About the Gold Seal Quality Care Program
In 1996, the Florida Legislature established the Gold Seal Quality Care Program to recognize child care facilities and family day care homes that have gone above the required minimum licensing standards to become accredited by recognized agencies whose standards reflect quality in the level of care and supervision provided to children. Effective July 1 2021, the Gold Seal Quality Care Program was transferred to the Department of Education (DOE) from the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
One of the most important decisions you will ever make as a parent is choosing quality child care for your child. The following resources are available to help you make a good choice:
Parent Resources:
- Choosing a Child Care Provider
- Who’s Really Watching Your Child
- Provider Search
- Child Care Programs and Inspections Guide
- About the Gold Seal Quality Care Program
- Gold Seal Providers In Your Area
- Choosing a Safe Summer Camp
- Know Your Child Care Facility English | Spanish
- Quality Checklist: Evaluating Early Learning Programs (Division of Early Learning checklist)
- Family Guide: Selecting Quality Programs for Children (Division of Early Learning brochure)
- Selecting a Family Day Care Home Provider brochure English | Spanish
- Brochures, Fact Sheets, Publications, and Reports
Child Care Provider Licensure/Registration Requirements:
- Laws and Requirements
- Child Care Facility Fact Sheet English | Spanish
- Child Care Licensing Overview English | Spanish
- Large Family Child Care Home Fact Sheet English | Spanish
- Licensed Family Day Care Home Fact Sheet English | Spanish
- Learn About the Licensing/Registration Process and Requirements for Providers
- Learn About the Process for Enforcing Child Care Standards
More Information
For complaints regarding alleged abuse/neglect by a child care provider, call: Florida Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873
For complaints relating to the School Readiness Program or VPK Program, contact your county’s Early Learning Coalition.
For any other concerns/complaints about a child care provider you may file a complaint online or contact Child Care Licensing agency for your area.
