CS/HB 7119 Summary: Early Learning Programs

• Creates Chapter 431, F.S. establishing the "School Readiness Act" and consolidating early learning program governance under the Office of Early Learning as the lead agency for federal Child Care and Development Fund administration.

• Establishes a statewide system of no more than 31 early learning coalitions (each serving minimum 1,700 children) to administer school readiness programs with standardized provider agreements, eligibility criteria, and payment rates based on prevailing market rates.

• Implements child assessment requirements including preassessment within 60 days of enrollment and postassessment by May 30 each year, aligned with child development standards, but prohibits use for evaluating providers or high-stakes accountability.

• Requires statewide provider agreements for both school readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program providers, with standardized uniform format that coalitions cannot modify; allows single agreements for school districts or multi-provider operators.

• Establishes fraud investigation and penalty provisions including provider eligibility revocation, repayment requirements, and criminal referral authority; adds audit requirements for the Auditor General and performance monitoring by the Office of Early Learning.