs associated with early learning programs. This may include children deemed at risk of abuse and neglect, children at risk of welfare dependency and/or children of low income families.
Through our Child Care Resource & Referral, we can help families choose from school-based, center-based and/or home-based programs (see Child Care Resource & Referral for more information).
If you live in Bay County, are employed and/or in school at
least 20 hours a week, you may be eligible for assistance. In
order to be eligible, your gross income can not exceed those
listed below. If you think you may be eligible for assistance,
please complete the Application for Services below. This application
can be mailed, faxed or returned in person to our office during
regular business hours. At times, we must place families on
a wait list. Families receive services based on needs established by a Criteria
Rating Scale which gives points for certain criteria which takes
into consideration highest need.
| Gross Annual Income |
| Family of 2: |
$19,800 |
| Family of 3: |
$24,900 |
| Family of 4: |
$30,000 |
| Family of 5: |
$35,100 |
| Family of 6: |
$40,200 |
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If you live in Bay County and would like more information, please call (850) 872-7550 or (800) 768-8316.
If you need assistance and live outside of Bay County, please call the Early
Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida at (850) 747-5400
or (866) 269-3022 for more information.
Family Support Initiative
Early Education and Care, Inc. believes that in order to help
children enter school ready to learn that there is often times
additional support needed within the household. We help families
find resources within the community that can further benefit their
family by leading them on a path to success. If you need help
finding additional resources within Bay County and would like
assistance please call (850) 872-7550 or (800) 768-8316 and ask
for a Family Support Specialist.
Parent Education
Early Education and Care, Inc. provides regular parent education
orientations. Information is given to parents regarding "Shaken
Baby Syndrome," brain development, developmental milestones and screenings.
Early Education and Care, Inc. has staff who can help you in knowing
what is developmentally appropriate for your child(ren). If you
are interested in attending one of these orientations or would
like some of the materials provided, please call our office at
(850) 872-7550 or (800) 768-8316.
Forms
 Application for Services
Employment Verification Form
Family Support Initiative (Coming Soon)
These documents are in PDF format and require Adobe Reader to open. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you may click here to download it for free.
Please return applicable forms to:
Early Education and Care, Inc.
Attention: School Readiness
450 Jenks Avenue
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 872-7550 (telephone)
(800) 768-8316 (toll-free)
(850) 872-7519 (fax)
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