FL H0719

Revises Gold Seal Quality Care program standards to allow facilities accredited by NAEYC, National Association of Family Child Care, or National Early Childhood Program Accreditation Commission to apply for (rather than automatically receive) the designation.

Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to notify accrediting associations of new or revised Gold Seal standards and allows associations 30 days to commit to revising their standards or discontinuing participation in the program.

Raises the minimum age requirement for child care facility employment from 16 to 18 years old and requires those under 18 to be under direct and constant supervision by trained, screened staff and not counted toward staff-to-child ratios.

Establishes a minimum education standard requiring child care personnel to have a high school diploma or equivalency, with limited exceptions for those under direct supervision, in non-instructional roles, or employed continuously since July 1, 2010 with 10+ years of experience.

Revises minimum staff credential requirements to specify that licensed facilities operating 8 or more hours per week must have one credentialed staff member (current child development associate or equivalent) for every 20 children, with the requirement applying from the first child.