FL S1400

Revises eligibility criteria for children with special needs in Florida's school readiness program, requiring that a child's special needs and accommodations be validated by a licensed health care professional, licensed mental health professional, or educational psychologist who is not the child's parent or employed by a child care provider

Accepts four types of documentation to determine a special needs child's eligibility: a current individual education plan with a Florida school district, a current individualized family support plan, a diagnosed special need, or a determination of required accommodations

Defines eligible special needs children as those requiring accommodations beyond what the Americans with Disabilities Act requires, replacing the previous requirement that the child be at least 3 years old and determined eligible as a student with a disability

Requires school readiness program providers seeking special needs differential rate funding to meet minimum program assessment composite scores and complete 10 hours of training in inclusive early childhood or school-age education practices by July 1, 2025, with an additional 10 hours required every subsequent 5-year period

Takes effect July 1, 2024