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).

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/Elementary Literacy Micro-Credential

School Readiness (SR) child care personnel and VPK instructors interested in pursuing the Emergent or Elementary Literacy Micro-Credential can earn a completion stipend of $2,000. The literacy micro-credentials provide instructional personnel with high-quality, evidence-based online course content to build their literacy knowledge and skills to effectively support literacy learning for students, birth through grade 12.