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CCR&R:
SUPPORTING MANATEE FAMILIES…
Many people know that the Early Learning Coalition of
Manatee County (ELC) provides families and caregivers
with free resources to identify and select quality early
learning programs in our area – a program referred to as “Child
Care Resource and Referral” or “CCR��R.” But did you know that
CCR��R staff can also provide families with detailed information
about local community resources, ��nancial assistance options,
and how they can engage in their child’s education and learning?
The Florida Of��ce of Early Learning works at the state level
and partners with 30 regional early learning coalitions to help
families connect with valuable state and community resources.
Every family in Florida – or moving to Florida – has access to free
and personalized CCR��R services at their local early learning
coalition. In addition to assisting families with locating child care
speci��c to their needs, each local CCR��R team works with child
care providers and community resource partners.
Families looking for guidance and support in the child care
selection process can request a customized list of local child
care options from trained CCR��R specialists. They will also ��nd
information about identifying and selecting quality child care and
early learning programs.
Andrea Drlicka, Director of Family Services at the ELC of Manatee
County, says: “Finding high quality child care is an important
– and sometimes dif��cult – parental responsibility. The ELC’s
CCR��R staff is available to help select an early learning program
that best meets every family’s needs.”
Additionally, CCR��R staff can assist families in determining if
they may be eligible for School Readiness assistance. School
Readiness provides funding to eligible families to assist them in
obtaining affordable, high quality child care. Children in Manatee
County may be eligible for School Readiness assistance from
birth through age 12 if their family meets income eligibility
requirements and the following criteria:
• Parents or guardians that receive cash assistance for the family
or for the relative children
• Children under protective services or in foster care – regardless
of income
• Families receiving assistance through Salvation Army, ��OPE,
Community ��aven, Easter Seals, or Manatee Children’s Services
Kinship Program
• Children living in a low-income family where parent/guardian
works or attends school at least 20 hours per week
CCR��R staff may refer families to child care providers that offer
a sliding scale for fees and to other programs that may provide
��nancial assistance for child care costs, as well.
Families can also talk with CCR��R staff about local resources
that may be available to assist in meeting their child’s basic
needs. Staff may provide referrals to assistance programs in
the community for housing, food, clothing, and utilities. They
can share resources that support the needs of military families
and offer assistance to foster families and homeless families.
CCR��R staff can even provide information about parenting
resources, classes, and other agencies that support families’
wellbeing. They can connect families to specialists and resources
for identifying and supporting children with special needs both
within the ELC and in the community. CCR��R staff can also assist
families with the voluntary prekindergarten application process.
The ELC’s Family Services team – which oversees the CCR��R
program, along with the School Readiness and VPK programs
– participates in multiple community outreach events each year
WORDS: Jessica Schubick
Andrea Drlicka, Director of Family Services
Child Care Resource and Referral Coordinator