FL S0112

Creates the Early Steps Extended Option, allowing children with developmental delays or disabilities to continue receiving Early Steps Program services beyond age 3 until the beginning of the school year following their fourth birthday, with $720,282 in recurring funds and $35,622 in nonrecurring funds appropriated for FY 2025-2026 along with 6 FTE positions at the Department of Health

Establishes the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment to coordinate autism research, best practices, training, and public awareness; the center must develop an autism micro-credential for instructional and child care personnel with a one-time stipend upon completion, and the host university is prohibited from charging indirect administrative fees

Creates a startup grant program for autism charter schools administered by the UF Center, funding facility acquisition, specialized instructional materials, staff recruitment and training, and transportation for schools exclusively serving students with autism spectrum disorder, with priority given to rural and underserved areas

Establishes a specialized summer program grant for children with autism spectrum disorder who have significant emotional, behavioral, or cognitive disabilities, requiring full-day programs of at least 4 weeks with structured activities including behavioral therapy, social skill development, and family support

Adds autism to the list of conditions eligible for screening and referral under the Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program, and requires training in knowledge and skills to support students with autism as part of the professional certificate renewal process for educators