a.School Readiness Scholarships were provided to over 2,206 children from over 1,331 families in Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands Counties. Scholarships are financial assistance for child care awarded to eligible families.b.Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) services were provided to approximately 1,734 children from approximately 1,698 families. VPK is the provision of a free preschool service to all children residing in Florida the year prior to kindergarten. Children served by the ELCFH for VPK reside in Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee or Highlands Counties. c.Child care provider support services were provided in Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands Counties to approximately 76 School Readiness Providers and approximately 64 VPK providers through the Early Care and Education Department. Services included provider trainings, on-site technical assistance and mentoring.
