AMERICAN RECOVERY and REINVESTMENT ACT of 2009

Office of Early Learning

Questions and Answers

How much additional funding for childcare will Florida receive from the federal stimulus package?

We estimate that Florida will receive more than $105 million in additional funding from the federal stimulus package for its School Readiness program. The program helps pay for full-day, year-round early learning and child care for children ages birth to five and after school care for older children. These services help families to become financially self-sufficient and prepare children for success in life by providing developmentally appropriate educational experiences.

How will the additional stimulus funds be used in the School Readiness program?

The Agency and Florida’s 31 Early Learning Coalitions, which are responsible for implementing the School Readiness program, will conduct a needs assessment that will help prioritize the use of these additional funds, that will likely include a combination of enrolling more children and families in the program, improving program quality and providing payment rate increases to child care providers, as needed.

How will the stimulus funds for the School Readiness program be allocated and how can I find out if I’m eligible?

Funds from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for Florida’s School Readiness program will be allocated to the Agency for Workforce Innovation and Early Learning Coalitions. To learn about eligibility criteria for the School Readiness program and/or to access Child Care Resource and Referral services, please contact your county’s Early Learning Coalition. The Agency for Workforce Innovation's Office of Early Learning Child Care Resource Referral Network can also provide assistance and can be contacted at 1-866-357-3239.

Does the State of Florida have to put up any money to receive the additional stimulus funds for the School Readiness program?

No, the stimulus legislation providing additional funds for the School Readiness program does not require Florida or any other state to provide matching state dollars in order to receive the money.

Is there a time limit on how long additional stimulus funds will be available to the School Readiness program?

Stimulus money will be available until September 30, 2011.

How many additional children are anticipated to be served as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?

The funds will allow for approximately 20,000 child care slots for children.

2/27/2009