More Big Bend Families Qualify for Florida Child Care Assistance

Recent changes to the state's School Readiness program expand eligibility, helping local parents afford quality early learning for their kids.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:05pm

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New changes to Florida's School Readiness program could help more Big Bend families afford child care. The program, which assists eligible families with the cost of childcare while parents work, attend school, or take part in job training, has expanded its eligibility guidelines. Families making about 55% of the state median income, or just under $57,000 for a family of four, may now qualify for assistance. This increase of roughly $10,000 in the income threshold is opening the door for more local parents like Alexsandria Morgan, who says the program has been a lifeline during difficult times.

Why it matters

Access to affordable, quality childcare is a major challenge for many families, especially in the Big Bend region. The expanded eligibility for the School Readiness program means more parents can now get the support they need to provide their children with early learning opportunities while also being able to work or further their education.

The details

The School Readiness program serves children from birth through age 12 in Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Gadsden, Taylor, Wakulla, and Liberty counties, with more than 200 participating locations across the seven-county service area. Alexsandria Morgan, a local parent, says she has experienced both sides of the program's eligibility - qualifying at one point, then losing it when her income changed, and now qualifying again thanks to the recent expansion. She says the assistance has been crucial, especially after losing an important source of income, allowing her to not worry about childcare costs.

  • The changes to the School Readiness program's eligibility guidelines were recently implemented.
  • The program serves children from birth through age 12 in the Big Bend region.

The players

Alexsandria Morgan

A local parent whose children are enrolled in programs supported through the Florida School Readiness initiative.

Megan Glasgow

A representative from the Early Learning Coalition, which oversees the School Readiness program in the Big Bend region.

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What they’re saying

“It benefits me tremendously. It takes a weight off my shoulders.”

— Alexsandria Morgan, Parent

“Families making about fifty-five percent of the state median income may now be eligible. For a family of four, that's just under fifty-seven thousand dollars a year.”

— Megan Glasgow, Early Learning Coalition

What’s next

Interested families can apply for the School Readiness program through the Early Learning Coalition's website.

The takeaway

The expansion of the School Readiness program's eligibility guidelines is a significant step in making quality childcare more accessible for families in the Big Bend region, helping to alleviate a major financial burden and supporting early learning opportunities for local children.