CS/HB 7165 - Early Learning (2013)

• Creates the Office of Early Learning within the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice, administered by an executive director accountable to the Commissioner of Education.

• Establishes comprehensive framework for school readiness program including eligibility standards, provider requirements, funding mechanisms, and performance accountability measures.

• Consolidates and amends provisions governing the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program including instructor credentials, performance standards, and provider oversight responsibilities.

• Creates early learning coalitions as regional bodies to administer school readiness programs with specified membership requirements and powers to establish local plans and manage provider contracts.

• Repeals prior school readiness and early learning statutes (s. 411.01 and related sections) and transfers authority to new statutory framework under chapter 1002; effective July 1, 2013.