Early Learning
The Division of Early Learning (DEL) is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable and quality early learning services for the state’s children and families. In partnership with 30 early learning coalitions and Redlands Christian Migrant Association, DEL delivers three programs:
- The School Readiness Program (SR) offers financial assistance to low-income families for early education and care so they can become financially self-sufficient and their young children can be successful in school in the future.
- Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for success in kindergarten and beyond.
- Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is a network that helps families identify and select quality child care options that best meet their needs.
For additional Early Learning information, call 866-FL-READY (357-3239).
Vision
Florida will have a world-class early care and education system that equips children in reaching their highest potential for lifelong learning and success.
Mission
The Division of Early Learning will provide access to high-quality programs and services that build a solid foundation for Florida’s youngest learners to reach their highest potential. The division empowers early childhood educators and families by providing choice in education options and supports and resources to ensure Florida’s future leaders are ready to learn, graduate and succeed.
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
- What is Florida’s VPK Education Program?
- VPK Providers
- VPK Program Accountability
- Program Assessment for VPK
- Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) Star Early Literacy
- VPK Curriculum
- Adopted Forms for VPK Providers
- Early Learning Coalition Directory
- New Worlds Reading Initiative
- VPK Regional Facilitator Network (PDF)
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)
Parents
- Welcome to the Division of Early Learning
- What is Florida’s VPK Education Program?
- What is SR?
- Child Care Resources
- Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards & Other Resources
- Gold Seal Providers
- Parents’ Pages Monthly Newsletter
- Early Learning Coalition Directory
- New Worlds Reading Initiative
- Head Start & Early Head Start
- Preventing Fraud
Florida Early Learning Developmental Standards & Professional Competencies
Gold Seal Quality Care Program
The Gold Seal Quality Care (Gold Seal) program was established in 1996 to acknowledge child care facilities and family day care homes that have gone above the required minimum licensing standards to become accredited by recognized agencies whose standards reflect quality in the level of care and supervision provided to children. Effective July 1, 2021, the Gold Seal program was transferred to the Department of Education from the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential
The Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential provides child care and early learning instructional personnel with high-quality, evidence-based online course content to build their emergent literacy knowledge and skills to effectively support emergent literacy learning for children, birth through prekindergarten. Child care and instructional personnel who work in a public or private early learning program may earn a stipend upon the completion of the Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential. For more information about the Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential and stipend eligibility visit: Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential.