Hope Florida Resources

Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource Systems (FDLRS)

FDLRS supports Florida’s educational system through four key services: Child Find identifies and screens students potentially eligible for special education services; Family Services builds school-family partnerships; Resource Development provides training in instructional and behavioral strategies; and Technology support ensures access to assistive and instructional tools. These integrated services work together to support students with disabilities and their families. For more information, please visit FDLRS.

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

CARD was established in 1993 and operates through seven regional sites in Florida, providing free support services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities. CARD’s mission is to enhance the lives of these individuals by offering assistance in natural settings like homes, schools, workplaces and community environments. The organization serves people of all ages with ASD and related disabilities, including sensory impairments, and extends support to their families, friends and professionals. Through direct consultation, training and referrals, CARD helps develop communication skills, addresses challenging behaviors and promotes social competence. The program offers comprehensive support services ranging from disability information and future planning, to connecting families with support groups and helping individuals integrate successfully into their communities. For more information, please visit CARD.

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

APD supports individuals with unique abilities and their families in living, learning and working within their communities by creating multiple pathways to possibilities. APD identifies the service needs of people with developmental disabilities and those individuals may receive social, medical, behavioral, residential and/or therapeutic services. For more information, please visit APD.

Autism Navigator

Autism Navigator is designed for families and educational teams of children ages 1-8 years, who have social communication delays, challenging behavior, early signs of autism or a diagnosis of autism. To register for services or to find more information, please visit Autism Navigator.

Early Learning Coalition

The Early Learning Coalition supports families by providing school readiness and childcare services, assisting with Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) enrollment, and offering information about other early education resources. The best place to start is with your local Early Learning Coalition. For more information, please visit Early Learning Coalitions.

New Worlds Reading Initiative

The New Worlds Reading Initiative is a free Florida literacy program for VPK-5 public school students, including charter school students, currently reading below grade level. Thanks to the support and investment of the Florida Legislature, this statewide book delivery program is a collaborative effort with the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), school districts, and other local and state organizations, and the University of Florida Lastinger Center. Do not miss the chance to discover more about the New Worlds Reading Initiative. Enrollment flyers are available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. Enroll here for the New Worlds Reading Initiative.

New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

Effective July 1, 2024, the New Worlds Scholarship Accounts Program expanded eligibility to include VPK students as well as public school students enrolled in kindergarten (K) through grade 5 who:

have a substantial deficiency in either reading or mathematics;
exhibit characteristics of dyslexia or dyscalculia;
scored below a Level 3 on the most recent statewide, standardized English Language Arts or Mathematics assessment; or
for VPK students enrolled in public or private school programs, exhibit a substantial deficiency in early literacy skills based on the most recent progress monitoring results.

For further information and to apply, please visit New Worlds Scholarship Accounts.

FDOE Office of School Choice

For information about Florida’s educational options including student scholarships, K-12 private schools, charter schools and virtual education, visit FDOE’s Office of School Choice. The Office serves as a comprehensive resource for families exploring alternative educational pathways. To explore school choice options, visit School Choice Announcements.

FDOE Resiliency Florida

FDOE’s Resiliency Florida program is leading a first-in-the-nation approach that empowers students to persevere and overcome life’s inevitable challenges. No one is immune to adversity and hardship, but with strong skills and a community of encouragement, we can persevere. FDOE developed state education standards and resources to equip students with skills that build resiliency to help overcome challenges. To learn more and sign up for the Resiliency Florida program, please visit Resiliency Florida.

Florida Department of Health Early Steps

Early Steps, Florida’s early intervention program, serves children from birth to age three with developmental concerns. Professionals provide personalized services in your natural environment – at home, daycare or other community settings. Early Steps partners with families to build confidence and skills in supporting a child’s development. To learn more about eligibility or make a referral, please visit Early Steps.

Florida KidCare

Florida KidCare provides comprehensive health coverage for children from birth through age 18. With year-round enrollment and a no-cost application, Florida KidCare automatically matches your child to the most suitable program based on their age, your household size and family income. The four programs include: Medicaid, MediKids, Florida Healthy Kids and Children’s Medical Services Health Plan. Start your application today at Florida KidCare.