Florida
Overview Link copied!
Click on a result for more information.
| Strategy Name | Strategy Type(s) | Year | Funding Amount | Funding Source | Features at a Glance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Early Childhood Educator INCENTIVE$
Early Childhood Educator INCENTIVE$ Florida provides supplemental pay to early childhood educators based on their education level and commitment to their early education program. INCENTIVE$ is designed to retain early childhood educators and support their professional development; in turn, this creates a more stable workforce with the skills needed to support young children's healthy learning and development. Bonuses range from $450 to $5,000 per educator per year, with an average payment of $2,472. Amounts increase as educators obtain more formal education, and educators must remain in their early education program for at least six months to qualify for an award. According to the INCENTIVE$ program, "data show that INCENTIVE$ participants who continuously increase their education levels are more likely to remain with their employer. Data also show the turnover rate among participants is only 10% annually, compared to the national average of 30-40% each year."
This program is part of the national Child Care WAGE$ Program and is currently available in select counties across the state.
The Child Care WAGE$ Program supports educators and directors in center-based, family child care, and other licensed child care programs serving children from birth to 5 years old.
Learn More: Florida Early Childhood Educator INCENTIVE$
Sources:
Children's Forum. (n.d.). Early Childhood Educator INCENTIVE$.
Children's Forum. (2022). Early Learning & Afterschool Career Pathways.
|
|
$450 to $5,000 per educator per year, with an average supplement of $2,472
|
Early Childhood Educator INCENTIVE$ Florida provides supplemental pay to early childhood educators based on their education level and commitment to their early education program. INCENTIVE$ is designed to retain early childhood educators and support their professional development; in turn, this creates a more stable workforce with the skills needed to support young children's healthy learning and development. Bonuses range from $450 to $5,000 per educator per year, with an average payment of $2,472. Amounts increase as educators obtain more formal education, and educators must remain in their early education program for at least six months to qualify for an award. According to the INCENTIVE$ program, "data show that INCENTIVE$ participants who continuously increase their education levels are more likely to remain with their employer. Data also show the turnover rate among participants is only 10% annually, compared to the national average of 30-40% each year."
This program is part of the national Child Care WAGE$ Program and is currently available in select counties across the state.
The Child Care WAGE$ Program supports educators and directors in center-based, family child care, and other licensed child care programs serving children from birth to 5 years old.
Learn More: Florida Early Childhood Educator INCENTIVE$
Sources:
Children's Forum. (n.d.). Early Childhood Educator INCENTIVE$.
Children's Forum. (2022). Early Learning & Afterschool Career Pathways.
|
|||
|
Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK)
In 2005, Florida launched a state-funded program, the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK), which offers funded preschool access for all 4-year-olds in the state. As of 2022, the program served 68% of the state’s 4-year-olds.
Learn More: Florida Division of Early Learning
Sources:
Florida Division of Early Learning. (n.d.). Types of VPK ProgramsNational Institute for Early Education Research. (2021). Florida
|
|
2005 | $410 million in FY23 |
Percentage of 4-year-olds enrolled (as of 2022): 68%
Percentage of 3-year-olds enrolled (as of 2021): 0%
Hours of operation: Locally determined
|
In 2005, Florida launched a state-funded program, the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK), which offers funded preschool access for all 4-year-olds in the state. As of 2022, the program served 68% of the state’s 4-year-olds.
Learn More: Florida Division of Early Learning
Sources:
Florida Division of Early Learning. (n.d.). Types of VPK ProgramsNational Institute for Early Education Research. (2021). Florida
|
|
|
Miami-Dade County Property Tax Referendum
In 2002 and again in 2008, voters in Miami-Dade County approved a referendum to increase property taxes to pay for the operation of the Children’s Trust, a local government entity that allocates funds for child care and early learning programs in the county. The property tax increases by $.50 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. About $100 million in revenue is raised annually through this funding stream, which is dedicated to the operation of the Children’s Trust in Miami-Dade County.
In FY 2023-24, the Children’s Trust allocated grants totaling $43,411,017 to sites across the county working to champion early childhood development. These organizations undertake child care quality improvement efforts, increase early care and education slots across the county, conduct research on child care’s impact on the community, and boost early intervention services. The Children’s Trust exists in perpetuity.
LEARN MORE: Miami-Dade Property Tax Referendum
Sources:
North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation. (n.d.) County of Miami Dade. EditSign
The Children's Trust. (2022). 2021-2022 Annual Report.
The Children's Trust. (2022). The Children's Trust Funded Programs and Sites FY 2020-2021.
|
|
2002 | About $100 million in revenue is raised annually |
County Dedicated Funding Stream
|
About $100 million in revenue is raised annually, which is dedicated to the operation of the Children’s Trust in Miami-Dade County
|
In 2002 and again in 2008, voters in Miami-Dade County approved a referendum to increase property taxes to pay for the operation of the Children’s Trust, a local government entity that allocates funds for child care and early learning programs in the county. The property tax increases by $.50 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. About $100 million in revenue is raised annually through this funding stream, which is dedicated to the operation of the Children’s Trust in Miami-Dade County.
In FY 2023-24, the Children’s Trust allocated grants totaling $43,411,017 to sites across the county working to champion early childhood development. These organizations undertake child care quality improvement efforts, increase early care and education slots across the county, conduct research on child care’s impact on the community, and boost early intervention services. The Children’s Trust exists in perpetuity.
LEARN MORE: Miami-Dade Property Tax Referendum
Sources:
North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation. (n.d.) County of Miami Dade. EditSign
The Children's Trust. (2022). 2021-2022 Annual Report.
The Children's Trust. (2022). The Children's Trust Funded Programs and Sites FY 2020-2021.
|
|
Promise Institute
In 2020, the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, a collaboration between Pasco County and Hernando County, funded and launched the Promise Institute, a educational training platform that provides comprehensive training and educational resources for early childhood educators. The Promise Institute also includes programs such as Nemours Brightstart for Early Literacy Success which aims to improve reading readiness by offering an effective instructional curriculum for parents and educators and START Initiative which aims to provide tools and strategies for relationship-based parenting for families. In 2023, the Early Learning Coalition expanded the Promise Institute to include a new Family Education training platform for parents and caregivers.
This strategy represents a collaboration between Pasco County and Hernando County. It is cross-listed under Hernando County here.
Sources:
Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando. (n.d.). The Promise Institute.
|
|
2020 |
Educational training platform provides comprehensive training and educational resources for early childhood educators
|
In 2020, the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, a collaboration between Pasco County and Hernando County, funded and launched the Promise Institute, a educational training platform that provides comprehensive training and educational resources for early childhood educators. The Promise Institute also includes programs such as Nemours Brightstart for Early Literacy Success which aims to improve reading readiness by offering an effective instructional curriculum for parents and educators and START Initiative which aims to provide tools and strategies for relationship-based parenting for families. In 2023, the Early Learning Coalition expanded the Promise Institute to include a new Family Education training platform for parents and caregivers.
This strategy represents a collaboration between Pasco County and Hernando County. It is cross-listed under Hernando County here.
Sources:
Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando. (n.d.). The Promise Institute.
|
||
|
Promise Institute
In 2020, the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, a collaboration between Pasco County and Hernando County, funded and launched the Promise Institute, a educational training platform that provides comprehensive training and educational resources for early childhood educators. The Promise Institute also includes programs such as Nemours Brightstart for Early Literacy Success which aims to improve reading readiness by offering an effective instructional curriculum for parents and educators and START Initiative which aims to provide tools and strategies for relationship-based parenting for families. In 2023, the Early Learning Coalition expanded the Promise Institute to include a new Family Education training platform for parents and caregivers.
This strategy represents a collaboration between Pasco County and Hernando County. It is cross-listed under Pasco County here.
Sources:
Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando. (n.d.). The Promise Institute.
|
|
2020 |
Educational training platform provides comprehensive training and educational resources for early childhood educators
|
In 2020, the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, a collaboration between Pasco County and Hernando County, funded and launched the Promise Institute, a educational training platform that provides comprehensive training and educational resources for early childhood educators. The Promise Institute also includes programs such as Nemours Brightstart for Early Literacy Success which aims to improve reading readiness by offering an effective instructional curriculum for parents and educators and START Initiative which aims to provide tools and strategies for relationship-based parenting for families. In 2023, the Early Learning Coalition expanded the Promise Institute to include a new Family Education training platform for parents and caregivers.
This strategy represents a collaboration between Pasco County and Hernando County. It is cross-listed under Pasco County here.
Sources:
Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando. (n.d.). The Promise Institute.
|
||
|
Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Early Childhood Scholarship Program
In 1998, Governor Lawton Chiles authorized $2 million to bring the Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Early Childhood Scholarship Program to Florida. The Children’s Forum, a statewide nonprofit membership organization for early childhood educators and directors, is the authorized administrator. Private funds from the American Business Collaboration for Quality Dependent Care, a partnership of 22 large companies, also supported T.E.A.C.H. in Florida initially.
T.E.A.C.H. is a nationwide program designed to support the educational advancement of teachers, directors and family child care providers working with young children in early learning settings. It focuses on improving the education, compensation, and retention of early educators by offering scholarships for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education, as well as for renewing credentials like the Florida Staff Credential and National Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials. Eligible participants include Florida early educators, center directors, and family child care educators who are employed by a licensed or registered program, hold a high school diploma or GED, and who work or volunteer at least 20 hours per week with children ages birth to five.
Scholarship amounts vary according to the type of program, but T.E.A.C.H. generally covers 80-90% of tuition, 90-100% of the cost of books, 85% of any renewal fee, and a $200-$300 stipend per semester. T.E.A.C.H. scholarships also reimburse students’ employers for paid release time at a rate equaling Florida’s minimum wage plus $2.00 per hour.
T.E.A.C.H. is now funded by the Florida Division of Early Learning. In 2024, the state increased funding for the program from $7 million to $17 million.
Since launching in Florida, T.E.A.C.H. has awarded 47,500 scholarships.
learn more: Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Early Childhood Scholarship Program
Sources:
TEACH Early Childhood Florida. (n.d.). General Information.
TEACH Early Childhood Florida. (n.d.). About Us.
TEACH Early Childhood Florida. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions.
TEACH Early Childhood National Center. (n.d.). TEACH Early Childhood.
Florida Department of Children and Families. (n.d.). Staff Credential.
Jacobson, L. (1998, March 18). Rules for Fla. Child Centers Said To Be Beneficial. Education Week.
|
|
1998 | $17 million in FY2025 |
State General Funds
|
T.E.A.C.H. is a nationwide program designed to support the educational advancement of teachers, directors and family child care providers working with young children in early learning settings
|
In 1998, Governor Lawton Chiles authorized $2 million to bring the Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Early Childhood Scholarship Program to Florida. The Children’s Forum, a statewide nonprofit membership organization for early childhood educators and directors, is the authorized administrator. Private funds from the American Business Collaboration for Quality Dependent Care, a partnership of 22 large companies, also supported T.E.A.C.H. in Florida initially.
T.E.A.C.H. is a nationwide program designed to support the educational advancement of teachers, directors and family child care providers working with young children in early learning settings. It focuses on improving the education, compensation, and retention of early educators by offering scholarships for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education, as well as for renewing credentials like the Florida Staff Credential and National Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials. Eligible participants include Florida early educators, center directors, and family child care educators who are employed by a licensed or registered program, hold a high school diploma or GED, and who work or volunteer at least 20 hours per week with children ages birth to five.
Scholarship amounts vary according to the type of program, but T.E.A.C.H. generally covers 80-90% of tuition, 90-100% of the cost of books, 85% of any renewal fee, and a $200-$300 stipend per semester. T.E.A.C.H. scholarships also reimburse students’ employers for paid release time at a rate equaling Florida’s minimum wage plus $2.00 per hour.
T.E.A.C.H. is now funded by the Florida Division of Early Learning. In 2024, the state increased funding for the program from $7 million to $17 million.
Since launching in Florida, T.E.A.C.H. has awarded 47,500 scholarships.
learn more: Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Early Childhood Scholarship Program
Sources:
TEACH Early Childhood Florida. (n.d.). General Information.
TEACH Early Childhood Florida. (n.d.). About Us.
TEACH Early Childhood Florida. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions.
TEACH Early Childhood National Center. (n.d.). TEACH Early Childhood.
Florida Department of Children and Families. (n.d.). Staff Credential.
Jacobson, L. (1998, March 18). Rules for Fla. Child Centers Said To Be Beneficial. Education Week.
|
Demographics Link copied!
Demographics Data Scorecard
State population
22,244,823 Source U.S. Census, 2022
Rural %
8.5% Source U.S. Census, 2020
Urban %
91.5% Source U.S. Census, 2020
Number of children 0–4
1,103,794 Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Poverty levels - children 0—8 below 200% poverty
42% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Median family income among households with children
$71,300.00 Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Unemployment rate
3.3% Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 2024
Unemployment rate of parents
4% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Children under age 6 with all available parents in the labor force
68% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Children living in households with a high housing cost burden
36% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Child Population by Race and Ethnicity Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Race and Ethnicity
- American Indian and Alaska Native (.5%)
- Asian (3%)
- Black or African American (20%)
- Hispanic or Latino (32%)
- Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (.5%)
- Two or more races (4%)
- White, not Hispanic or Latino (42%)
| Year | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | R | R | R | R | R |
| State House | R | R | R | R | R |
| State Senate | R | R | R | R | R |
Early Childhood Education Programs Link copied!
Early Childhood Education Programs
| Program Name | Program Length* | Universal or Targeted Pre-K Policy | State Spending Per Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) Source: NIEER 2023 | Half-day; 540 hours/school year; minimum 3 hours/day | Universal Pre-K Policy (4-Year-Olds) Source: NIEER 2023 | $3,142 |
3-Year-Olds Enrolled in Early Childhood Education Programs NIEER 2023
Programs
-
Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Public Pre-K
0% (2021), 0% (2022), 0% (2023) - Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Head Start
- Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Special Education
- Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Other/None
4-Year-Olds Enrolled in Early Childhood Education Programs NIEER 2023
Programs
- Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Public Pre-K
- Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Head Start
-
Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Special Education
0% (2021), 0% (2022), 0% (2023) - Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Other/None
Workforce Link copied!
2017–2019 Median Hourly Wages Source CSCCE 2018, 2020
Role
-
Child Care Workers
$10.55 (2017, adjusted)
$10.87 (2019) -
Preschool Teachers
$12.24 (2017, adjusted)
$12.07 (2019) -
Preschool or Child Care Center Directors
$23.94 (2017, adjusted)
$20.65 (2019)
Funding Sources Link copied!
Federal and State Early Childhood Education Funding (in Millions) Source First Five Years Fund, 2024
Funding Source
- Head Start and Early Head Start Funding ($454.1)
- CCDBG & Mandatory Funds ($656.6)
- CCDBG State Match ($91.2)
- State-Funded Pre-K ($489.2)
- MIECHV ($7.9)
- IDEA Part C ($29.3)
- IDEA Part B, Sec 619 ($20.5)
- TANF Early Learning and Care ($210.3)