CS for CS for SB 7006 - Early Learning

• Directs terminology change from "family day care home" to "family child care home" throughout Florida Statutes and includes large family child care homes in local zoning regulations without requiring special permits or fees exceeding $50.

• Redefines "substantial compliance" for child care facilities operating under voluntary prekindergarten, school readiness, and related programs to focus on supervision, transportation, health, nutrition, personnel screening, and records while protecting faith-based and nonpublic school curriculum autonomy.

• Requires nonpublic schools and providers offering certain early learning programs to annually obtain certificates of substantial compliance from the Department of Children and Families or local licensing agencies through examination of premises and records.

• Establishes new training, background screening, and credentialing requirements for prekindergarten instructors and child care personnel, including first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, with effective dates beginning January 1, 2016.

• Mandates parent notification of Class I violations at child care facilities, requires posting of inspection reports and violations, and establishes penalties for failure to disclose material facts or misuse of criminal and juvenile records obtained during background screening.