FL S1546

Establishes a new in-home, technology-based academic prekindergarten program option for special populations (low-income families, rural areas, English language learners) delivered by 501(c)(3) nonprofit providers through early learning coalitions.

Requires programs to include at least 45 instructional hours with content in reading, mathematics, and science, aligned with early learning standards, and must provide computers and internet access to eligible low-income families.

Nonprofit providers must demonstrate past success through independent evaluations, include parental engagement components in multiple languages, and provide early learning coalitions with data on enrollment, software usage, technical issues, and student assessment growth.

Early learning coalitions must reimburse approved nonprofit providers from Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program funds, capped at the base student allocation per child, and must verify provider compliance with program requirements.

Extends existing compliance, accountability, and funding provisions applicable to private and public prekindergarten providers to include nonprofit providers, including kindergarten readiness rates, attendance policies, probation procedures, and good cause exemption criteria.