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Childcare Financial Assistance Programs
Know Your Options
Free Childcare Assistance In Florida
Light Years Ahead Academy, we believe that financial barriers shouldn't stand in the way of quality care. Thanks to Florida's excellent programs, we provide financial assistance! This ensures that your young adventurer can begin their journey of exploration in our supportive environment, complete with engaging activities and an enriching curriculum.
For Ages 0-5
What is Florida School Readiness?
Florida's School Readiness Program provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.
For Age 4-5
What is VPK?
The state of Florida offers FREE VPK in Orlando (Voluntary Prekindergarten) for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development.
Know Before You Go
Frequently Asked Questions
School Readiness
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What is School Readiness (SR)?
Florida's School Readiness Program (SR) provides financial support to qualifying low-income families, aiming to assist them in accessing quality early education and care. The goal is to empower parents to achieve financial independence while ensuring that their young children are well-prepared for future success in school.
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What are the benefits of School Readiness?
- Gets little ones kindergarten-ready!
- Supports working families by making top-notch early learning services affordable.
- Keeps parents thriving in the workforce or pursuing education with a helping hand.
- Provides parents information on child development, early childhood screenings, and family well-being.
- Take your pick from private centers, public schools, or family childcare homes.
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Am I eligible for School Readiness?
Learn More- At least one parent must be employed or engaged in educational activities, like college or trade school attendance, for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
- The total household income should not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level based on family size.
- Families are required to contribute a copayment for childcare, which varies depending on income and family size.
- Additionally, other children may qualify if they have special needs, are considered at-risk for abuse, neglect, or abandonment, or if their parents fall into specific categories, such as being homeless, victims of domestic violence, or low-income migrant families or farm workers.
To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.
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Is your school an approved provider?
Book TourYes! We accept Florida School Readiness. Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more.
VPK
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What is VPK?
The state of Florida offers FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development.
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Am I eligible for VPK?
Learn MoreTo qualify for VPK:
- Children need to reside in Florida and reach the age of 4 on or before September 1 of the ongoing school year.
- If a child's fourth birthday falls between February 2 and September 1 of a given calendar year, parents have the option to delay enrollment in VPK until the subsequent year when the child turns 5.
To learn more about specific eligibility requirements, click the button below to visit The Florida Department of Education School Readiness Page.
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How much is full time VPK in Florida?
540 hours of educational instruction in a school year.
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Is your school an approved VPK provider?
Book A TourYes! We provide free Florida VPK With flexible hours ranging from 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
Schedule a FREE Tour of our facilities to learn more about our VPK program.
Get Started
How To Apply
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Step 2: Visit
It's time to choose your child care center!
Schedule a visit to tour Light Years Ahead Academy. Explore our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see why parents choose us as the most affordable, safe, and reliable choice for child care in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
Schedule A Tour
Fill out the form below to book a personal tour of our facilities.
Contact Us
Key Features of Our
Florida VPK Program
Ensured Safety Standards
- Immaculately Clean Classrooms
- Skilled and Caring Educators
- Extensive Safety Precautions
- Controlled Building Entry
Establishing a Solid Learning Foundation
- Nurturing Young Minds: VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) programs enhance children's vocabulary through interactive activities and exposure to a wide range of words, equipping them for clear and effective communication.
- Developing Active Listeners: Activities such as storytelling, group discussions, and engaging lessons build strong listening and comprehension skills, which are crucial for successful learning.
- Cultivating a Love for Reading:
VPK programs incorporate age-appropriate activities like storytime, letter recognition, and introductory writing, instilling a love for reading and laying the groundwork for future literacy success.
Nurturing Social & Learning Skills
- Building Friendships & Sharing: Engaging in play with peers helps children learn essential skills such as cooperation, empathy, and self-regulation, equipping them to handle social interactions with ease.
- Embracing the Hero Mindset: VPK programs offer stimulating activities that inspire children to investigate, think creatively, and solve problems, fostering critical thinking skills necessary for overcoming any obstacle.
- Ready to Excel: Through storytelling, interactive play, and hands-on activities, children are introduced to fundamental math and literacy concepts, laying the foundation for a seamless transition to kindergarten and future academic success.
STEAM Discovery Adventure
- Little Thinkers, Big Ideas: Our STEAM program inspires children to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning through interactive activities. They will learn to explore, analyze, and devise creative solutions, building their confidence as thinkers.
- Learning by Doing: Hands-on experiments and projects make science come alive in our STEAM program! Children will gain a profound understanding of scientific concepts while cultivating a love for exploration and discovery.
- Express Yourself & Innovate: By integrating art into our curriculum, we foster creativity and encourage children to express themselves artistically. This sparks their imagination and develops innovative thinking skills, essential for future success.
