If you are employed as a first responder, health-care provider or another essential worker, you may be eligible for free child care, as outlined recently by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order.
Essential personnel may qualify for the Emergency Personnel Child Care Scholarship, but they will have to apply, according to Nora Emmanuel, communications manager for the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County. The application is online and there is no income eligibility. The program will cover immediate childcare costs for infants to age 13.
This initiative is made possible through the Florida Department of Education’s office and local early learning coalitions that are prioritizing childcare for emergency medical personnel and other workers who are essential during the pandemic.
Eligible applicants will be approved by ELC Broward within three days of applying, Emmanuel said.
The list of qualified applicants includes — but is not limited to — emergency medical services; law enforcement; public safety workers; pharmacy employees; information technology workers for public health facilities; plus mortuary and funeral home workers providing essential services; and many others.
To apply for the Emergency Personnel Child Care Scholarship, visit . Here are the steps to follow:
For a complete list of who is eligible, see the “Health Care and First Responder List.”
Read the Instructions on “Applying for Child-care Assistance for First Responders & Essential Health Care Workers.”
Download the Child Care Application & Authorization Form, print it and fill it out. Create an account through the Family Portal and click on the email verification link to activate your account. Then upload the completed scholarship application form.
Call 954-377-2188.
