FL S1254

Revises the definition of "at-risk child" to include children of domestic violence victims receiving services through certified domestic violence centers.

Requires the Office of Early Learning to identify observation-based child assessments administered at least three times per year with interval-level data measuring progress across core developmental domains and coordinating with Voluntary Prekindergarten performance standards.

Establishes a program assessment for school readiness providers measuring teacher-child interactions and classroom quality, with minimum quality thresholds for contracting, improvement plans, and a differential payment program (up to 15 percent) based on quality measures by July 1, 2019.

Adds failure to meet minimum quality measures for up to 5 years as grounds for provider contract termination, unless the coalition determines the provider is essential for capacity needs and has an active improvement plan.

Requires early learning coalitions to submit assessments of local county or multi-county regional priorities based on family needs and provider capacity, and appropriates $6 million in nonrecurring funds for fiscal year 2018-2019 to implement the program assessment.