FL H1359

Allows removal of Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program providers from eligibility for up to 5 years if they fail to comply, refuse to comply, or engage in misconduct.

Requires providers with kindergarten readiness rates below state minimum to submit improvement plans and undergo corrective actions; termination of contract occurs if plans fail to be implemented for up to 5 years.

Removes requirement that providers on probation for 2 consecutive years meeting readiness standards triggers automatic 5-year removal; instead makes removal discretionary based on good cause exemption.

Permits early learning coalitions to appoint at-large voting members without substantial financial interest in Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program or school readiness program design or delivery.

Requires each early learning coalition to establish child eligibility priorities based on local community needs in addition to state-mandated priorities for school readiness program participation.

Changes school readiness program provider violations from automatic revocation to discretionary revocation of eligibility for up to 5 years.

Effective date: July 1, 2017.