The bill amends several sections of the Florida Statutes related to the school readiness program, focusing on definitions, data requirements, and allocation processes. Notably, it introduces a new definition for "at-risk child," which includes children in the custody of parents receiving services from licensed residential behavioral health treatment centers with onsite childcare facilities. Additionally, the definition of "economically disadvantaged" is revised to specify that it includes families with incomes not exceeding the greater of either 50% of the state median income or 150% of the federal poverty level. The bill also modifies the concept of a "single point of entry" to track children waiting for enrollment based on family household income and established priorities.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the establishment of a uniform waiting list for the school readiness program that aligns with the new income-based tracking system. It requires early learning coalitions to submit school readiness program plans to the Department of Education for approval and outlines the data collection and reporting responsibilities of the department. The funding allocation for the school readiness program is also adjusted to consider historical trends and population changes in each county. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 859 Filed: 1002.82, 1002.84, 1002.89
H 859 c1: 1002.82, 1002.84, 1002.89
H 859 c2: 1002.82, 1002.84, 1002.89