Family Services

• Early Learning Coalition of Orange County
  Helps families find child care, apply for School Readiness (financial assistance), and access VPK (free pre-K for 4-year-olds).

• Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County
  Provides child care referrals, VPK enrollment, and subsidies for eligible families.

• Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County
  Offers assistance with finding quality child care and financial support programs.

• Early Learning Coalition Directory

Early Learning Coalition is the first step for applying to school readiness child care, enrolling in VPK, and accessing early education resources in your area.

• Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
  Free pre-K program for all 4-year-olds in Florida, available at approved centers and schools.

• Head Start & Early Head Start (Central Florida)
  Free early childhood education, meals, and family support services for low-income families with children ages 0–5.

• Florida Department of Children & Families (Provider Search)
  Search for licensed child care providers, view inspections, and verify licensing.

• Child Care Aware of America
  National resource to help families understand child care options and costs.

• School Readiness Program (via Early Learning Coalitions)
  Provides financial assistance to help eligible families pay for child care while working or attending school.

• 4C (Community Coordinated Care for Children)
  Offers child care referrals, financial assistance, and parent education across Central Florida.

• 211 – Child Care Referrals
  Connects families to local child care openings, subsidies, and support programs.

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
  Provides affordable after-school and summer programs for school-age children.

• YMCA of Central Florida (Child Care Programs)
  Offers early learning, after-school care, and summer camps with financial assistance options.

• Eckerd Connects Children and Families Services 

Community-based services that support children, youth, and families through prevention, foster care, and juvenile justice programs designed to strengthen families and help young people succeed.

• The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families 

Provides support, resources, and specialized services to help at-risk children and families in Central Florida overcome challenges such as abuse, healthcare access, and special needs.

• Orange County Public Schools – Extended Day Program
  Before- and after-school care at many elementary schools.

• City of Orlando Recreation Programs
  Affordable after-school and summer programs at community centers.

• Orange County Government Parks
  Park finder that offers different options for families based on the specific facility.

• Osceola County Government Parks
  Explore Osceola County’s directory of parks, facilities, and conservation areas to find detailed information on each location.

• Seminole County Government Parks
  Seminole County Parks and Recreation offers accessible programs, facilities, and services that provide cultural, educational, environmental, and recreational experiences, with over 40 parks and natural areas to explore.

• CAAIRE
  Youth development program that combines academics, STEM, arts, and athletics to help young people build skills, prevent risky behaviors, and succeed in school and life.

• 8 Cents in a Jar
  Provides financial literacy education to help students in underserved communities build money management skills, create wealth, and achieve long-term economic success.

• 4Roots Farm
  Provide hands-on learning experiences that teach students about food and farming while inspiring interest in agriculture, sustainability, and related careers.

• Family Empowerment Scholarship
  Provides Florida families with funding options to choose the best educational setting for their children, including private school, tutoring, and specialized services for students with unique abilities.

• Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
  Provides information and support to families of children who are exceptional and/or have special needs

• The Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents of Students with Disabilities

Describes the parent's rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These rights, or procedural safeguards, are intended to ensure that parents are included in the educational decisions made regarding their child. Contact your child’s school for access to a copy of the procedural safeguards in a language other than English.

• Center for Parent Information & Resources

Provides a list of special education and disability related acronyms

• The Family Guide to Secondary Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities

Available along with many other resources at Project 10 Transition Education Network

• Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities Guide

Provides a comprehensive, easy-to-use directory of financial aid and scholarship opportunities for students with disabilities across the United States and Canada.

• Secondary Transition Roadmap for Families 

Assists families in becoming familiar with graduation and post-school options available to students with disabilities.