School Readiness Brevard County

School Readiness Brevard County | Jelly Bean Junction Accepts School Readiness Students

School Readiness

More Families Now Qualify for Child Care Assistance in Brevard County

The School Readiness Brevard County program has great news for local families!
As of October 1, 2025, the income entry threshold for Florida’s School Readiness (SR) Program has increased — which means more families may now qualify for financial assistance with child care costs.

If you applied in the past and didn’t qualify, now is the perfect time to reapply. The new guidelines expand eligibility and make it easier for Brevard County families to afford high-quality early education.

Jelly Bean Junction Proudly Accepts School Readiness Students

At Jelly Bean Junction Early Learning Center in Melbourne, Florida, we are a proud participant in the School Readiness Brevard County program. Families approved for School Readiness funding through the Early Learning Coalition of Brevard (ELC Brevard) can use their benefits here to cover part or all of their tuition.

We strongly believe that every child deserves access to quality early education, regardless of income. By accepting School Readiness students, Jelly Bean Junction is helping more working families gain access to a nurturing, play-based learning environment where children can thrive.

How the Income Qualification Has Increased

In previous years, families had to meet strict income requirements based on 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Beginning October 1, 2025, eligibility for School Readiness Brevard County is now tied to a percentage of the State Median Income (SMI) — generally around 55% or higher, depending on family size.

This change makes a big difference. For example:

  • Under the old standard, a family of four earning about $49,000 per year might not have qualified.

  • Under the new guidelines, the same family could now qualify if their annual income is up to $55,000–$65,000, depending on the SMI calculation.

That’s roughly a 10–30% increase in eligibility, opening the door to many middle-income families who were previously just above the cutoff.

Because the program now uses SMI rather than FPL, the exact qualifying income varies yearly and by family size.

Where to Find the Most Accurate Information

Official statewide tables showing the new income limits for each family size have not yet been published online. The Florida Department of Education and local Early Learning Coalitions are still updating their documentation.

For now, the only reliable way to confirm eligibility for School Readiness Brevard County is to contact the Early Learning Coalition (ELC Brevard) directly:

? Call: 321-637-1800
? Apply or check eligibility: familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com

Their team can review your family’s income and provide specific guidance based on the latest thresholds.

Why This Matters for Brevard County Families

The increase in income qualification represents a major step forward for School Readiness Brevard County families. It recognizes the growing cost of living and the essential role child care plays in supporting working parents.

This change benefits:

  • Working parents who need dependable, affordable child care

  • Children who gain strong early learning foundations

  • Local communities that grow stronger when families thrive

Families who were previously denied may now be eligible, making this the ideal time to reapply.

About Jelly Bean Junction

Located in Melbourne, Florida, Jelly Bean Junction is an APPLE-Accredited and Gold Seal Quality School offering early education for children 6 weeks to 6 years old.

Our programs feature:

  • A play-based curriculum that inspires curiosity and creativity

  • Qualified, caring teachers dedicated to child development

  • Nutritious meals through the USDA Food Program

  • A safe, loving environment designed for learning and discovery

Families enrolled through School Readiness Brevard County enjoy affordable tuition and the peace of mind that their children are receiving the highest level of care.

Spread the Word

Help us share this important update with other Brevard County families.
Many households that didn’t qualify before may now be eligible for assistance under the updated School Readiness Brevard County income limits.

? Jelly Bean Junction proudly welcomes School Readiness students—because every child deserves the best start in life.

? Call: 321-637-1800
? Apply today: familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com