The bill, HB 591, amends Florida Statutes to enhance services for children with developmental disabilities, particularly autism. It expands the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program to include autism screenings and related services. The bill introduces the Early Steps Extended Option, allowing eligible children to receive services until age four, and outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Health and the Department of Education in implementing this option. Key definitions are revised, including the introduction of the term "department" to refer to the Department of Health, and it mandates the development of individualized family support plans and performance assessments for accountability.

Additionally, the bill establishes the "Startup Grant for Autism Charter Schools" and "Specialized Summer Programs for Children with Autism and Related Disorders," providing funding for charter schools and summer programs tailored for children with autism. The University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment will oversee the grant process, ensuring compliance and community need. The bill also introduces new training requirements for educators, emphasizing support for students with autism and scientifically researched reading literacy methods. It mandates that school boards include provisions for teachers to earn inservice points through extracurricular activities and allows credits from approved summer institutes to count towards renewal requirements. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
H 591 Filed: 381.9855, 391.302, 391.308, 1012.585