The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to the school readiness program, specifically focusing on definitions, data requirements, waiting lists, and funding allocations. Notably, it introduces a new definition for "at-risk child," which includes children in the custody of parents receiving comprehensive services at 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 tracks children based on family income and priorities, replacing the previous reference to "eligible" children. It also requires early learning coalitions to submit a school readiness program plan every three years for departmental approval, ensuring that the plans include procedures for implementing the new waiting list and eligibility processes. The funding allocation for the school readiness program will now consider historical trends and population changes in each county, ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources. 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