ELC Vouchers, also known as School Readiness Program vouchers, in Duval County, FL, are designed to provide financial assistance for child care to eligible families. Here's a summary of how they work and how to apply: How ELC Vouchers work:

1. The program helps low-income families pay for quality child care so parents can work or attend school. 2. Vouchers cover a portion of child care costs, with parents typically responsible for a co-payment based on their income.

3. Families can choose from approved childcare providers, including licensed centers, family childcare homes, and some school-based programs.

4. The amount of assistance depends on factors such as family size, income, and the age of the child.

How to apply:

1. Determine eligibility: Families must meet income requirements and be working or attending school.

2. Create an account: Visit the Family Portal on the Early Learning Coalition of Duval's website (elcduval.org).

3. Complete the online application: Provide information about your family, income, and childcare needs. 4. Submit required documents: These may include proof of income, employment verification, and birth certificates.

5. Wait for review: The ELC will review your application and contact you about your eligibility status.

6. Choose a provider: If approved, select an eligible childcare provider from the ELC's list. For the most up-to-date information and to begin the application process, visit the Early Learning Coalition of Duval's website or contact their office directly.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) improves the lifelong health and nutrition of pregnant women, new mothers (breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding), infants, and children under the age of 5, by providing nutrition education, nutrient-rich supplemental food, and health and social service referrals.

Services Provided WIC is a supplemental food and nutrition education program for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC helps because it provides:

• Healthy foods

• Nutrition education to help families eat better and save money on food

• Breastfeeding information and support

• Referrals to healthcare, immunizations, and community services

USDA provides critical nutrition assistance through Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs that include child nutrition programs, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and emergency food assistance among many other programs.

The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) serves as the primary source of nutrition assistance for millions of families.

Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) is a DoD and U.S. Coast Guard fee assistance program for eligible families who cannot access military-operated child care due to distance or waitlists. With free assistance, a portion of your child care costs is paid to offset the costs of community-based care. This makes it easier for families to afford quality child care from local community providers.

Daniel Kids Organization is a well-established non-profit organization based in Jacksonville, Florida. Here's a summary of the organization:

1. History: Founded in 1884, Daniel Kids is one of Florida's oldest child-serving agencies. It was originally established as an orphanage and has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of children and families.

2. Mission: The organization's mission is to improve the lives of children and families through various programs and services.

3. Services: Daniel Kids offers a wide range of services, including Foster care and adoption Residential treatment for children with emotional and behavioral challenges Counseling and mental health services Crisis intervention Family support and preservation programs Educational support, and alternative schooling options

4. Age range: They serve children and youth from birth to age 21, as well as their families.

5. Scope: Daniel Kids is one of the largest and most comprehensive child-serving agencies in Florida, helping thousands of children and families annually.

6. Approach: The organization uses evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care to address the complex needs of children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other adverse childhood experiences.

7. Community involvement: Daniel Kids partners with local businesses, schools, and other organizations to provide comprehensive support to children and families.

8. Funding: The organization relies on a combination of government funding, grants, and private donations to support its programs and services.

9. Accreditation: Daniel Kids is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), demonstrating its commitment to high standards of care.

10. Impact: Over its long history, Daniel Kids has helped improve the lives of countless children and families in the Jacksonville area and beyond. Daniel Kids continues to be a vital resource in the Jacksonville community, adapting its services to meet the evolving needs of children and families facing challenges.

Working in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency

When children are removed from their homes out of concern for their safety, they are usually brought to a child welfare services office to await placement. This wait can be a few hours to several days.

These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, and in dirty clothing.

Isaiah 117 provides a comforting home where these children instead can be brought to wait – a place that is safe with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good placement.

The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold:

• reduce trauma for children awaiting placement

• lighten the load for child welfare services

• ease the transition for foster families

JaxCareConnect is a collaboration created by the local nonprofit safety net of free and charitable clinics to assist uninsured adult Duval County residents find a primary care medical home. In addition to establishing primary care, we evaluate the whole person and explore other barriers to healthcare to support the best possible health outcomes.