FL S1382

Redefines "economically disadvantaged" for school readiness program eligibility from families at or below 150% of the federal poverty level to families at or below 65% of the state median income

Creates a tiered priority system for economically disadvantaged working families, giving higher priority to children from households at or below 55% of the state median income over those between 55% and 65% of the state median income

Requires early learning coalitions' uniform waiting lists to track children based on family household income and the established priority categories, rather than simply tracking eligible children

Requires the Early Learning Programs Estimating Conference to consider historical trends of children served and population changes for each county when calculating school readiness program funding allocations

Takes effect July 1, 2025