Can a Duval family pay for meals, lodging and child care with scholarship funds?
Claims for lunch, aftercare and overnight camp stays are rejected more than any others.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Not allowed | Food fees, before and after-school care, lodging and meals are prohibited. |
| PEP (family-directed account) | Not allowed | Prohibited. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Not allowed | Prohibited school fees. |
Which rules apply to meals, lodging and child care purchases?
- Child care for working families is funded by School Readiness through the Early Learning Coalition of Duval and cannot also be billed to a scholarship.
What is not allowed under meals, lodging and child care?
- Food
- Lodging
- Before- and after-school care
How do Jacksonville families use meals, lodging and child care?
School Readiness, not the scholarship, covers aftercare, so ask each school whether it accepts that subsidy.
How does a family buy meals, lodging and child care with scholarship money?
Browse MyScholarShop first, because its items are pre-approved, then search Find Providers in EMA to pay a tutor, therapist or instructor directly. Failing that, pay on a card and send in the itemized receipt for repayment. Anything not on the eligible list needs permission beforehand, and requests for 2026-27 stop on May 28, 2027.
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Sources: Step Up For Students purchasing guides for FES-UA, PEP and the Private School Scholarship (2026-27) and its summary of handbook and guide changes. These are summaries and not legal advice; Step Up's handbook controls.