First Teacher: 3-Year-

A Parent’s Guide to
Olds
Growing and Learning
First Teacher: A Parent’s Guide to Growing and Learning is a guide
to your child’s development and has activities for you to support
your child’s learning during daily routines and play. These activities Family Matters
will help your child’s development and provide the building blocks 3-Year-Olds
for his future success in school and life.
Your child is no longer a toddler, but a preschooler. This year of life
This booklet addresses eight key areas of your child’s development. is a transition away from the baby years and into the childhood
The information in this booklet will serve as a guide for the years. Your 3-year-old has a stronger sense of independence, which
knowledge and skills your child is developing at this age. This booklet includes not only self-help skills, but a better sense of his own
follows the domains of Florida’s Early Learning and Developmental identity – he has his own likes, dislikes, ideas and feelings. This also
Standards, which are used in early learning programs throughout means that he may sometimes be “bossy” or defiant as a way to
the state. show his individuality. Offering choices and being firm but kind with
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT rules and routines will help your preschooler learn expectations for
(general health and development of physical skills involving large and behavior, while boosting his self-esteem.
small muscles)
As a 3-year-old, he will become more aware of his surroundings and
APPROACHES TO LEARNING
try to understand how the world works. You will need to answer
(attitudes, behaviors and learning styles)
many questions that may not have simple answers. With your
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT support and encouragement of his curiosity, your child can not only
(the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others) learn about the world, but also love learning!

LANGUAGE & LITERACY This booklet offers activities and strategies for you to use daily to
(the ability to understand words, learn to talk and learn about books and help your child grow and develop. The easy-to-follow activities will
reading) help you build a strong relationship and a foundation for your child’s
MATHEMATICAL THINKING learning and future success. All families are different. Remember to
(the ability to think about relationships between objects, numbers, include stories, activities and languages from your own family.
shapes, sizes, weights and other concepts)

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
You are your child’s first teacher.
(the ability to explore the environment using the five senses, connecting
what is observed to science concepts and asking questions)

SOCIAL STUDIES
(the ability to learn about people and the community)

CREATIVE EXPRESSION THROUGH THE ARTS

(the ability to engage in dance, song, music, dramatic play and art to
express ideas and feelings)
The information in this booklet will help you make the most of the
time you spend with your child. The positive relationship you have
with your child and the time you spend together will help your
child’s development in every way.
Physical Development As your child grows
Your 3-year-old is learning to
It starts with you • Pedal a tricycle.
Physical development refers to your child’s general health and • Catch a large ball.
development of physical skills involving large and small muscles. • Balance and hop on one foot.
Your 3-year-old is entering a phase of steady growth, unlike the fast • Jump in place.
growth of the infant and toddler years. She has better coordination • Begin to use scissors.
and balance, more awareness of her body in space and more • Manipulate buttons, zippers and writing tools more easily.
stamina in active play. Your child’s new physical skills may cause her • Draw with more control.
to overestimate her abilities and get into dangerous situations. You • Complete self-care routines independently such as brushing
will need to supervise her closely. hair.

Your child will have

better control in her
Playing and learning
hands and fingers and Support your child’s physical development by
can use utensils, art • Playing movement games such as Duck, Duck, Goose or Follow
materials and writing the Leader.
tools more effectively. • Giving adequate time and materials for free play outdoors.
All of this progress • Providing crayons and paper for drawing.
leads to a more • Allowing her to use safe kitchen tools during meal preparation.
confident, capable and • Giving time and opportunity for her to dress herself.
independent child. Her • Talking to your child about the importance of routines such as
coordination has improved and she will be able to pedal wheel hand washing and brushing teeth; for example, “Brushing our
toys such as tricycles and other riding toys. Make sure she has a teeth keeps them clean so they don’t get cavities.”
safe place to ride. Teach her safety rules to follow when riding (e.g.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
never ride in the street, don’t crash into other children or pets).
Taking care of your child
Teach her how to wash her hands and brush her teeth. With your
Proper nutrition, exercise and sleep are very important, because
help, she will be able to do these self-care tasks by herself. She will
all learning depends on your child’s good health. Preschoolers can
be able to undress, but you may need to help her get dressed. You
understand the concept of healthy food and safety practices such
can let her make some choices in what to wear. Choose two or three
as wearing a seat belt in the car or a helmet when riding a tricycle.
outfits and let her choose the one she likes best to wear.
Modeling healthy habits yourself is the best way to help your child
learn to take care of her health and support her success in school.
She will enjoy games or activities that require running, jumping
or hopping. Play “Simon Says” or “tag” with her. After she learns
how to play the game, let her be the leader and you follow her
directions.
Approaches to Learning As your child grows
He shows his approach to learning when he
It starts with you • Frequently asks “why?” He has reached a new stage in which
Approaches to learning is a set of behaviors or characteristics the simple explanations you gave him as a toddler are no longer
related to how young children interact with their environment, such enough; he wants more information to satisfy his curiosity.
as curiosity, persistence and creativity. Some of these behaviors • Persists at a task or activity for longer periods. He has a slightly
occur naturally, but you can encourage the development of others longer attention span and does not become as easily frustrated
by providing a supportive environment. as when he was a toddler.
• Spends more time in pretend play. He creates roles to act out,
Let your child make simple choices, such as what he wants for lunch makes up stories during conversations with adults and may
or which shirt he wants to wear. Three-year-olds like to try and even have an imaginary friend.
finish new things. Give him a little support when he needs it, but • Makes and talks about plans for play and talks about what he
don’t take over the task. did or learned afterwards.

Encourage your child to be creative. Teach him to ask questions, use

different types of materials in different ways and offer him many
Playing and learning
new experiences. At this age, he will need lots of time to really get Support your child’s approach to learning by
involved in activities. Allow him to spend as much time as he needs • Making your child’s need to know “why” an opportunity to
to be involved in an activity or let him return to the activity later. investigate the answers to his questions by looking for library
books related to his interests or doing safe experiments.
Praise his efforts and talk to him about how much fun it is to learn • Allowing your child to persist at a challenging activity while
about new things and to try to solve problems. Encourage his love providing encouragement by saying, “You can do it,” or “I
of learning by exposing him to many different places, reading to wonder what would happen if you tried . . .”

APPROACHES TO LEARNING
him about many different topics and provide lots of things and • Embracing his creativity and taking a role in his pretend play,
places for him to explore. allowing him to direct you.

Taking care of your child

Each child is different in their approach to play, people and
experiences. Observing and respecting your child’s pace at trying
new things and interacting with others is key to helping him become
a confident learner. Boost your child’s learning with fast and fun
tips from vroom.org.
Social & Emotional As your child grows

Development
As a 3-year-old your child will be able to
• Play more cooperatively with children.
• Comfort and show concern for others without prompting.
It starts with you • Take turns while playing (with prompting).
Social and emotional development refers to your child’s feelings, • Play “real life” with toys like pots, bowls, spoons and play
behaviors and relationships. Three-year-olds are an interesting kitchens.
mix of independent, playful and fearful. They need familiar adults • Find simple ways to solve arguments and disagreements.
nearby for security as they explore and play. As your child develops • Show and name a variety of feelings beyond happy, sad and
more independence, she will begin to have real friendships with mad, such as frustrated or excited.
other children. When conflicts arise with peers, she will typically • Ask to play with others rather than joining without asking.
seek help from an adult. She is learning to recognize the causes of
feelings and will give simple help, such as a hug, to those who are
upset. She can better manage her emotions, but may still fall apart Playing and learning
under stress.
Support your child’s social development by
Point out the things • Reading books about feelings. Tell her about times when you or
your child is doing that she may have felt the same way.
• Giving her a few responsibilities she is capable of doing herself,

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

shows she is trying to
solve a problem, such such as picking up toys or helping set the table. Praise her
as “You are working efforts by saying, “You did it!”
so hard to put on your • Showing her your expectations for appropriate behavior; for
jacket by yourself." example, how to greet someone, share a toy during play or how
Then offer your help if to comfort someone.
she needs it. Help her • Guiding her to notice the feelings of others; for example, “Jill is
put her feelings into crying. How do you think we could help her feel better?”
words when she gets
frustrated or upset. Taking care of your child
“You were really angry
when your sister took One of the easiest ways to help children develop socially is by the
your toy from you." simple act of playing. Joining in her play builds relationships in a
Talk to her about your fun way and puts you in a great position to teach skills like sharing
own feelings when you and cooperation. Use these opportunities to introduce concepts
are sad, angry or happy. “I was frustrated when I couldn’t find the like winning and losing. Playing with friends also gives your child a
keys for the car” or “I am so happy that you picked up your blocks!” chance to learn about more subtle social cues, like body language
and vocal intonations.
Language & Literacy As your child grows
Your child is beginning to
It starts with you • Make comments on what he observes.
Language and literacy refers to your child’s ability to understand • Follow some two-step directions.
words and learn to listen, talk and read. Language is the way we • Use longer and more complex sentences and questions.
communicate, a tool for problem-solving and building memory. • Connect stories to real-life experiences.
Language is a way to share thoughts, beliefs, and culture. As your • Ask what words mean.
3-year-old expands his use of language, he uses words to get his • Recognize and name some letters.
needs met, talk about his thoughts, feelings and experiences, and • Retell or reenact stories.
to socialize with others. • Begin to make letter-like shapes on paper.

Remember that your child is

listening to you and others Playing and learning
talk and is learning words You can support your child’s language and literacy development by
at an amazing rate. You can • Starting conversations with your child by asking questions
understand his speech, and he such as, “What songs did you sing at school today?” or “Which
can have a conversation with friends did you play with?”
you. You might be surprised by • Asking your child to read their favorite stories to you.
the words that come out of his • Singing rhyming songs and reading poems and nursery rhymes.
mouth! • Making yourself an example of reading and writing at home,
such as using recipes, writing grocery lists, etc.
Early literacy skills are also • Asking your child to predict what a new book is about or what
developing. He loves listening will happen on the next page.
to stories, is starting to
understand that the words on
Taking care of your child

LANGUAGE & LITERACY

the page have meaning and
will “read” his favorite books
from memory. He is interested in letter sounds and new words. He Talking with and reading to your child are the best ways to build
is beginning to use “real” writing with special interest in writing his language and literacy skills. The more words children hear, the
his own name. Your child may write letter-like forms, rather than better readers they become. If your home language is not English, it
scribbling, and say, “This is my name,” or ask you to write his name is extremely important that you continue to use that first language
at the top of his picture. at home. Success at learning a second language is based on
successfully learning one’s first language. It also maintains strong
Becoming a reader and writer starts with your support, such as communication between you and your child, other family members
reading to him daily, talking about the things he sees and describing and your community.
them for him. Give him paper and crayons or pencils and have him
“write” notes to you, or help him write his name.
Mathematical Thinking As your child grows
Your 3-year-old is learning to
It starts with you • Recognize the number of items in a small group without
Mathematical thinking refers to your child’s ability to think about counting.
relationships between objects, numbers, shapes and other • Notice and copy patterns.
concepts. Your 3-year-old has been learning about math since birth; • Recognize, name and match shapes.
the infant and toddler experiences of playing with shape sorters, • Understand position and direction words (under, beside, across,
reading books with numbers, and asking for and getting “more” of over, etc.).
something lays the foundation for future math learning. • Compare and group things by size, weight, length, etc.
• Correctly count the number of items in a group.
It can be entertaining to listen to your child talk about math
concepts. She is a concrete thinker and has limited experience; her
understanding is quite different from an adult. For example, she Playing and learning
may say her race car traveled at “35 six 800 miles an hour,” or she Try these activities to support your child’s growing math skills.
may become fixated on a particular number when asked a question • Count in everyday activities - “How many plates do we need to
about “How many?” These incorrect but normal responses show set the table for dinner?” or “There are one, two, three boats in
that your child is already starting to apply math concepts to her the bathtub with you.” When counting items, touch each one.
world. • Ask her to find shapes and patterns in the house.
• Use words that describe objects - “Please bring me the large
The most common idea about preschool math is counting, but bowl,” “Your lunchbox is heavy when it is full.”
shapes, patterns and measurement are other math concepts your • Play games about position and direction - “Put the ball behind
3-year-olds is developing. Keep asking her questions such as; “How you/next to you/over your head,” or playing Hokey Pokey.
many blocks are red?” “What numbers are on the clock?” “Which • Read books about counting, comparing, shapes and size.
toy is the heaviest?” “Who is taller, you or your brother?” and “How

MATHEMATICAL THINKING
many circles can you find in this room?”
Taking care of your child
The best way to support your child’s interest in math concepts is
with her own toys and everyday objects of different shape, size
and color. As she plays with these items, ask questions and make
comments such as, “How many cars are in your garage?” “How far
did the ball go?” or “I see you made circles on the paper with your
crayons.” This type of play forms the foundation for understanding
more advanced math concepts in the elementary school years.
Scientific Inquiry As your child grows
Your 3-year-old is learning to
It starts with you • Identify the five senses and use them to explore.
Scientific inquiry refers to your child’s ability to explore the • Use simple tools for investigating (sticks, magnifying glasses).
environment using his five senses, connecting what is observed to • Observe and ask questions about weather.
science concepts and asking questions. Children are born scientists! • Explore the similarities and differences between living things.
The whole world is new to them and they want to learn everything • Try to solve problems using tools.
about it. Science for preschoolers is about the same things you • Build structures and simple machines in play.
learned in school, like the weather and seasons, animals, plants and
space. However, the process
of learning science concepts Playing and learning
is just as important as the Support your child’s scientific knowledge and inquiry skills by
information that is learned. • Reading fiction and non-fiction books about topics such as
weather, animals, plants, space.
Your 3-year-old’s need to • Talking about the properties of natural materials your child plays
know “why” is the driving with such as rocks, sand, water, etc. (“The sand sticks together
force behind the development when it gets wet.”).
of his thinking and reasoning • Asking questions to stimulate your child’s thinking, such as
skills, which support all “Why do you think your building fell down?” or “Where do you
learning. These skills include think the birds go when it rains?”
asking questions, making • Allowing your child time to play outdoors and encouraging
predictions, testing his exploration of natural materials and living things, such as grass,
ideas and reflecting on what flowers, rocks, bugs and dirt.
happened. These thinking and
reasoning skills form the basis
of learning for life. Taking care of your child
Encourage your child to use all of his senses—see the difference

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
As you go about your daily
routines, ask him questions of a ball bouncing on tile compared to bouncing on a rug, smell
he must use his senses to answer, “How does the water feel?” the difference between the apple and the orange, taste a graham
“What sounds does the clock make?” or “Does the big ball and the cracker and talk about how it differs from a saltine cracker, etc. By
little ball bounce the same?” Let him help you cook dinner and talk providing many opportunities for him to explore his environment,
about the way the food looks and smells before and after you cook you are giving him the experiences and language needed to better
it. Ask him to taste different kinds of fruit and tell you which ones understand the world around him.
are sweet and which ones are sour. Tell him he is learning to “think
like a scientist” when he uses his senses to compare things and tell
about things.
Social Studies As your child grows
Your 3-year-old is learning to
It starts with you • Participate in family responsibilities.
Social studies refers to your child’s ability to learn about the people • Attempt to solve conflicts.
around you and in your community. Your 3-year-old is becoming • Follow rules and routines.
more observant of her social world. She is beginning to recognize • Respond with empathy to others.
herself as a member of a community and culture. She is beginning • Identify what she wants.
to understand family roles. By observing the people around her, • Use words to describe space and location.
your 3-year-old is identifying rules, developing self-control and
engaging in problem-solving. She is learning about the nature of Playing and learning
the world and her place in it.
Help your child’s development of social concepts by
The pretend play she now engages • Involving your child in tasks that protect the environment.
in is also helping her learn about For example, have her help dispose of recycling items, saying,
the roles she has seen others play “When we recycle our bottles and boxes, it helps the earth stay
in her life (mother, father, doctor, clean.”
etc.) and how to get along with • Helping your child understand the roles of “community helpers”
others. Through this play, she is also such as firefighters, police officers, doctors, etc., by reading
developing the vocabulary that will books and acting out the roles during pretend play.
help her understand her world. • Walking around the neighborhood and playing “I Spy” for
street signs and discussing what they mean and why they are
Talk to your child about the people important.
she sees in your community and • Playing games that have simple rules, such as taking turns and
the roles they have. When she sees passing items to others.
a police officer, firefighter, doctor,
nurse, crossing guard, postal carrier
or sanitation worker, talk with Taking care of your child
her about the jobs these people As your child begins to notice similarities and differences in people,
have and how they help to keep people healthy and safe in the read books that focus on children from other communities, pointing

SOCIAL STUDIES
community. out the similarities and differences in families and customs.

Share family stories and traditions with your child and show her Your child will begin to follow rules more regularly, but may need
pictures of family members, past and present. Let her help you help with consistency. Point out signs and other symbols of rules
prepare meals that are special for your family. Discuss holidays and around her to help her understand there are rules for the community
other celebrations that reflect your family’s culture and teach her just like rules for the house and classroom.
songs or special ways your family celebrates these occasions.
Creative Expression As your child grows

Through the Arts Your 3-year-old is beginning to

• Participate in musical games.
• Use musical instruments appropriately.
It starts with you • Talk about the colors and shapes he sees in artwork.
Creative expression refers to your child’s ability to engage in dance, • Use a variety of tools and art media to express individual
song, music, dramatic play and art to express ideas and feelings. In creativity.
other sections of this book, you learned that your 3-year-old has • Describe similarities and differences between his artwork and
a stronger sense of self and is beginning to identify as part of a that of others.
family and culture. These new discoveries create a need for self- • Engage in real-life and fantasy scenarios in pretend play, both
expression. He will use his imagination and creativity to express alone and with other children.
himself using a variety of activities like singing, dancing, coloring,
painting and creating things from clay, paper or cardboard. Pretend
play is also a creative outlet for your 3-year-old, as he acts out his Playing and learning
experiences in order to solve problems and try out new ideas,

TIVE EXPRESSION THROUGH THE ARTS

Support your child’s creative expression by
express thoughts, feelings, experiences and knowledge.
• Providing crayons, markers, pencils or watercolors with blank
paper.
Provide art materials, such as crayons, play dough and safe scissors
• Encouraging the creative process by making comments, such
to support his development of motor skills. Encourage activities
as, “You have been working for a long time on this,” or “Tell me
such as mixing paint colors, building things out of paper towel
about your picture.”
tubes and role-playing to support his thinking and reasoning skills.
• Providing props for pretend play, such as old clothing, shoes
and accessories, safe kitchen items, toy or child-sized vehicles
and dolls.
• Listening together to different types of music and dancing or
singing along.
• Joining your child in pretend play.

Taking care of your child

Your 3-year-old needs many opportunities for creative play as a way
to express his uniqueness and personality. In the preschool years,
the most important part of art is the process of creating, rather

CREATIVE
than the product that is created. Three-year-olds do not yet have
the understanding or hand control to copy an adult model of a

CREA
drawing or color within the lines in coloring books. Encourage his
creative process and join in whenever possible.
The Importance of Family Housework is a never-ending cycle. Let your little one help with the
work. Young children love to help and can be successful at simple
chores. Letting your child help with housework is a great way to
Learning starts at home with you as your child’s first teacher.
help him learn new skills. Just remember that it’s the effort that
Infants, toddlers and preschoolers learn by observing and listening
counts! Below are some easy chores for you to introduce to your
to family members as they go about their daily routines.
young child.
• Sort spoons to put away.
Families are responsible for shaping a child’s development of values,
• Help fold laundry.
learning skills and social skills. Your child is watching everything you
• Match socks.
do and listening to everything you say.
• Pick up toys and put them away.
• Help feed pets.
Learning occurs naturally
• Put dirty clothes in a clothes basket or hamper.
for children through
their play. Children are
All of these activities encourage your child to learn new skills and
happiest when they
to be a contributing member of your family. Feeling secure in his
play, and playing is one
role as a family member helps him to develop self-confidence and
of the best tools for
a sense of responsibility.
learning new skills. Join
in your child’s play by
getting down on his level Remember, you are your child’s
and playing with him. Get
down on the floor and
first teacher.
pretend to be his favorite
animal to encourage his

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

imagination.

Use objects around

your house for pretend
play, such as an empty paper towel tube that he can use as a
horn or a telescope. A plastic spoon and a pot for cooking can
become a drum. Play helps improve his imagination, his physical
development, his social skills and more. Playing outside is very
important. Running, jumping and climbing help build your child’s
muscles and coordination. Your child will enjoy the time you two
spend together, and so will you!
All children develop differently and at different times. If you
have questions or concerns about your toddler’s development or
behavior, it is important to take action early.

Developmental screenings can help identify areas of your child’s

development that might need some extra help. Talk to a doctor,
your child’s teacher or your local early learning coalition about your
concerns and request to have your child screened. If the screening
indicates any areas that need extra help, your child may qualify for
early intervention services. Your child’s doctor or your early learning
coalition can help connect you to those services.

You are your child’s greatest

advocate!

Websites That Promote Child Development

Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Birth to
Kindergarten: http://flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Parent Information:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones
https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/index.html

Center for Early Literacy Learning Parent Information:

http://www.earlyliteracylearning.org/parentresource1.php

Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Learning:

http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/family.html

National Association for the Education of Young Children:

https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/for-families

PBS Parents: http://www.pbs.org/parents/

Zero to Three:
https://www.zerotothree.org/parenting
Free Apps for Families Family Resources
OFFICE OF EARLY LEARNING
Provides state-level support and direction for parents, teachers
and early learning professionals. OEL administers three statewide
programs including: the state child care assistance program, School
Readiness, the free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program for
four-year-olds and the Child Care Resource and Referral program for
all Florida families.
1-866-357-3239 (Toll-free), (TTY:711)
http://www.floridaearlylearning.com

2-1-1
A 24-hour hotline where parents connect with national, state
and local information and referral services. 2-1-1 offers parents
information to assist families with food, housing, employment,
health care and counseling services.
Dial 211
www.211.org
Learn more at cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker
ACCESS FLORIDA
Temporary cash assistance and food stamp information is available
through DCF’s Access Florida Hotline.
1-866-762-2237 (Toll-free)
You have what www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access
it takes to be a
BRIGHT FUTURES
brain builder! A national health promotion and prevention initiative, led by the
Download the Vroom app to add learning American Academy of Pediatrics and supported by the Maternal and
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See for yourself how
Vroom tips are fast and fun! child visits.
vroom.org https://brightfutures.aap.org/Pages/default.aspx

CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL NETWORK (CCR&R)

Helps families find local child care programs that fits their unique
needs and local resources and provides information on how parents
También disponible en español
can find, locate and afford quality child care.
1-866-357-3239 (Toll-free), (TTY:711)
www.floridaearlylearning.com/ccrr.aspx
CHILD CARE AWARE® of AMERICA FLORIDA KIDCARE
National network of more than 900 child care resource and referral Health insurance program for uninsured children younger than age
agencies committed to helping parents find the best information on 19. The Florida Kidcare program assesses eligibility based on age and
locating quality programs and resources in their local community; family income.
maintains links to resource and referral agencies in every state. 1-888-540-5437 (Toll-free), (TTY: 1-877-316-8748)
1-800-424-2246 (Toll-free) http://floridakidcare.org/
http://childcareaware.org/families/
FLORIDA HEALTHY START
CHILD HELP USA® NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE Ensures that all Florida families have access to a continuum of
This hotline is staffed 24 hours daily with professional crisis affordable and quality health and related services.
counselors with access to thousands of resources. 727-507-6330
1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453 (Toll-free) www.healthystartflorida.com
www.childhelp.org
https://www.childhelp.org/states/florida HEAD START
Head Start is a national school readiness program that provides
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES (DCF) LICENSING WEBSITE comprehensive education, health, nutrition and parent involvement
Responsible for the administration of child care program licensing services to children from low-income families. For Head Start
and training throughout Florida and administers programs addressing programs in your area, visit the listed website.
issues such as adult and child protective services, homelessness, www.floridaheadstart.org
food stamps, refugee services and adoption and foster care.
www.myflorida.com/childcare THE OUNCE OF PREVENTION FUND
Find Child Care Providers Identifies and supports prevention programs to improve outcomes
https://cares.myflfamilies.com/PublicSearch for children, preserve and strengthen families and promote healthy
behavior and functioning in society.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES/EARLY https://www.ounce.org/
STEPS
Provides information and referrals on disabilities and special health PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS
care needs for families, service coordinators and other professionals Provides help to single parents through discussions, professional
who work with children with special needs. speakers, study groups, publications and social activities for families.
1-800-218-0001 (Toll-free) 1-800-637-7974 (Toll-free)
http://www.floridahealth.gov/AlternateSites/ http://www.parentswithoutpartners.org
CMS-Kids/early_steps_directory/index.html
VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN
FLORIDA CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT Florida’s free voluntary program designed to prepare 4-year-olds for
Child support services that include locating missing parents, kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success.
establishing legal paternity, and establishing, enforcing and 1-866-357-3239 (Toll-free), (TTY: 711)
modifying support orders. http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/vpk.aspx
1-800-622-KIDS or 1-800-622-5437 (Toll-free)
www.myflorida.com/dor/childsupport/
 Florida Department of Education
Office of Early Learning
Child Care Resource and Referral Network
Toll-free Family Line: 1-866-357-3239
http://www.floridaearlylearning.com