What is School Readiness, and how is it different from VPK in Palm Beach County?
School Readiness is income-based child care assistance for working or in-school families, while VPK is a free pre-K year open to every four-year-old. A family can use both, since School Readiness can cover the hours VPK does not.
The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County manages the program locally. The family receives a certificate that works at any provider under contract with the coalition.
Who qualifies for School Readiness assistance in Palm Beach County?
Parents must be working or in school, and household income must generally be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level when the child enters the program. A family that is already enrolled and whose income rises can stay eligible up to 200%, according to local reporting from 2024.
Local news coverage in 2024 reported a waiting list of about 1,500 families, so the first step is to apply early. The coalition is the authority on current eligibility and waiting times.
How does a Palm Beach family apply?
Apply online through the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County or call 561-514-3300. After the application is accepted the family is placed on a waiting list. When a spot opens, staff meet with the parent to finalize eligibility and issue a certificate.
Many private schools with a preschool or aftercare program are contracted providers. Ask the school whether it accepts School Readiness certificates.
What is School Readiness, and what is it not?
The short version: a child care subsidy for working or in-school families, and not a K-12 school scholarship.
| It is | It is not |
|---|---|
| A child care subsidy for working or in-school families | A K-12 school scholarship |
| Income-tested at entry, with a co-pay | Free for every family, like VPK |
| Redeemed at contracted providers | Redeemable at any child care center |