Frequently Asked Questions
Get all the answers to your questions with our FAQ below
I have a Family Portal account, but I can’t remember my password.
- Please select “Forgot My Password” beneath the “Log On” button. The system will send you a temporary password to update your account.
- Please keep your User Name and Password in a safe location, as this will be the only way to make changes or recertify your eligibility.
- Please contact the Office of Early Learning at 1-850-717-8600 if you lose your password or are experiencing difficulty with the family portal
I have a Family Portal account, but I can't remember my username.
Please contact the ELC Customer Service at (954)377-2188.
Do not create an account on your own as that will not link to your current eligibility.
How does ELC contact me?
The primary method of contact will be by phone. ELC may also need to reach you by email. Please make sure that the ELC has your current phone number and email address.
If I already have an existing VPK account, can I use the same account for SR services?
Yes. Please log on to the Family Portal account you have already created. If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact the ELC Customer Service at (954)377-2188. Do not create an account on your own as that will not link to your current eligibility.
I do not have access to a scanner or need assistance uploading documents.
Don't have access to scan and upload documents? No need to worry! You can visit the ELC of Broward County Main Office or any of our partner locations to utilize the kiosks. Click here to see where we are located.
My Family Services Specialist is requesting additional documents. Can I email them?
No, documents cannot be submitted via email. All clients must log into their OEL Family Portal Account to submit documents.
How do I submit my School Readiness Redetermination?
- Log into your family portal account, and click on the blue “Update Eligibility” button in the School Readiness Applications section. This will direct you to the Eligibility Wizard. Click "Start" to begin the process.
- Tip: It is best to have all the required documents when you are submitting your School Readiness Redetermination. The application acts as a wizard. It will not allow you to move to the next step until all information is filled out and all documents are uploaded in the step you are working on.
- When you reach the end of the application, please electronically sign exactly as your name appears on the application and click “Submit Eligibility Verification.”
- Once ELC completes your redetermination, you will receive an email directing you back to the Family Portal. Log into the OEL Family Portal. Under the School Readiness Funding section, you will click on the blue “Sign” button next to each of your child(ren)’s name(s). Please Note: If you don’t receive the email, you can still log into the OEL Family Portal and complete the process.
- You will be asked to read and accept the Parental Rights and Responsibilities/Terms and Conditions. Please electronically sign the Payment Certificate exactly as your name appears on the record to complete the process.
What documents do I need to complete my redetermination? Please click here for a full list of documents.
- Completed Childcare Application and Authorization Form (referral), if applicable
- Proof of Purpose for Care
- Proof of Child Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status for all children receiving care
- Proof of Age for all children living in the household
- Proof of Residency
- Proof of Parent or Guardianship
- Proof of Unearned Income
Can I extend my Redetermination Date?
Redetermination dates cannot be extended. Clients are informed of their redetermination date at the time their care is processed, which can also be found on
the Certificate of Authorization that was electronically signed in the OEL Family Portal. Clients also receive reminders 45 days prior to their redetermination date, 30 days prior to their redetermination date, and 15 days prior to their redetermination date allowing clients plenty of time to submit their documents.
My case was terminated. How can I have my case reviewed again?
In order for your case to be reviewed after termination, a Grievance Form must be submitted. Grievance Forms must be submitted within 14 business days of the termination along with any and all necessary documentation.
I lost my job. Am I going to lose my childcare?
You may NOT automatically lose your childcare. Please remember that you have 10 calendar days to report any changes in your household to the coalition. Once reported, your case will be reviewed to determine if you qualify for continued services.
What are the requirements needed to complete a VPK Application?
- The child must be four years old on or before September 1st of the current program year.
- The child must reside in the state of Florida.
When is my child eligible for the VPK program?
Your child will be eligible for VPK when they turn four years old on or before September 1st of the current program year. However, effective July 1, 2016, a new law allows parents whose children are born between February 2nd and September 1st of the calendar year to postpone enrolling their four-year-old until the following year when their child is five years old.
I don't think my child is ready for kindergarten, can they receive an extra year of VPK?
Situations like this can go one of two ways. If the child has not attended the VPK program yet and their date of birth falls between February 2nd and September 1st, then they can qualify for a VPK Postponement. If the child has attended the VPK program, then a VPK Reenrollment must be submitted along with the required documentation to determine if the child is eligible to be re-enrolled in the subsequent program year.
Can I use my VPK Certificate during the school year and then for the summer as well?
No. You can use your child's VPK certificate for EITHER the school-year or the summer, but not for both.
What are the steps involved in applying for a School District VPK program vs. a private early learning center?
When applying for a School District VPK Program or a private early learning center, the parent must first apply for the VPK Certificate of Eligibility through the Office of Early Learning Family Portal. Once they obtain the certificate, the parent has the choice of enrolling their child at a School District VPK program or a private early learning center.
To apply for a private early learning center, the parent simply brings their VPK Certificate to an approved VPK provider.
To apply for a School District VPK program, the parent must apply online through the Head Start/Early Intervention Department website (https://www.browardschools.com/headstart-vpk).
VPK Postponement
Effective July 1, 2016, a new law lets parents whose children are born between February 2 and September 1 of the calendar year to postpone enrolling their four-year-old until the following year when their child is five years old.
OEL Family Portal
Select "OEL Family Portal" on the ELC home page:
- Returning Users Enter your username & password
- Complete the application & upload documents
How do I Qualify?
- Children who are born between Feb 2. and Sept 1. of the calendar year.
- Parents/guardians must be a Florida resident
Required Documents
- Proof of child’s age –birth certificate of current immunization record
- Proof of Residence-Driver’s license OR current utility bill OR current signed lease * The address MUST match the application.*
Verify Application
- Submit Postponement Application
- You will receive an email notifying you of your application status within 10 business days. *Emails come from a “Do Not Reply” address & may go to your Spam Folder*
VPK Reenrollment
A VPK Reenrollment is when a child changes VPK childcare providers after he or she has attended a portion of VPK instructional hours.
OEL Family Portal
- Select "OEL Family Portal" on the ELC home page:
- Returning Users Enter your username & password
- Complete the application & upload documents
How do I Qualify?
A child may re-enroll if they meet the criteria below:
- Have not completed more than 70 percent of the VPK program.
- Meet the specific enrollment circumstances outlined on the VPK Re-enrollment Application.
Required Documents
Supporting documentation is required for the following types of VPK Reenrollment.
- Subsequent Re-Enrollment Due to Good Cause
- Primary Re-Enrollment Due to Extreme Hardship.
- Subsequent Re-Enrollment Due to Extreme Hardship
Verify Application
- Submit VPK Re-Enrollment Application
- You will receive an email notifying you of your application status within 10 business days. *Emails come from a “Do Not Reply” address & may go to your Spam Folder*