Financial Support
Paying for childcare can be very expensive. A recent report by Childcare Aware of America found the average full-time daycare cost in Florida for infants is almost $8,700 annually. For students living below the poverty level, there are many community resources that can assist with these costs. At Seminole State College, student parents who have one-time emergency situations can also request childcare assistance.
Campus Resources
Seminole State College can provide one-time emergency assistance for child care costs up to $600 based on student need. Students must submit the Emergency Childcare Request Form, and meet the following minimum criteria:
- Be currently enrolled at Seminole State College.
- Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Demonstrate financial need based on the FASFA information.
Please be aware that payments will only be made to licensed providers.
Community Resources
The following resources provide information on local childcare services to assist students in selecting childcare.
Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C)
Community Coordinated Care for Childern (4C) provides childcare referrals to local early learning providers, access to school readiness and Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) childcare financial assistance for Orange and Osceola counties.
Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County
The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) helps parents with young children, from birth through entering Kindergarten, locate high-quality early education and care providers who prepare children to enter school ready and eager to learn. The coalition offers a School Readiness program for low income children and will provide families with scholarships to offset costs.
ELC also offers free screenings to help determine your child’s development. Simply enter your child’s birthdate and the number of weeks premature (if any) and it will provide an online questionnaire for you to complete. Families with children who have special needs may call the Inclusion Department at 407.960.2480 for more resources and information.
The Early Learning Coalition of Volusia and Flagler Counties offers similar assistance.
Florida Department of Education Office of Early Learning
The Office of Early Learning has a variety of resources, including information about referrals, school readiness and VPK, to assist you with your childcare needs.
Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Program
Florida VPK allows four-year-olds to attend school for free to help with school readiness. A simple online application allows you to identify locations for enrollment.
Head Start
Head Start is a federally funded program to support low-income children or children with disabilities, with emphasis on the cognitive, social, emotional, physical and mental development of the child. For information about Head Start or Early Head Start programs, call your local office. Seminole County 4C Head Start has locations in the following areas:
- Altamonte Springs: 407.746.2971
- Oviedo: 407.366.4650
- Longwood: 407.260.0652
- Sanford (Hamilton): 321.275.0059
- Sanford (Midway): 321.219.6207
- Sanford (Park Avenue): 407.321.2631
- Sanford (Pinecrest): 407.328.7281