Community Action Agency, Getting Ahead

3/4/2024: NO FUNDING AVAILABLE AS OF APRIL 7, 2023 *Program consists of two components including a 15-week class called Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-by World; then upon completion, participants shift to the Staying Ahead Program where they are paired with 2 mentors who meet regularly for about 6 months to advise, counsel and encourage *Program assists with GED, trade/vocational education, higher education to improve opportunities for jobs with a livable wage; employability skills, and opportunity to participate in the Agency’s On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program; job placement, coaching, and counseling; ongoing counseling, monitoring, and support from a case manager/social worker to ensure continued progress toward family self-sufficiency goals; multiple opportunities for crisis/emergency assistance during the first year (rent, utilities, food vouchers, transportation, childcare) based on the availability of resources *Participants meet once a week in a relaxed discussion type atmosphere and class members work closely with Career Source, TCC and Lively Vocational School; funding may be available to pay for tuition, books, job training, childcare on a case by case basis *Call for more information about class dates and times *Persons interested in becoming a mentor may fill out an application on website or call to volunteer

Services: Career Counseling, Child Care Expense Assistance, Economic Self Sufficiency Programs, Employment Preparation, Financial Literacy Training, GED/High School Equivalency Test Instruction, Mentoring Programs, Personal Financial Counseling, Vocational Education, Volunteer Opportunities

Early Learning Coalition of NW Florida

*Information and referral for child care, after school programs, developmental assessments, early intervention for children with special needs, school readiness programs, and Voluntary Pre-K *Toll-free number and two regional offices serve seven county area *Parents can register for VPK and Child Care Assistance at www.

Services: Child Care Centers, Child Care Expense Assistance, Early Intervention for Children With Disabilities/Delays, Extended Child Care, Pediatric Developmental Assessment, Preschools

Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend

*Child Care program that provides tuition assistance to young children that allows them to be in a safe, conducive learning environment to prepare them to enter the school system allowing parents to work, knowing their children are in a positive educational environment; voluntary Pre-kindergarten: approved list of providers *Parents may register for VPK and apply for the School Readiness program for child care assistance online or call for assistance; Trained counselors can assist callers in choosing programs that best fit their child's and family's needs including other services in the Whole Child network such as Food Stamps *Parents may apply online for child care assistance; if eligible, they will be placed on a waiting list and notified when funds are available *Free screening for hearing and vision can be requested by emailing resources@elcbigbend.

Services: Child Care Centers, Child Care Expense Assistance, Eye Screening, Hearing Screening, Pediatric Developmental Screening, Preschools

Florida Office of Early Learning

*Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCR&R) specialists help families choose quality care and other community resources and refers parents to local Early Learning Coalitions in their area for assistance and entry into school readiness and VPK programs

Services: Child Care Expense Assistance, Early Head Start, Head Start, Preschools