Dependent Care Tax Credit
This credit enables parents to deduct eligible child care
expenses from their annual income tax return. The amount
of the credit is deducted from the family’s total tax liability
and can represent a substantial savings for families. For
additional information, request Publication 503 from the
Internal Revenue Service. Call IRS toll-free 1-800-TAX-1040
or visit www.irs.ustreas.gov.

Earned Income Credit (EIC) / Advanced Earned Income Credit
The EIC is a special tax benefit for working people who
earn low or moderate incomes. Workers who qualify and
file tax returns can get back some or all of the federal
income taxes that were taken out of their pay. The advanced
EIC allows workers who qualify to receive a portion of their
income tax refund in advance in each paycheck throughout
the year. Even workers whose earnings are too small to
have paid taxes can receive the EIC. Call IRS toll-free 1-800-
TAX-1040 or visit www.irs.ustreas.gov.

Child Care / School Readiness Services
Parents who earn low or moderate incomes may qualify
for financial assistance to help in paying a portion of the
costs for a child care or school readiness program. To
find out if you qualify or to learn about other scholarships
and other financial assistance options, contact your local
Child Care Resource and Referral, or call 1-888-FL-CHILD,
or visit www.flchild.com.

Head Start
This comprehensive program provides preschool, health,
nutrition and family support services for eligible three
and four year olds prior to kindergarten. Funded by the
federal government, families must meet eligibility criteria.
There are no costs to families. Contact your local Child
Care Resource and Referral Agency, Head Start program
or call 1-888-FLCHILD.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten
Beginning in the fall of 2005, Florida will offer a free,
voluntary pre-kindergarten program for four year olds
prior to entering kindergarten. Preschoolers must be four
years old by September 1st to participate. For information,
contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral or
call 1-888-FL-CHILD.