FL H1621

Establishes the Early Learning Scholarship Program administered by the Office of Early Learning to increase access to high-quality early childhood programs for eligible children from birth through kindergarten eligibility.

Eligible children must be Florida residents, not already enrolled in school readiness or prekindergarten programs, and not receiving other scholarships; children who are siblings of medically complex children requiring technological medical support are also eligible.

Scholarship funds must be used for part-time child care or early childhood education services, with award amounts capped at the provider's published private pay rate and not used to replace federal funding.

Early learning coalitions must prioritize awards to families not currently receiving or on waiting lists for publicly funded programs; the Office of Early Learning shall establish application timelines and award determination criteria.

Eligible providers must be authorized under Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (with minimum kindergarten readiness rates) or school readiness program (with acceptable performance ratings); the act becomes effective July 1, 2021.