It is our vision that all children in this community will enter school ready to learn.
SCHOOL READINESS FUNDING AVAILABLE APPLY TODAY!
When applying for services you will be added to a waitlist queue in which we will process you application in the order we receive it. We retrieve applications on a weekly basis.
You may be eligible for Tuition Assistance for childcare if you meet these criteria:
Live in Escambia County
Work or attend school at least 20 hours per week
Have children under 13 years of age
Apply Today: Early Learning Family Portal: Home
VPK Registration is open for the 2026/2027 School Year
To register with the Escambia County School District VPK program, you will need to bring an approved Certificate of Eligibility from the Early Learning Coalition (ELC).
Please note that the VPK application and the Certificate of Eligibility are not part of an automatic system that approves instantly, so we encourage families to apply as soon as possible. VPK applications are processed in the order they are received.
Once your child’s application has been approved you will receive an email directing you back to your ELC Family Portal account Early Learning Family Portal: Home where you will need to download and print your child’s Certificate of Eligibility.
Just a Reminder:
You will need to sign your child’s Certificate of Eligibility with the VPK Program Provider you choose when registering your child for the VPK program.
Below are the flyers from both the Escambia County School District and The Early Learning Coalition which provide detailed instructions for completing the application and obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility.
If you have any questions, please contact Hope Wilson, VPK Eligibility Coordinator, at 850‑607‑8556.
We’re happy to help you complete your application! We can schedule an appointment for you to come in. Address: 1720 W. Fairfield Drive, Suite 100 (tall building across from Whataburger) Please call ahead before coming in so we can let you know what documents to bring: 850-595-5400
Children who enter school prepared to learn have the best chance of completing their education with the necessary competencies to become productive citizens. The Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County works to meet the needs of working families, the school readiness needs of young children, and the workforce needs of our growing community.
Families
Florida’s School Readiness Program (SR) program can help with the cost of childcare by offering financial assistance to eligible low-income families and prepare young children to be successful in school.
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free program designed to prepare four-year-old children for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success.
I am a parent or guardian, and I would like to…
Providers
The Early Learning Coalition supports early childhood educators by providing training opportunities for professional development and other services designed to enhance the skills of early childhood education professionals.
The Coalition contracts with licensed and licensed-exempt childcare programs which allow them to provide childcare to children approved for School Readiness or VPK services.
I am a childcare provider, and I would like to…
Our Location
The Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County offices are located in the Tower at 1720 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola on the 1st floor in Suite 100 and on the 4th floor in Suite 400.
Child Care Resource & Referral
CCRR offers customized childcare listings, quality care tips and resources for new and existing childcare. Click the button below or call 850-595-5915.
All families receiving Child Care Resource and Referral services will be contacted to complete a voluntary survey to gauge your customer service experience with our office. All responses are anonymous and confidential and will not affect your services.
Our Partner Organizations
