Summary of Services
- Offers Child Care Resource & Referral, a free service that connects families with trained specialists who assist in finding child care
- Offers Voluntary Prekindergarten, a free early education program that prepares Florida four-year-olds for Kindergarten
- Offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs, comprehensive, free programs offering full-day, year-round educational services for children ages three to five, and home- or center-based services for pregnant women and children from birth to age three
Promoting Healthy Development and School Readiness
Episcopal Children's Services offers a range of comprehensive programs and services to support the needs of families throughout Florida. These include Child Care Resource & Referral, School Readiness, Voluntary Prekindergarten, Head Start, and additional support services to promote healthy development and school readiness.
Personalized Support Through Resource and Referral Services
One of the cornerstone offerings is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service, a free and invaluable tool for families seeking guidance in their child care journey. CCR&R connects parents and guardians with experienced, knowledgeable specialists who help them find high-quality, affordable child care options for their unique preferences, budget, and location.
Whether families are searching for full-time care, part-time programs, or providers with specific qualifications, CCR& R offers up-to-date information to help parents make confident, informed decisions about their child's early learning environment. For more information, please call (866) 357-3239 or visit here.
Offering Access to a Voluntary Prekindergarten Program
The Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program, is a free, high-quality educational initiative. Designed to provide a strong foundation for four-year-olds in their academic journey, the VPK program focuses on developing skills in literacy, language development, math, and social-emotional learning, all within a safe environment. For more information, visit here.
This program is open to all Florida residents whose children are four years old on or before September 1st of the school year. It is available to families at no cost, regardless of income or backgrounds. Once a child is officially enrolled in Kindergarten, they are no longer eligible to participate in the VPK program.
Operating a Full-Day, Year-Round Head Start Program
The Head Start and Early Head Start programs offered by Episcopal Children's Services are comprehensive, free, early childhood development initiatives that support low-income families and promote the healthy growth of children. These programs are grounded in the belief that every child deserves a strong start in life and access to services that support their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development.
Head Start provides full-day, year-round, center-based care and education for children aged three to five, offering a structured environment that encourages curiosity, independence, and school readiness. In addition to quality early education, children have access to essential services, including health and developmental screenings, mental health support, and comprehensive dental, vision, and hearing care.
Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children from birth to age three, with services provided either in-home or at designated centers. This program supports families during the early years of a child's life, offering prenatal education, infant and toddler care, and resources that help parents foster strong attachments and promote healthy development.
Family-centered support, including workshops and training opportunities focused on parenting skills, financial literacy, career development, and specialized care for children with disabilities are also available. To apply for services, please visit here.