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FL H0877
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/21/2025
Primary Sponsor
Education & Employment Committee
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AI Summary
- Revises the special needs priority category for the school readiness program by expanding eligible documentation to include a current individual education plan, individualized family support plan, diagnosed special need, or written determination by a licensed health care professional, mental health professional, or educational psychologist — removing the prior requirement that the child be at least 3 years old with a disability
- Requires 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, relative, or employee of a child care provider
- Allows school readiness program providers serving children with additional accommodations to receive additional funding through the special needs differential allocation under s. 1002.89(1)(d)
- Beginning July 1, 2027, providers seeking special needs differential rate funding must meet minimum program assessment composite scores, ensure all instructional staff complete training on early identification of social and communication delays, and require the instructor assigned to a child needing accommodations to complete 10 hours of inclusive education training within 90 days of enrollment or hiring
- After initial eligibility, providers must maintain the required composite score and assigned instructors must complete a minimum of 2 hours of relevant training annually to continue receiving the special needs differential rate
- Effective date is July 1, 2025
Legislative Description
School Readiness Program
Last Action
Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 1102 (Ch. 2025-105)
4/29/2025
Committee Referrals
Education & Employment Committee3/25/2025
Student Academic Success Subcommittee3/2/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available